Tactical shotguns have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their versatility and effectiveness in various shooting applications. These shotguns are designed for law enforcement, military, and civilian use, making them a popular choice among gun enthusiasts. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular tactical shotguns in the market: the Mossberg 590A1 and the Remington 870 Tactical.
The Mossberg 590A1 and Remington 870 Tactical are both renowned for their reliability, durability, and performance. These shotguns have been trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike for many years. By comparing their features, specifications, design, build quality, capacity, barrel options, sights and optics compatibility, recoil management, handling characteristics, pricing, and overall value proposition, we will determine which shotgun is the better choice for different types of users.
Mossberg 590A1: Overview of the features and specifications
The Mossberg 590A1 is a variant of the Mossberg 500 series shotguns that has been specifically designed for military and law enforcement use. It features a heavy-walled barrel, a metal trigger guard, and a parkerized finish for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. The shotgun has a capacity of 8+1 rounds and comes with a 20-inch barrel length.
The Mossberg 590A1 is known for its robust construction and reliability. It has a dual extractors system that ensures reliable extraction of spent shells and a positive steel-to-steel lockup for solid operation. The shotgun also features an ambidextrous safety that can be easily operated by both right-handed and left-handed shooters.
The popularity of the Mossberg 590A1 can be attributed to its reputation for being able to withstand harsh conditions and abuse. It has been extensively tested by military personnel and has proven its reliability in combat situations. The shotgun’s reputation for durability and performance has made it a top choice for law enforcement agencies and civilians alike.
Remington 870 Tactical: Overview of the features and specifications
The Remington 870 Tactical is a variant of the iconic Remington 870 shotgun that has been specifically designed for tactical applications. It features a synthetic stock and forend for enhanced durability and a matte black finish for a tactical look. The shotgun has a capacity of 6+1 rounds and comes with an 18.5-inch barrel length.
The Remington 870 Tactical is known for its simplicity, reliability, and versatility. It has a smooth pump action that allows for quick follow-up shots and easy operation. The shotgun features a solid steel receiver and a cross-bolt safety that can be easily accessed by both right-handed and left-handed shooters.
The popularity of the Remington 870 Tactical can be attributed to its reputation as one of the most reliable and widely used shotguns in the world. It has been trusted by law enforcement agencies, military personnel, and civilians for many years. The shotgun’s reputation for reliability, simplicity, and versatility has made it a top choice for those looking for a dependable tactical shotgun.
Design and Build Quality: Comparison of the materials and construction
When it comes to design and build quality, both the Mossberg 590A1 and Remington 870 Tactical excel in their own ways. The Mossberg 590A1 features a heavy-walled barrel, metal trigger guard, and parkerized finish, which enhances its durability and corrosion resistance. The shotgun’s robust construction ensures that it can withstand harsh conditions and abuse.
On the other hand, the Remington 870 Tactical features a synthetic stock and forend, which provides enhanced durability and weather resistance. The shotgun’s solid steel receiver adds to its overall strength and reliability. The matte black finish gives it a tactical look and helps to reduce glare in tactical situations.
Both shotguns are built to last and have proven their reliability in various shooting applications. The Mossberg 590A1’s heavy-walled barrel and metal trigger guard make it a more rugged option, while the Remington 870 Tactical’s synthetic stock and matte black finish make it a more weather-resistant option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
Capacity and Magazine Options: Differences in magazine capacity and compatibility
When it comes to capacity and magazine options, the Mossberg 590A1 has an advantage over the Remington 870 Tactical. The Mossberg 590A1 has a capacity of 8+1 rounds, which means it can hold eight rounds in the magazine tube and one round in the chamber. This gives the user a higher ammunition capacity, which can be beneficial in tactical situations where a higher volume of fire is required.
The Remington 870 Tactical, on the other hand, has a capacity of 6+1 rounds. While this is still a respectable capacity, it falls short compared to the Mossberg 590A1. However, it is worth noting that both shotguns can be equipped with magazine extensions to increase their capacity. This allows users to customize their shotguns according to their specific needs and preferences.
In terms of magazine compatibility, both shotguns are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket magazines. This gives users the flexibility to choose magazines that suit their needs and preferences. Whether it’s a standard magazine or an extended magazine, both shotguns can accommodate different types of magazines.
Barrel and Choke Options: Comparison of barrel length and choke options
When it comes to barrel and choke options, both the Mossberg 590A1 and Remington 870 Tactical offer versatility and customization options. The Mossberg 590A1 comes with a 20-inch barrel length, which provides a good balance between maneuverability and accuracy. The shotgun’s barrel can be easily swapped out for a shorter or longer barrel depending on the user’s needs.
The Remington 870 Tactical comes with an 18.5-inch barrel length, which offers enhanced maneuverability in tight spaces. The shotgun’s barrel can also be easily swapped out for a shorter or longer barrel depending on the user’s needs. This allows users to customize their shotguns for different shooting applications.
In terms of choke options, both shotguns offer a variety of choke options to suit different shooting needs. The Mossberg 590A1 comes with a cylinder bore choke, which provides a wide shot pattern for close-range shooting. The Remington 870 Tactical comes with a modified choke, which provides a tighter shot pattern for medium-range shooting.
Sights and Optics: Differences in sighting systems and optics compatibility
When it comes to sights and optics, both the Mossberg 590A1 and Remington 870 Tactical offer different options to suit different shooting preferences. The Mossberg 590A1 features a front bead sight, which provides a simple and intuitive sight picture. This is ideal for close-range shooting where quick target acquisition is important.
The Remington 870 Tactical, on the other hand, offers more options when it comes to sights and optics. It can be equipped with either a front bead sight or rifle sights for enhanced accuracy. Additionally, the shotgun’s receiver is drilled and tapped for the installation of optics such as red dot sights or scopes.
The choice between the two will depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences. If simplicity and quick target acquisition are important, the Mossberg 590A1’s front bead sight is a good option. If enhanced accuracy and the ability to mount optics are important, the Remington 870 Tactical’s rifle sights and optics compatibility are a good choice.
Recoil and Handling: Comparison of recoil management and handling characteristics
When it comes to recoil management and handling characteristics, both the Mossberg 590A1 and Remington 870 Tactical offer different experiences. The Mossberg 590A1’s heavy-walled barrel helps to reduce felt recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot. The shotgun’s weight also helps to absorb recoil, further enhancing its shootability.
The Remington 870 Tactical, on the other hand, has a lighter weight compared to the Mossberg 590A1. This can result in slightly more felt recoil, especially when shooting heavier loads. However, the shotgun’s smooth pump action and ergonomic design make it easy to handle and operate.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user’s tolerance for recoil and their specific shooting needs. If recoil management is a top priority, the Mossberg 590A1’s heavy-walled barrel and weight make it a more comfortable option. If ease of handling and operation are important, the Remington 870 Tactical’s smooth pump action and ergonomic design are a good choice.
Price and Value: Comparison of pricing and overall value proposition
When it comes to pricing and overall value proposition, both the Mossberg 590A1 and Remington 870 Tactical offer excellent value for money. The Mossberg 590A1 is generally priced slightly higher than the Remington 870 Tactical due to its reputation for durability and reliability. However, both shotguns offer similar features and performance at their respective price points.
The Mossberg 590A1’s higher price can be justified by its heavy-walled barrel, metal trigger guard, parkerized finish, and reputation for being able to withstand harsh conditions and abuse. The Remington 870 Tactical’s lower price can be attributed to its simplicity, reliability, and versatility.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user’s budget and their specific needs and preferences. Both shotguns offer excellent value for money and have proven their reliability and performance in various shooting applications.
Final thoughts on which tactical shotgun is the better choice.
In conclusion, both the Mossberg 590A1 and Remington 870 Tactical are excellent choices for those looking for a reliable and versatile tactical shotgun. The Mossberg 590A1’s heavy-walled barrel, metal trigger guard, and parkerized finish make it a more rugged option, while the Remington 870 Tactical’s synthetic stock, matte black finish, and smooth pump action make it a more weather-resistant and easy-to-handle option.
The Mossberg 590A1’s higher capacity, compatibility with aftermarket magazines, and reputation for durability and reliability make it a top choice for those looking for a high-performance tactical shotgun. The Remington 870 Tactical’s lower price, simplicity, reliability, and versatility make it a top choice for those looking for a dependable tactical shotgun on a budget.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s for law enforcement, military, or civilian use, both shotguns offer excellent value for money and have proven their reliability and performance in various shooting applications.
