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Short-barreled shotguns aren’t for everyone. The entire process of making the purchase can be an expensive pain in the rear-end. That’s where the Mossberg Shockwave enters.

If you’re seeking a compact firearm that packs all the punch of a shotgun, then you’re starting your search in the right place. Today we’re going to transfer all of the knowledge we have on this weapon to you. Standby for contact.

Why should you choose the Mossberg Shockwave?

Mossberg 590 Shockwave

If you’re looking for a short-barreled shotgun, but aren’t looking to drop the cash on a tax stamp, this is your best option. The Mossberg Shockwave is considered a “firearm” per the Gun Control Act (GCA). That means that it is not a Class 3 firearm regulated by the ATF. Now, obviously, state and local laws apply here. That means you need to check locally before you try and purchase one of these bad boys. You can see the letter from the ATF to Mossberg by clicking here.

Now, there are other options available to you in this category. Going with Mossberg however, is always a good choice. When you buy from Mossberg, you are 100% of the time getting a fully American-made firearm from a company that has a solid reputation. On top of this, the Shockwave is fashioned in the style of a Mossberg 590, which is one of the most storied shotgun platforms currently in existence. You can check out this article from our friends over at Full30 to do a bit more research if you want more information on Mossberg.

Getting to know the Mossberg Shockwave

Mossberg 590 Shockwave on the range

Based on the Mossberg Model 590, the Shockwave is probably one of our favorite innovations. While not technically a shotgun, this firearm loads 12 gauge ammunition of all types and operates like any other pump-action weapon system. It’s small size, and considerable stopping power makes it a must-have for home defense, and also makes it a great truck gun.

Adding to that, we have the fact that this is a Mossberg product. If you’re at all familiar with how Mossberg runs their show, then you know that this thing is fully adaptable. Just like it’s big brother the 590, you can tactically Mr. Potato-head literally whatever furniture you want onto this thing. Some of the pieces you want to use might take a little bit of improv-work on your behalf, but we’re confident you can get what you want done if you try hard enough.

Speaking of upgrading your Shockwave, we recommend starting with an SB Tactical Mossberg Brace. The stock version of the Shockwave comes with a small bird’s head pistol grip. This might be good in some situations, but it wasn’t something we enjoyed. It was the first thing we changed out when we started working with ours. Also, we recommend purchasing the OpSol Mini-Clip adapter. Using this easy-to-install piece of gear will give you the ability to load and fire 1-3/4 inch shells with no drama.

Features of the 590 Shockwave

Mossberg Shockwave closeup

The Mossberg Shockwave is a small package with a lot of features. Did we mention that the best feature of this weapon is that it’s not technically a shotgun? It’s a 14-inch pump-action firearm. That’s hands-down the best feature of the weapon system regardless of what anyone says

That alone probably isn’t enough to make it top-end kit though. On top of the fact that it’s a 14-inch pump-action firearm that shoots in 12 gauge, there are a few other great features. An ambidextrous safety, dual extractors, positive steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars, and a smooth operating anti-jam elevator are all present in this weapon. Just like in every other top-end feature of Mossberg’s best shotguns.

Here are the full specs of the stock model #50659 590 Shockwave.

Mossberg Shockwave Range Report

Mossberg Shockwave on the range

We’ve had the Mossberg Shockwave in our possession for quite some time now. In that time, we’ve used the firearm for a number of different things, ranging from plinking on the range to hunting small game. In all of this time, we can say that the firearm has truly impressed us with its smooth operation and high quality.

Out of the hundreds of rounds we have fed through our personal Mossberg Shockwave, there have been very few malfunctions. We have run everything from 1-3/4 mini-shells from Aguila to Hexolit 32 slugs with very little issue. We even ran some 3-inch slugs through the weapon system and found that it continued to function exactly as intended. For best results, we highly recommend keeping some of the 1-3/4 inch mini-shells on hand for home defense. While they don’t get as much oomph as the larger shot shells, they increase your capacity up to a staggering 8+1.

The one small issue we found with the weapon system was the stock sight that comes with it out of the box. This is easily fixed, however, the stock bead sight on the weapon system leaves a little to be desired. Once the shooter becomes accustomed to it, getting slugs on target becomes a pretty easy task. It’s not a must upgrade for us, but some shooters may think differently and choose to go down that route.

All in all, we give the Mossberg Shockwave a huge thumbs up for the time we’ve spent with it out on the range and in the field.

Final Shots on Target

Maximizing value, efficiency, and your pimp hand are all things that are important to us here at Student of the Gun. The Mossberg Shockwave is a great value weapon system coming in at around $350 depending on where and when you buy it. In all of our testing and usage of this weapon system, we can honestly say that it is a fun little firearm that is well worth your money. If you’re on the fence about making this purchase still, then the only way we can help you is by telling you to get out on the range
and shoot one. You’ll definitely want to buy one after you do.

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Professor Paul Markel

Founder & CEO at Student of the Gun

Paul G. Markel has worn many hats during his lifetime. He has been a U.S. Marine, Police Officer, Professional Bodyguard, and Small Arms and Tactics Instructor. Mr. Markel has been writing professionally for law enforcement and firearms periodicals for nearly twenty years with hundreds and hundreds of articles in print. Paul is a regular guest on nationally syndicated radio talk shows and subject matter expert in firearms training and use of force. Mr. Markel has been teaching safe and effective firearms handling to students young and old for decades and has worked actively with the 4-H Shooting Sports program. Paul holds numerous instructor certifications in multiple disciplines and a Bachelor’s degree in conflict resolution; nonetheless, he is and will remain a dedicated Student of the Gun.

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