From watching videos and reading reviews, I think I'm leaning towards a Mossberg 590A1 for my first purchase. It will be for home defense. Looking around, it seems like everyone in America has decided the same thing. These things are sold out everywhere!
I live in NY state (not the city). What is my best route to getting one? Or, do you recommend a different kind altogether (Remington 870 perhaps?)
This. Avoids sales tax as well, so it should offset the FFL transfer fees. Make sure you find out what those fees are as they can vary by dealer, with some as low as $20 and as high as $100.
Good luck. Inventory online is just as bad. You may get lucky or you may find it with jacked up prices
590 is one of the best all around shotguns. the best route to getting one in ny state is through an FFL that knows the laws.