Is the Mossberg Shockwave a Viable Home Defense Gun? (VIDEO)

When I first heard about the Mossberg 590 Shockwave shotgun I thought it sounded like a novelty. A fad that would pass on into irrelevance. Sure, it’s short. A taste of the forbidden fruit of an NFA item (though, the Shockwave is not an NFA item nor are short-barreled long guns “forbidden,” but they are hard to get). So, I wondered if it would bring anything new to the defensive shotgun game? After running one I have to say that my opinion has changed.

Since many gun buyers aren’t going to invest the time and money needed to buy a short-barreled shotgun, Mossberg eases the pain by offering a non-NFA short gun. Thus, allowing you to scratch that Hollywood “tacti-cool” gun itch. But if you want it for more than the novelty, you’ll need to put in the work.

While the Shockwave can deliver the devastating ballistic effect of a shotgun in a small and maneuverable package, this isn’t a firearm for anyone sensitive to recoil. Running the Shockwave requires a firm grip and arm strength. That’s not to say you have to be a gym rat, but it will beat you up on the range. That said, once you get used to it, the Shockwave operates about the same as a full-size shotgun.