Would like a lighter trigger on my A1...

[letmepicyou]

My primary HD weapon is my Mossberg 590A1 Mariner 5+1. Just as a point in passing, I like the 5+1 vs the larger cap models for HD. Firstly, I only keep one in the mag so I don't blow the mag spring out. The rest of my tactical HD rounds I keep on the butt stock shell holder, I like to be able to choose rapidly what I might need to shoot, and normally keep a mix of Hornady Crit 00 and Remington High Velocity slugs on weapon. If I get into a situation where I need to carry a lot of rounds, my shotshell sling and butt stock holder will allow me to carry around 32 rounds on-weapon, should the need arise. But that's just a side note to my actual question (I tend to get side-tracked)...

While the trigger pull on my mossy isn't too awful bad, I know they set em a tad heavy from the factory to avoid the possibility of bump-discharges. I'd like to know if there's anything I can do to my trigger group to lighten the pull a bit. I would have to un-officially guesstimate that it pulls somewhere between 5 and 6 lbs from the factory. I'd like to get it down in the 3-4 lb range. Not "hair pin", but lighter. An e-mail from Mossberg tells me their user-adjustable trigger assembly won't "drop in", so that seems like it's out, unless anyone knows differently. Anybody know what I could do as a user to lighten the pull myself, or am I pretty much left with going to a smith?

Thanks!!!!

[kc-griz]

Just my opinion, it's worth what you pay for it:

A HD shottie is not a target weapon. It's designed to be used for self defense and those are typically high stress events. While a lighter trigger seems to be more attractive, your 5-6lb factory trigger won't even be noticed if you ever have to use it. In fact, I doubt a 10-15lb trigger would be noticed much! Shoot it alot. The trigger will get smoother the more you use it.

As for "popping" the mag spring... the way you have yours setup up for HD, you might as well be using a bat, because that's what you have. You won't have time to think about what load you want and load it when you need it. A bandolier looks good but chances are, you're only going to have enough time to use what's in your tube. When the initial exchange of fire happens, you can do a tactical reload to top off the tube, but forget about loading your weapon before engaging.

Mag springs won't fatigue being compressed. Springs fail over a long period from the compression/decompression cycle. Springs are cheap and easy to replace. Load it up. I keep my 870 marine magnum loaded with 7 rnds of 00 buck in the tube and one in the chamber. Simple to take it off safe and put some rounds into the BG.

[letmepicyou]

I would disagree on a few items, if only for the sake of argument lol. For one, I disagree with the assumption that an HD shotgun isn't a target weapon. I would argue the point that, inside the home is where you need pinpoint accuracy the MOST. (Along that note, I've been SERIOUSLY considering sending my barrel in for a $225 Vang Comp treatment). I'm not saying 5-6 lb trigger is excruciating to pull on. I'm saying that it's a bit much for my personal taste in a weapon I need to be no further than 1" off target center in a heated situation.

As for the mag spring, I keep a round in the mag, I just don't fill it because I don't want to weaken the spring over time and suffer a mis-feed. Granted, the 590A1 feed is about as good as it gets being a mil-spec pumper. I just don't want to put unnecessary wear and tear on the spring if I don't have to. And reasonably speaking, if they're IN the house already, and one drops from a chest full of Hornady, chances are the others IF there are any will be quickly evacuating at that point. While I'm not one of those people who believe that the sound of a racking slide will deter people, I'm a firm believer that the first round that takes someone down WILL deter people, giving me ample time (hopefully) to do a quick tactical load of whatever the next required round is, be it a shot round or a slug. But in the end, neither of us can predict either the occurrence itself or the outcome. All we can do is prepare how we feel best.

But to give a little bit on the issue, maybe I'll start keeping 2 in the mag, a follow up slug might be a good idea.

[Mainiac]

With only one in the tube, what if you miss with the first round?

[Freiheit]

590A1 feed is about as good as it gets being a mil-spec pumper. I just don't want to put unnecessary wear and tear on the spring if I don't have to

Sooo if its mil-spec shouldn't it be tough enough to have 1000's of rounds put through it in the dirt, muck, mud, water and then be pissed on to clean it and lubricated with the ****s you get from the food in the chow line and still good enough to go bang and kill terrorists?

I've got a 590A1 too. Damn fine gun. Bought it used, put 50 rounds through it the day I bought it and have since run another 200ish rounds through it. Birshot from Walmart, buckshot from lots of places. Cleaned it once I think. Oiled it after each outing per the manual. Somehow with all that use (ha ha) it's managed to not need any parts replaced.

Stop worrying and go shoot your damn guns people!

[Mainiac]

AMEN! Got couple thousand through mine, over the years. She's not pretty anymore, but has never missed a beat.

[Jolly Rogers]

Mag springs don't weaken by being compressed. They can compress and stay that way for years and the spring won't weaken. The cycles of loading and unloading are what causes the spring to lose tension. Load it up. Buy a spare spring if you want just cause...but my guess is you won't ever kill the mag spring.
Joe