PaulKersey
Marksman
Regarding the Mossbergs, I am a fan. It seems as if the 870 vs 500 is like a Ford vs Chevy argument - people like what they like and not much will change those viewpoints. In the 500 line, as you know, the Maverick is the economy model. As has already been stated, it is totally serviceable. I think it feels a little less solid than the others to me, but that is purely subjective. The 590A1 is kind of the "cat's meow", but the ones I have handled in stores seem to have a rougher action and are not as smooth as the standard 500. I'm sure that has to do with being heavy duty, and it will improve with time, but I imagine most casual shooters will not shoot enough rounds through it to smooth it out. The 590A1 is heavy, too heavy for many people. The advantage of both the 590 and 590A1 over the 500 is the ability to easily change out the mag spring. The 590 (not the A1) is still fairly light but retains the ability to easily switch out the mag spring. Any of them will work well - it's really just a matter of preference.