Mossberg 990 SPX Magpul: Modern Muscle for the Fighting Shotgun

Mossberg has never been shy about building shotguns meant for serious use, and the new 990 SPX Magpul is proof that the company is still very much in its “don’t overthink it, just make it run” era. This is a 12-gauge, 3-inch semi-auto tactical shotgun designed for defensive duty, range abuse, and everything in between, but now with modern ergonomics and Magpul DNA baked right in.

Built on Mossberg’s latest semi-auto platform, the 990 SPX Magpul comes in 14.75-inch (NFA) or 18.5-inch barrel configurations, giving shooters the choice between compact authority or slightly more reach without sacrificing handling. Either way, this shotgun is all business.

990 SPX — Gas-Driven & Built to Last

At the heart of the 990 SPX Magpul is a robust gas-operated system, fully contained within the forend. Translation: smoother cycling, consistent reliability, and less drama when you feed it a mixed bag of ammo. Mossberg didn’t stop there. Key internal components (including the gas piston, magazine tube, hammer, and sear) are treated with nickel-boron coatings and specialized finishes to fight corrosion and wear.

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Practical upgrades abound. You get an enlarged beveled loading port (your thumbs will thank you), an elongated pinch-free elevator, and a high-visibility orange follower that makes status checks fast and obvious. Mossberg’s signature top-mounted safety returns here, oversized and ambidextrous, with a clearly visible red indicator because guessing isn’t a safety feature.

SPX Handguard

The SPX handguard is rigid, heat-resistant, and ready to host whatever accessories you deem necessary for your personal mission set. Integrated QD sling cups and M-LOK slots let you mount lights, grips, and other essentials without turning your shotgun into a home improvement project.

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Controls are tuned for speed and stress. A knurled charging handle, oversized paddle-style bolt release, and refined tang safety make the 990 SPX Magpul fast to run—even when things get loud and chaotic.

Optics-Ready & Fast on Target

Modern shotguns deserve modern sighting solutions, and Mossberg delivers with an optic-ready receiver cut for direct mounting of micro-dot optics. Backing that up is a winged front fiber-optic sight, built for rapid target acquisition and seamless co-witnessing with your chosen dot.

Magpul Ergonomics Done Right

Out back, the Magpul SGA stock brings adjustability, improved recoil management, and a solid shoulder weld. It’s comfortable, customizable, and designed to fit a wide range of shooters—without compromising the shotgun’s streamlined handling. Sling mounting options are included, because a fighting shotgun should carry as well as it shoots.

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The 990 SPX Magpul ships with Accu-Choke barrels in either 14.75-inch or 18.5-inch lengths, offering 5+1 or 7+1 capacity with 2.75-inch shells. It wears a matte blue metal finish, keeps things clean and classic, and carries an MSRP of $1,309.

Final Thoughts

With the 990 SPX Magpul, Mossberg blends proven durability with modern features that shooters actually want. It’s rugged, modular, optics-ready, and unapologetically tactical, exactly what a semi-auto shotgun should be. Whether you’re setting it up for defense or just want a scattergun that runs like it means it, this one’s ready to earn its keep.

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