Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2017, Mossberg turned the firearms industry’s heads when they introduced the 590 Shockwave. With its 14 3/8 inch barrel, it somehow wasn’t technically a short barrel shotgun. In fact, it fell into a unique category simply called “firearm.” The key to this was the inclusion of a Raptor pistol grip similar to a classic bird’s head grip. This compact 12g pump gun took the industry by storm. The only question Mossberg was buried with was, “When will you make it in semi-auto?” Well, today is that day. Say hello to the Mossberg 990 Aftershock.

The Evolution of the Shockwave – The Mossberg 990 Aftershock

The Mossberg 990 Aftershock is a 12-gauge, 3-inch semi-auto high-performance tactical firearm. This full-featured and easy-to-maneuver platform has 14.75-inch or 18.5-inch barrel options and a 14.75-inch version equipped with a Crimson Trace Lasersaddle.

At the heart of the 990 Aftershock is a durable gas-operating system that is fully contained within the forend. Internal parts (gas piston, magazine tube, hammer, and sear). It features a nickel-boron coating and a special finish for enhanced corrosion resistance and smooth, reliable cycling. To further improve performance, the 990 has an enlarged and beveled loading port designed for ease of loading, an elongated, pinch-free elevator, and an anodized, bright orange follower.

12GA Gas Operated Fight Stopper

The oversized, ergonomic top-mounted safety can easily be run by a left- or right-handed shooter and features a highly visible red indicator. Enhanced functionality continues with the knurled charging handle, oversized, paddle-style bolt release, and strapped forend for a firm hold and to keep hands clear of the muzzle. It also has an M-LOK accessory adaptor with mounting slots on the sides and bottom attached to the extended 5-shot magazine.

The well-designed exterior of the 990 Aftershock gives big tactical performance in a compact platform. The Aftershocks black synthetic grip is uniquely shaped for an ergonomic, secure grip and features a rubberized palm pad to minimize felt recoil. A QD cup is incorporated on the rear of the grip. The matching black synthetic forend is slender, has an attached strap, and wears Mossberg’s signature texturing: all combined for a more positive hold.

5+ 1 Capacity

Completing the 990 is the choice of 14.75 or 18.5-inch cylinder bore barrels fit with a high-quality LPA front fiber optic sight, 5+1 total capacity (with 2.75-inch shotshells), and a matte blue metal finish. The 14.75-inch version is also available with a Crimson Trace Lasersaddle, which attaches easily to the receiver. The laser is adjustable for windage and elevation, and the fixture provides multiple touchpad activation points.

The new Mossberg 990 Aftershock was a pleasure to run on the range. I have thousands of rounds through the various versions of the Shockwave, but this was something special. As a fan of the 940, I was curious how squeezing all that magic into the forend of the gun would work. It worked perfectly. The gun is well balanced and the improved grip worked as advertised. I had no cycling issues with the variety of ammo I ran. I tested everything from light bird shot to Flight Control buckshot and slugs. The Aftershock simply did not care what it was fed. It fired everything. That is a big deal for hard-core semi-auto shotgun nerds like myself. Several other full-size semi-auto guns won’t even cycle birdshot.

Being semi-automatic, the gun was fast. At the same time, I was still able to control it when I shot at speed. I fired it from a hip position as well as from a high position. I will admit that the Shockwave / Aftershock platform can take a bit to get accustomed to and get solid accuracy. However, the gun is devastating once you get the correct grip and angle. The Mossberg 990 Aftershock would be a fight-stopper in a home defense situation. Add into that its compact size, and it is a winner.

Mossberg has been the king of the shotgun hill for a very long time. The new Aftershock just locks that position and shows that they are still driving forward with innovation.

For more information, please visit:https://www.mossberg.com/