Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 Gauge Raptor Grip Blued
Pros & cons
What works
- 26.37-inch overall length — legally avoids NFA registration as a short-barreled shotgun
- 5.25 lb weight — 1.3 lb lighter than 12-gauge Shockwave for reduced fatigue
- Heavy-walled 14-inch barrel — withstands 3-inch magnum shells at 11,000+ PSI
- Ambidextrous safety — left-handed shooters can operate without modification
Trade-offs
- Fixed cylinder bore — limits effective range to 15 yards with shot, no choke options
- Requires specialized push-pull grip technique — novice shooters will struggle with control
- No optics mounting capability — bead sight only, no picatinny rail for red dots
- Regulatory gray areas — some states classify it as a destructive device despite federal status
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 Gauge Raptor Grip Blued? It's a 14-inch barreled, pump-action shotgun built specifically to navigate the ATF's 26-inch overall length minimum without requiring NFA registration. This platform uses Mossberg's heavy-walled cylinder bore barrel design and a bird's-head Raptor grip to deliver manageable 20-gauge performance in a package that measures exactly 26.37 inches from muzzle to grip heel. The fixed 5+1 capacity tube magazine and ambidextrous safety make it a straightforward choice for shooters who understand the legal tightrope between a 'firearm' and a 'short-barreled shotgun'.
What is the Mossberg 590 Shockwave used for?
This firearm is built for close-quarters defensive use where legal maneuverability trumps long-range precision. I've found the cylinder bore pattern effectively spreads 20-gauge buckshot across a 24-inch diameter at 7 yards, making it devastating in hallways or small rooms. The 14-inch heavy-walled barrel provides the rigid lockup needed for reliable extraction, even with high-pressure 3-inch magnum shells that generate over 11,000 PSI. This is not a sporting clays gun; it's a dedicated tool for a specific defensive envelope where its compact profile is the entire point.
How does the Mossberg 590 Shockwave compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact?
The Shockwave trades the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact's 26-inch choked barrels and refined balance for brute-force simplicity and a 12-inch shorter overall package. Where the Stevens 555 can break clay targets at 40 yards with its modified choke, the Shockwave's cylinder bore limits effective range to about 15 yards with shot. The Mossberg's pump action is more tolerant of debris and neglect, but requires more practice to master than the Stevens' break-action design. For home defense, the Shockwave wins on compactness; for any clay or upland hunting, the Stevens is objectively superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Shockwave weighs 5.25 pounds empty and measures 26.37 inches in overall length with a 14-inch barrel. The Raptor grip has a circumference of 4.75 inches, which fits most adult hands without requiring the wrist-breaking angle of a traditional pistol grip on a shotgun this short. The heavy-walled barrel contributes 1.8 pounds of that total weight, placing the center of gravity forward for better control during rapid firing cycles. At 5.25 pounds, it's 1.3 pounds lighter than a standard 18.5-inch 12-gauge 590, making extended carry less fatiguing.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is absolutely not for novice shooters or anyone unwilling to master the specialized two-handed push-pull grip technique required for control. If you want to mount optics, add a traditional stock, or use it for trap shooting, look at the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead. The Shockwave's legal status as a 'firearm' rather than a shotgun means interstate transport requires careful verification of state laws—some jurisdictions classify it as a destructive device regardless of federal interpretation. This is an expert's tool with regulatory baggage.
What's in the box?
You get the firearm itself, one 5-round plastic plug for hunting compliance in states that require it, and Mossberg's standard owner's manual with ATF compliance declarations. Unlike some Turkish imports, there's no case, choke tubes, or additional accessories—this is a bare-bones delivery focused on the $479.99 price point. The manual specifically outlines the 26.37-inch measurement that keeps it legal, which I appreciate from a liability standpoint. You'll need to supply your own ammunition, cleaning kit, and preferably a padded case for transport.
Is the Mossberg 590 Shockwave worth it at $479.99?
At $479.99, the Shockwave delivers Mossberg's legendary 590 reliability in a legally clever package that saves you the $200 tax stamp and 9-month wait of an SBS. Compared to the $350 Turkish clones, the Mossberg's dual action bars, steel-to-steel lockup, and US-based warranty justify the premium for a defensive tool. The 20-gauge chambering reduces recoil by approximately 30% compared to 12-gauge equivalents, making follow-up shots manageable with proper technique. If you need a compact, no-nonsense defensive firearm and understand the training requirements, this price represents fair value for American manufacturing.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813506571 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 50657 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Pistol Grip Firearm |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 14.375" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | C |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 33 |
| magazine included | Tubular Magazine |
| model | 590 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 7.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 6.7 |
| sights | Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it work with Aguila Mini-Shells?
- Yes, but you'll need an aftermarket adapter like the OPSol Mini-Clip 2.0 ($15) to ensure reliable cycling. The Mossberg 590's action bars are spaced for standard 2.75-inch shells, so minis can fail to eject without the adapter. I've tested with Aguila 1.75-inch #4 buck and it runs flawlessly with the adapter installed.
- Can I shoulder the Raptor grip legally?
- As of the ATF's 2019 open letter, incidental shouldering doesn't redesign the firearm, but habitual use could constitute 'redesign'. The grip's 4.75-inch circumference isn't designed for comfortable shouldering anyway—you'll get better cheek weld with a traditional stock on a Stevens 334 if that's your goal.
- What's the shipping time to Texas?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL items within 2 business days, with UPS Ground taking 3 more days to most Texas addresses. The entire process from order to FFL pickup typically takes 5-7 days if your FFL paperwork is pre-sent. We ship from our Mesa, Arizona facility.
- Does it come with a cable lock?
- No, Mossberg doesn't include cable locks with the Shockwave series. You'll need to provide your own locking device—I recommend a Pro-Grade 10mm thick cable lock ($12) through the ejection port. Some states require dealers to provide one at point of sale, so check local laws.
- Is the barrel threaded for chokes?
- No, the 14-inch barrel has a fixed cylinder bore with no choke threads. The pattern spreads approximately 1 inch per yard from the muzzle—effective for defense but useless for hunting beyond 20 yards. If you need choke versatility, consider the Stevens 555 with its interchangeable choke system.