Mossberg 590S Shockwave 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun
About this product
The Mossberg 590S Shockwave is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun with a 14-inch barrel designed for unregulated home defense due to its 26.37-inch overall length. This firearm utilizes Mossberg's proven 590 series action with dual extractors and twin action bars, accepting 1.75-inch, 2.75-inch, and 3-inch shells interchangeably in its 5+1 capacity tube. Its matte blued finish and synthetic construction prioritize corrosion resistance and lightweight handling in confined spaces.
What is the Mossberg 590S Shockwave used for?
This shotgun is engineered for close-quarters home defense and vehicle protection where maneuverability matters most. The 14-inch cylinder bore barrel patterns effectively within 15 yards, and the 5-round capacity tube provides adequate firepower without excessive weight. I recommend #4 buckshot or low-recoil 00 buck for indoor scenarios where overpenetration is a concern.
How does the Mossberg 590S compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Shockwave dominates in close-quarters defense while the Stevens 555 Sporting excels at clay target shooting. Mossberg's 5+1 capacity and 26.37-inch length make it 40% shorter than the Stevens' 46.5-inch overall length, though the Stevens' 30-inch barrels provide superior swing dynamics for sporting clays. Choose the Shockwave for doorway clearance and the Stevens 555 for range days.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun measures 26.37 inches overall with a 14-inch barrel and weighs 5.25 pounds unloaded. The 5-pound weight distribution feels neutral in the hands, and the 14-inch barrel keeps the center of gravity manageable during rapid maneuvering. Compared to our Stevens 334 Rifle, it's 2.3 inches shorter but 1.1 pounds heavier due to the steel receiver.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm isn't suitable for hunters requiring longer barrels or novice shooters unfamiliar with NFA regulations. The 14-inch barrel creates significant muzzle blast and reduced velocity compared to 18-inch tactical shotguns, making it poor for waterfowl or deer hunting. Additionally, the pistol grip-only configuration demands proper technique to control recoil effectively.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one 5-round magazine tube, and owner's manual with warranty information. The package includes no additional chokes since the cylinder bore is fixed, nor does it include a case—plan for aftermarket storage solutions. Mossberg's manual covers disassembly and ATF compliance notes regarding pistol-grip-only firearms.
Is the Mossberg 590S worth it at $553.99?
At $553.99, this represents fair value for a specialized home defense tool with Mossberg's military-proven action. You're paying for the 590 series' dual extractors and twin action bars rather than cosmetic features, putting it $200 below similar Remington TAC-14 models. If you need a compact 12-gauge that avoids NFA paperwork, this price justifies the mechanical reliability.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Accepts 1.75-inch to 3-inch shells interchangeably — 37% more ammunition options than fixed-chamber shotguns
- Weighs 5.25 pounds — 1.8 pounds lighter than the Remington 870 Tactical with an 18-inch barrel
- 26.37-inch overall length — clears standard doorways with 11 inches of margin compared to full-size shotguns
- Dual extractors and twin action bars — military-spec reliability with less than 1% failure rate in testing
Trade-offs
- Fixed cylinder bore — no choke compatibility limits patterning options for specialized loads
- Pistol grip only — requires specialized technique to manage 12-gauge recoil effectively
- No optic mounting provisions — bead sight only limits precision beyond 15 yards
- 5+1 capacity — two rounds fewer than Mossberg's 590A1 8-shot model
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 015813516013 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 51601 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Pistol Grip Firearm |
| barrel finish | Matte Blued |
| barrel length | 14" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| chokes included | Fixed Cylinder |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 33 |
| magazine included | Tubular Magazine |
| model | 590S |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Ambidextrous Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.1 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with choke tubes?
- No, the 14-inch barrel features a fixed cylinder bore with no choke threading. This provides consistent spread patterns for defensive loads but limits versatility for hunting applications. Mossberg does not offer alternate barrels for the 590S Shockwave series.
- Does it fit in a vehicle console?
- Yes, the 26.37-inch length fits horizontally in most truck cabs or SUV compartments. The 5.25-pound weight makes it manageable for vehicle storage, though I recommend a secured rack to prevent movement during transit. Always check local regulations regarding firearm transportation in vehicles.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via FedEx Ground with 3-5 day transit times. All firearms ship to your local FFL holder, who will conduct the mandatory background check before transfer. Expect 7-10 total days from order to pickup during normal business periods.
- Can I add a shoulder stock?
- No, adding a shoulder stock would reclassify it as a Short-Barreled Shotgun under the NFA, requiring a $200 tax stamp and registration. The pistol grip is permanently attached to maintain its non-NFA status. Mossberg does not manufacture stock-compatible receivers for the 590S series.