Mossberg 590 Shockwave 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.25 pounds — 1.2 pounds lighter than a full-size 590 with an 18.5-inch barrel and stock.
- 14-inch heavy-walled cylinder bore barrel built for Mossberg's M500/590 family reliability.
- 26.37-inch overall length provides superior maneuverability in tight spaces compared to standard shotguns.
- Dual extractors and twin action bars ensure positive ejection and smooth pump operation under stress.
Trade-offs
- Birdshead grip transfers recoil directly into the web of the hand; high-round-count practice sessions are punishing.
- Cylinder bore choke limits effective range with buckshot to under 15 yards for consistent patterning.
- No sling mounts pre-installed — requires aftermarket drilling/tapping or specialized straps adding $25-50.
- Ambidextrous safety is located on the tang, which can be awkward to reach quickly without a stock for leverage.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave is a federally compliant, factory-built 12-gauge firearm with a 14-inch heavy-walled barrel and a birdshead grip, designed specifically to circumvent classification as a Short-Barreled Shotgun (SBS) under the National Firearms Act. This is not a traditional shotgun, but a 'firearm' by legal definition, leveraging Mossberg's 590 series pump-action reliability for compact, close-quarters applications. Its unique configuration stems from ATF rulings on overall length and barrel measurement from fixed muzzle to firing pin with the action closed.
What is the Mossberg 590 Shockwave used for?
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave is used for close-quarters defense in confined spaces like vehicles, boats, or hallways where a full-length shotgun would be unwieldy. Its 14-inch cylinder-bore barrel and abbreviated 26.37-inch overall length prioritize maneuverability over ballistic performance. It accepts 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shells, but its intended range for effective patterning with 00 buckshot is under 15 yards due to the cylinder choke.
How does the Mossberg 590 Shockwave compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave offers a radically different tactical profile compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun. The Shockwave is a pump-action, non-NFA firearm built for point-shooting at close range, while the Stevens 555 is a traditional over-under shotgun designed for controlled, aimed fire at clays or game. For pure defensive utility in tight spaces, the Shockwave is superior; for any form of recreational or sporting clay shooting, the Stevens 555 (which you can see here: Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge) is the drastically better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave weighs 5.25 pounds (84 ounces) unloaded and measures 26.37 inches in overall length. The key specification is its 14-inch heavy-walled, cylinder-bore barrel, which directly influences its legal classification. The receiver is machined steel, and the corn-cob forend provides a 6.5-inch gripping surface, crucial for maintaining a secure, two-handed hold to manage recoil.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for first-time shooters, hunters seeking traditional shotgun performance, or anyone primarily interested in recreational clay shooting. The birdshead grip and short barrel generate significant, straight-back recoil impulse that requires proper technique to manage. Anyone wanting a standard shotgun for hunting or the range should look at a model like the Stevens 334 rifle or a traditional shotgun platform instead of this specialized tool.
What's in the box?
The box contains the Mossberg 590 Shockwave pump-action firearm, a fixed front bead sight, a synthetic corn-cob forend with strap, and a synthetic birdshead grip. You will also find the standard Mossberg owner's manual, a cable lock, and one empty chamber flag. Note that it does not include a sling, shell carrier, or any extended magazine tube accessories; those require aftermarket purchase and fitting.
Is the Mossberg 590 Shockwave worth it at $474.99?
At $474.99, the Mossberg 590 Shockwave is worth the cost if your specific need is a highly maneuverable, legally compliant defensive firearm for extreme close-quarters. You are paying a premium for Mossberg's proven 590-series reliability in a specialized, non-NFA configuration that saves you the $200 tax stamp and lengthy Form 1 wait. If your needs are not this niche, a standard 18.5-inch-barreled Maverick 88 or 500-series shotgun at a lower price will serve you better for most applications. For more information on standard configurations, check our guide on NFA classifications.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813506595 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 50659 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Pistol Grip Firearm |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 14" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | C |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 26.5'' |
| magazine included | Tubular Magazine |
| model | 590 |
| package height | 7.9 |
| package width | 2.8 |
| product type | Pump Action |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 7.795 |
| sights | Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Mossberg 500 or 590 accessories?
- Yes, the Mossberg 590 Shockwave shares core mechanical components with the 590 line. The receiver, dual extractors, and twin action bars are identical. However, the unique 14-inch barrel and magazine tube length will limit compatibility with standard 18.5-inch or 20-inch barrel assemblies and some magazine tube extensions. Most forends designed for 500/590 models will fit the dual-action bars.
- Does this fit in a standard shotgun case?
- No, a standard full-length shotgun case will be too long. You will need a specialized compact case designed for firearms with an overall length of approximately 26.5 inches. I recommend a case like the Savior Equipment Specialist 28-inch soft case, which provides a snug, protective fit for transport without excess bulk.
- Can I put a stock on the Mossberg 590 Shockwave?
- Installing a traditional shoulder stock on this firearm would create a Short-Barreled Shotgun (SBS) under the National Firearms Act. Doing so without first filing a Form 1 with the ATF, paying a $200 tax stamp, and receiving approval is a federal felony. The firearm must remain in its factory "firearm" configuration with the birdshead grip unless you legally register it as an NFA item.
- What is the shipping time?
- Shipping to your local FFL dealer typically takes 5-7 business days after order processing and verification are complete. All firearms from Ironclad Armory ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and mandatory delivery to your chosen, licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. You must coordinate transfer with your FFL before shipment.