GUN TEST – MOSSBERG 590A1 12Gauge
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In the last few years, there has been a huge push toward M4-style carbines in the law enforcement community for use as patrol rifles. Now, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing; however, I for one firmly believe that the vast majority of agencies around the nation who are abandoning their “riot-type” shotguns in pursuit of the “perfect weapon”—which most believe a rifle to be—are perhaps underestimating the capabilities of the tried-and-true scattergun. A pump-action shotgun has been the ubiquitous police long gun for as long as most of us have been alive—and for good reason. A well-placed 12-gauge shotgun slug is one of the most capable manstoppers around. In addition to that, due to new, proven wad designs, buckshot is now holding tighter patterns at a much greater distance, thereby making it more effective as well. Shotguns are also much more versatile than rifles, as one can use a shotgun for applying less-lethal force and deploying distraction devices.
Regardless of how one feels about the rifle-versus-shotgun debate, few can argue the absolute benefit of a 12-gauge shotgun at conversation or vehicle stopping distances. Simply put, there is no better handheld fight-stopper out there, and I have had several personal encounters where the mere sound of a pump shotgun’s action stopped a potential threat before it occurred. With that established, let’s talk about the Mossberg 590A1 tactical pump shotgun.
GUN DETAILS:
The Mossberg 590A1 is a “shotgunner’s shotgun.” From its appearance to its performance, it is immediately apparent to any human being with a reasonable amount of intelligence that this is an all-business shotgun meant for hard duty use. I know most readers are probably thinking to themselves that there cannot be a whole lot new in the pump-action shotgun arena, but there are some very unique things about this 12-gauge shotgun that need to be addressed…