After going to the local toy store and trying various shotguns I decided against the 590a1 and the 870 and got a 500 Mariner instead. I like the idea of a metal safety and trigger group but I did not like the 20" barrel on the 590. I certainly liked the safety and location of the slide release on the 500/590 better than what was on the 870. I will buy metal parts for the 500 and use the plastic as a backup. So after some haggling the Mariner came home with me as well as 50 rounds of 00 buck. I got the gun home, took it apart cleaned and greased it and tried to load rounds, only 2 would fit in the magazine. Why would someone put a plug in a gun like this? Oh well, plug removed. So with a new shotgun in my hot little hands I went to the father-in-laws farm to shoot. All I gotta say is damn this thing rocks! No jams, no problems of any kind. Everything about this gun feels natural to me. I need more range time and more rounds through the barrel but, I think I would trust this gun with my life. The ammo I used is that U.S. surplus floating around. In conclusion, "In a CQB scenario, the "antiquated" shotgun will put down the hurt with a brutality not seen outside the Bible."
I worked as a 'smith at the largest gunshop in the US . The 500 is the most reliable pump ever built.
After yesterday that does not come as a shock too me. Another suprise is how one can still buy a good quality American made weapon and not spend over $400 in this day and age, hell the milspec 590 was still under $500. I think I am going to go get some coffee to wash down the Advil I need for my shoulder now. stupid me did not wear a recoil shield.