590a1 bead or Ghost Ring Sights?

[Maverick]

Hey friends,

I am considering picking up a 590A1 soon, a 20 inch barrel version, as it has been on my list to add for a while. However, I’m torn on whether I should get a model with just a bead or the ghost ring sights.

Those of you who have experience with either (or both), what do you like about either sighting option?

Thanks!

 

[Jmm14534]

Tough choice Maverick. It all comes down to what you want to do with it. My 590A1 has a ghost ring sight. I managed to set it up to shoot slugs accurately a 25 yards. It was a pain in the behind. I have a post on it if I remember correctly. In retrospect a bead would have been fine. I’d probably use it more.

 

[Ernst]

Maverick, as JMM said it really depends on what your primary use is.

If HD I'd say a bead. For other use, it depends.

Let us know your primary and secondary use and maybe we can make a better recommendation.

Regards

 

[Maverick]

Maverick, as JMM said it really depends on what your primary use is.

If HD I'd say a bead. For other use, it depends.

Let us know your primary and secondary use and maybe we can make a better recommendation.

Regards

Good point yeah. Mix of home defense and recreational range purchase. I do already have a 18.5” regular 500 that is perfectly sufficient, so this would be more of a ‘want’ than ‘need’ purchase I guess.

If I went ghost rings and depending on the accuracy I could get with slugs, *maybe* try to shoot a deer with it, but I have other guns that are far better suited for that purpose.

A few public ranges locally are slug only, which is maybe a consideration for ghost rings. My 500 has a bead but I haven’t tested it with slugs. For patterning with shot, the bead works fine. Perhaps I should try it out at range with slugs to see if a bead works for me or if I want something more.

Also maybe it’ll come down to which model I can find at a better price. Thanks in advance guys

 

[Bobster]

They make a number of adapters either pic rail or red dot mount you could consider. They mount with the scope mounting screws. A couple random mounts shown...

 

[Husker88]

I've been looking for a set of these:



But my Maverick 88 has a bead. I like the idea of ghost rings, but I have not used them on anything but my old Daisy BB gun....when I was 12.

 

[ricky_bobby]

Ghost rings for me pick up just fine, especially since I'm cross dominant (left hand strong side right eye dominant), so my eye picks up the rear sight since its closer and its actually a bit easier a lot of times for me to keep sight picture - depending on the bead, my dominant eye (right) will sometimes wander over and I'll have to do a half squint, not ideal, and yes I know I could just shoot right handed, but I make accomodations that work for me -

OP - Nothing wrong with the 20" A1, it will definitely be heavier with that longer barrel and the heavy-walled barrel of the A1 - Personally, I don't see enough of a difference with the 18.5" vs. 20" except for weight and OAL so I keep my 'defensive' setups as all 18-18.5" - the 20" gives one additional round in the tube, than an 18.5" with a +1 mag extension, for me I'd rather lose 1 round and have a more compact and lighter weapon -
But the 20" A1 is the iconic setup with the bayonet lug as welll - you really can't go wrong with it -

For the cost - this is hard to beat from Vang Comp - for 1K you get their full treatment including Cerakote on barrel over the parkerized, parts, and inspection, and they sell a +1 mag extension so you would get 7+1 out of this setup! Its a lot of gun for the money - Considering a 20" A1 sells for 600-650+ out the door with current street prices, I'd honestly spend the extra bucks for the Vang Comp setup!

Vang Comp Model 764 Mossberg 590A1 - The Standard

The VC764 is Vang Comp's core Mossberg shotgun that is ready to rock right out of the box - but still has room for customizations and upgrades when you're ready. – 18.5″ Heavy-Walled 12ga Barrel with Vang Comp System and Ports – Metal Trigger Guard – Ghost Ring Sights – VCS Stainless Steel...

vangcomp.com

 

[Ernst]

Maverick, some good thoughts above.

With regard to barrel length for HD the difference between an 18.5 and 20 really depends on the layout of your house and other building on the property. Manuverability is the main issue. The velocity difference is minimum between the two.

You really have three choices - traditional bead, optic like a red dot with an etched reticle, or ghost rings. Each has it's pros and cons.

If your main objective is shooting slugs at distance ghost rings probably are your best bet but to get the best results you should choose one brand of shells and slug type to sight in the ghost rings. Once done and if you shoot other brands and types you will likely see slight different results which may or may not be acceptable to you.

A bead is a great choice for HD short distance and quick acquisitions where you don't really have to have a very precise aim. You may find you need to install a higher or larger bead depending on how the gun shoots and you eyes.

Red dot optic is IMO kind of a compromise and but good if you can find a combination colored dot and etched reticle that suit your eyes. An etched reticle comes in many designs but you also need to look at the center dot size and color. Some center dots are way to large and hid the target especially at distances. Plus the dot's color is something to consider. Some folks have real issues with red colored dots. Intensity and use in sun light conditions are also factors to consider. One thing nice about the optic is you can quickly remove them if you want to use the bead. And some optics & mounts will actually hold zero when removed and reinstalled.

Several choices to consider but again sort of depends on your desired use.

Let us know what you decide and how it works out. Helps others with the same question.

Good luck!

Regards