Mossberg 590 Shockwave: Tactical-Life's 'Gun of the Month' For May 2017

Mossberg 590 Shockwave shotgun bag — The Mossberg 590 Shockwave features a 5+1 capacity of 2.75-inch shells, as well as a tang-mounted safety.

Mossberg 590 Shockwave shotgun grip — Thanks to its Shockwave Raptor bird’s-head grip, this particular Mossberg 590 is allowed to have a shorter 14-inch barrel without being classified as an NFA firearm per the BATFE.

Welcome to the newest feature on Tactical-Life.com—our “Gun of the Month.” Each month our editorial staff gets together and discusses the world of firearms and what gets us genuinely excited. More times than not, you’ll see a new firearm as our selection, but being new is not a prerequisite for being our “Gun of the Month.”

The Gun

Mossberg 590 Shockwave 12 Gauge

Why We Picked the 590 Shockwave

It’s hard to beat a short-barreled shotgun in close quarters, and now you can get something similar without all the NFA hassle. Thanks to its Shockwave Raptor bird’s-head grip, this particular Mossberg 590 is allowed to have a shorter 14-inch barrel without being classified as an NFA firearm per the BATFE.

How this came about is a little confusing (the picture will become clearer when you read lawman Tim Stetzer’s analysis in the August/September issue of Athlon Outdoors’ Tactical Weapons magazine), but suffice it to say that this 12 gauge is easier to own than previous shorties. It comes with a 5+1 capacity of 2.75-inch shells, as well as a tang-mounted safety.

Remington recently unveiled its own 870 version. However, this model holds one more shell. The Mossberg’s pump also has a nifty strap to prevent your support hand from sliding in front of the muzzle. It’s a very solid package.