I am, quite frankly, Looking for a steal.

Shit is very tight, at this point.

Local dealer?

I usually shop grab a gun
https://grabagun.com/mossberg-firearms-500-tky-thug-12-24-m-d-inf.html

https://grabagun.com/msbrg-500-12-28-vr-prt-spec-hunter.html

Sorry to be sidestepping your question. But if money is so tight that you really need to find a steal on an M590/A1, it's probably smarter that you stop buying toys and other non-essential luxuries until after you're in a better financial spot.

No gun control is happening any time soon. And even if it were, it won't apply to pump action shotguns.

Wal-Mart = well under $300.

Wal-Mart = Maverick 88 12ga  or 20ga under $200

Otherwise, do as suggested above, and stop buying toys you can't afford.

Maybe the 590 model.

A1 isn't likely to be under $300.

OP stated BOTH.

I bought my 590 at rifle gear, granted I am local and it is not an A1. The price was pretty reasonable in my opinion, if you want an A1 I’d check grab a gun as suggested. Sounds like it’s time to go on a ramen diet for a bit.

I don't know which models you're interested in, but it looks like everyone's pretty much out of 590A1s with 18.5" barrels, though the best prices I see are around $450, delivered (model#50776). The 20" 590A1s are out there, but it looks like they're running about $50 more. As for 590s, I see the 7-shot (model#50778) for as little as $309, delivered.

The best way I've found to search gun prices is this website: https://gun.deals/

Search on either the manufacturer's part#, or the UPC, and it's show you a list of several dozen online dealers, whether they have it in stock, their cash/credit prices, and shipping charges. The search engine can also be used to search for other firearm related items like parts, accessories, optics, etc. The site is legit. I've used it to find great deals for my last four firearms purchases.