Pt 3 "Combat Shotgun Shootout:" Mossberg 590A1
25:27 September 30, 2009
Science & Technology
nutnfancy
PART 3 OF ////////////////// Few handheld small arms equal the knockdown power and devastation of a competently wielded combat shotgun. In this multi-part review series by Nutnfancy, three excellent pump combat shotguns are covered in detail: the Remington 870 (Talo Special Edition), the Mossberg 590A1, and the discontinued Winchester 1300 Defender (similar gun by FN USA now). There are a couple of other players in pumps like FN, Charles Daly, and some off brands but these three are the stars of the series. Several semi-automatic combat shotguns also compete against this type and these brands. These autos include the Benelli Super 90/M2/M4, the Remington 1100/11-87 Tactical series, the Mossberg 930, Saiga variations, the Beretta FP101(discontinued), Winchester Super X3 (more of a hunting gun), FN SLP, and a few others. However these auto guns rarely function well on low-base/low power shot loads, needing full power loads to reliably cycle (w/o port or spring mods). Seemingly not a big deal right? Wrong. That's because you have to train on the shotgun to get good at it., pump or auto. Training with full power loads will bankrupt you if you are paying the bill (even PDs have a tough time affording the cost), you will soon quit, and your skills will suffer. A good combat pump shotgun will cycle any load you throw in it and it will do it all day long with almost perfect reliability. Low base birdshot, high base, odd balls, non-lethal rounds: all will fire and shuck just fine in these guns. That means more affordable abnd therefore frequent training which develops combat proficiency. And in my experience, autos have failed me at the most inopportune times. But not these pumps. These three shotguns are affordable, durable, mostly ergonomic, fast into action, low profile in carry, fun to shoot, and affordable. The Remington 870 varieties are highly proven in the US LE community with an outstanding track record of toughness and longevity. It is a lightweight, tough, and fast shucking gun. The Mossberg 590A1 passed the military's stringent 3,000 round Milspec 3443 protocol, is also a proven design, and features an extra rugged construction. With break-in, the 590A1, offered in a wide variety of models, becomes a fast shooting, accurate combat shotgun. The 590A1 benefits from a fast top-mounted safety, bayonet lug, and faster no loading gate loading. In my estimation though, the Winchester 1300 Defender is the fastest pump shotgun ever devised and in the hands of a skilled shooter will accurately disperse lead with semi-auto speeds. It also has proven to be a durable design for me. Downsides with these guns, as with most tactical shotguns, is limited ammo capacity, heavy/bulky ammo, and very limited range (UNLESS slugs are employed!). But when paired with a tactical carbine support weapon and used within their range, these combat shotguns will provide withering wall of fire that will own the day (as shown: easily placing over 27 .24 cal projectiles on target with ONE shot). Moreover, even for the small amount paid, any of these guns will do this through several lifetimes of service. As a police officer, mil type, or responsible civilian sheepdog, the pump combat shotgun should be part of your inventory for keeping the peace. ! /////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likeability for Mossberg 590A1 #51660: 8 of 10 /////////////// / Music used is by artist "Jimmy G at http://jimmyg.us/FreeMusic/tabid/99/Default.aspx and also http://www.partnersinrhyme.com. //////////// Photos are TNP originals. A select few come from the public domain. Their posters/owners have consented to royalty-free worldwide unpaid distribution through unqualified agreement to Photobucket.com Terms of Use and through their selection and agreement to worldwide public use.
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