Mossberg 590 Shockwave 12 Gauge 14.375 in Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- 26.37-inch overall length - 20 inches shorter than traditional shotguns for tight spaces
- 14.375-inch barrel precisely exceeds NFA minimum by 0.375 inches for legal certainty
- Mossberg 590 action with dual extractors - proven reliability in military testing
- Ambidextrous top tang safety - accessible for both right and left-handed shooters
Trade-offs
- Bird's-head grip increases felt recoil by approximately 40% compared to stocked shotguns
- No choke tube compatibility beyond factory cylinder bore - limits patterning options
- Requires specialized firing technique that takes 200-300 rounds to master effectively
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave is a non-NFA firearm with a 14.375-inch barrel that combines Mossberg's pump-action reliability with a compact bird's-head pistol grip and Chainsaw top handle configuration. This setup creates an overall length of 26.37 inches, just over the 26-inch federal minimum for non-NFA firearms. I specify the barrel measurement precisely because at 14.375 inches, it sits exactly 0.375 inches beyond the legal minimum of 14 inches for smoothbore shotgun barrels on these firearms.
What is the Mossberg 590 Shockwave used for?
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave serves as a close-quarters defensive tool where its compact 26.37-inch length provides maneuverability in tight spaces. Its cylinder bore choke and bead sight optimize it for short-range engagements under 15 yards with standard buckshot or slug loads. The bird's-head grip and top handle allow for controlled firing from the hip or compressed ready positions where traditional stock mounting isn't practical.
How does the Mossberg 590 Shockwave compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave offers superior close-quarters maneuverability compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, which has a traditional 30-inch barrel and overall length exceeding 46 inches. The Stevens platform is better for clay shooting and hunting where precise shot placement at 30+ yards matters, while the Shockwave excels in defensive scenarios under 15 yards where its 20-inch shorter length provides critical advantages in confined spaces.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave measures 26.37 inches overall with a barrel length of precisely 14.375 inches and weighs 6 pounds unloaded. The 14.375-inch barrel is critical because it keeps the firearm outside NFA regulation while maximizing ballistic performance, and the 6-pound weight provides enough heft to manage 12-gauge recoil despite the lack of a traditional shoulder stock. Overall width at the widest point of the forend measures 2.25 inches.
Who is this NOT for?
The Shockwave is not for new shooters or those unfamiliar with firearms regulations governing non-NFA configurations. Its 6-pound weight combined with the bird's-head grip creates significant felt recoil that requires proper technique to manage effectively. Anyone seeking a traditional shotgun for hunting or clay sports should consider a standard-stock firearm like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U instead.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the complete firearm, one magazine tube plug for hunting compliance, and basic owner's documentation covering Mossberg's warranty and maintenance procedures. The shotgun arrives with the cylinder bore choke tube installed and requires no additional assembly beyond basic cleaning before first use. Expect the shipping container to measure approximately 32x10x4 inches and weigh around 8 pounds total with packaging materials.
Is the Mossberg 590 Shockwave worth it at $597.99?
At $597.99, the Mossberg 590 Shockwave provides excellent value for shooters who specifically need a non-NFA firearm with Mossberg's proven pump-action reliability. The price positions it as a premium option compared to similar non-NFA shotguns while offering superior build quality and the company's extensive aftermarket support network. For the specific use case it serves, the investment delivers functionality that cheaper alternatives often compromise on.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813506472 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 50647 |
| action | Pump Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 14.38" |
| caliber/gauge | 14.38" |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Cylinder Bore |
| color | BLUED |
| product type | Pump Action |
| safety | Ambidextrous Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard Mossberg 500/590 accessories?
- Yes, the 590 Shockwave accepts most Mossberg 500/590 aftermarket parts except for stocks and barrel assemblies shorter than 14 inches. The magazine tube, trigger group, and action bars are identical to standard 590 models. Mossberg's accessory catalog lists over 50 compatible forends and rail systems.
- Can I shoulder this firearm legally?
- The Shockwave is designed as a non-NFA firearm and should not be intentionally shouldered according to ATF guidance. Attempting to modify it with a traditional stock would require NFA registration. The bird's-head grip is specifically engineered for hip firing and compressed holds, not traditional shoulder mounting.
- What shells does it chamber?
- The Shockwave chambers 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells with a maximum capacity of 5+1 rounds with 2.75-inch shells. The cylinder bore choke handles everything from birdshot to slugs effectively at close range. Federal, Remington, and Winchester all produce suitable defensive loads for this platform.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard FFL shipping to Montana typically takes 3-5 business days through our preferred carrier, UPS Ground. All firearms ship within 24 hours of FFL verification completion. We require a copy of your dealer's license before processing the order.