The Ultimate Compact Defense Firearm: Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 Gauge

In the realm of personal and home defense, a reliable, effective, and legally compliant firearm is paramount. For individuals seeking a potent yet maneuverable option, the Mossberg 590 Shockwave in 20 gauge stands out as a top-tier choice. This innovative pump-action firearm combines Mossberg’s legendary reliability with a design optimized for close-quarters defense, offering peace of mind whether protecting your home, vehicle, or RV.

Why Choose the Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 Gauge?

Are you searching for a compact firearm that doesn't compromise on stopping power for self-defense? Do you need a reliable shotgun for tight spaces, such as inside a vehicle, an RV, or for navigating hallways in a home? The Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 gauge is engineered precisely for these scenarios. It addresses the common challenges of firearm maneuverability in confined environments while delivering the decisive performance required for personal protection.

Users frequently ask questions like:

• What is the best compact shotgun for home defense?
• Is the Mossberg Shockwave legal to own without a special tax stamp?
• What are the benefits of a 20 gauge shotgun for personal protection?
• How does the Raptor grip improve handling and reduce recoil?

The Mossberg 590 Shockwave, specifically model 50657, answers these questions directly. It is designed to be a highly effective defensive tool for a broad range of users, including those who may find the recoil of a 12-gauge shotgun too stout. Its thoughtful design prioritizes user comfort, operational reliability, and legal compliance.

Understanding the Mossberg 590 Shockwave's Unique Legal Status

One of the most compelling aspects of the Mossberg 590 Shockwave is its classification by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). Unlike traditional shotguns or Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBS) regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), the Shockwave is classified as a "firearm" – not a shotgun – because it was originally manufactured without a stock and with an overall length of 26.37 inches. This crucial distinction means that the Mossberg 590 Shockwave does not require a federal NFA tax stamp for transfer, simplifying the purchasing process significantly.

For many potential owners, the NFA regulations, which involve extensive paperwork, long wait times, and a $200 tax, can be a deterrent. The Shockwave bypasses these complexities, making it an accessible option for responsible citizens seeking a powerful defensive tool. Its overall length, exceeding the 26-inch minimum for non-NFA firearms, coupled with the distinctive Raptor bird's head grip (which is not considered a shoulder stock), ensures its compliance. This classification is a critical piece of information for anyone considering this firearm for personal protection.

Unpacking Key Features for Enhanced Performance and Reliability

The Mossberg 590 Shockwave is built upon the time-tested foundation of the Mossberg 500/590 series, a design renowned for its ruggedness and dependable operation in extreme conditions. Each feature contributes to its efficacy as a defense firearm:

• 20 Gauge Power with Reduced Recoil: The choice of 20 gauge is a deliberate one, offering a significant advantage for personal defense. While smaller than a 12 gauge, the 20 gauge still delivers ample stopping power for critical situations, especially with modern defensive loads like buckshot or slugs. The primary benefit is markedly reduced felt recoil compared to a 12 gauge, making the firearm more manageable for a wider range of shooters, including those sensitive to recoil, or those needing faster follow-up shots. This makes it ideal for home defense scenarios where precise and swift action is crucial. The 3" chamber also ensures versatility, accepting both 2-3/4" and 3" shells.
• Compact 14" Heavy Walled Barrel: The abbreviated 14-inch barrel is central to the Shockwave's design philosophy. This heavy-walled barrel is incredibly robust, built to withstand rigorous use. Its short length dramatically improves maneuverability in confined spaces, allowing for quick aiming and navigation around obstacles, which is vital in a home invasion or close-quarters defense situation. Despite its length, the cylinder bore choke ensures a wide pattern spread at typical defensive distances, maximizing the chances of hitting a threat.
• Innovative Raptor Bird's Head Pistol Grip: This unique grip is not merely an aesthetic choice; it’s a functional marvel. Specifically shaped to distribute recoil energy along the shooter's palm and forearm, it significantly minimizes felt recoil compared to traditional pistol grips. This ergonomic design allows for better control and comfort during firing, leading to greater confidence and accuracy when it matters most. Its design also contributes to the firearm's overall legal classification.
• 6-Round Capacity: With a substantial 6-round capacity, the Mossberg 590 Shockwave provides ample ammunition for defensive encounters. This capacity, combined with the rapid cycling of a pump action, ensures that the user has sufficient firepower to address multiple threats if necessary.
• Mossberg's Signature Pump-Action Reliability: At the heart of the Shockwave is the legendary Mossberg 500/590 pump-action system, known for its unwavering reliability. Key components that contribute to this legendary status include:
  • Dual Extractors: Ensure positive extraction of spent casings, minimizing jams and ensuring consistent cycling.
  • Positive Steel-to-Steel Lockup: Provides robust strength and durability, ensuring the action is securely locked during firing.
  • Twin Action Bars: Prevent twisting and binding of the forend, leading to a smooth, consistent pump action every time.
  • Smooth Operating Anti-Jam Elevator: Designed for flawless feeding of shells from the magazine tube into the chamber.
  • Ambidextrous Tang Safety: Located conveniently on top of the receiver, this safety is easily accessible and intuitive for both right- and left-handed shooters, a crucial feature for quick deployment under stress.
• Practical Sights and Finish: The simple yet effective bead sight allows for rapid target acquisition in close-quarters scenarios. The matte blued finish provides a durable, non-reflective surface, ideal for a practical defense tool.

Optimized for Diverse Defensive Scenarios

The Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 gauge is more than just a firearm; it's a versatile solution for a range of personal safety needs:

• Home Defense: Its compact size allows for easy maneuvering through doorways and around furniture within a home, making it an excellent choice for navigating tight spaces during a critical incident. The manageable recoil of the 20 gauge also reduces the likelihood of over-penetration through walls compared to some rifle rounds, a common concern for homeowners.
• Vehicle and RV Defense: The short overall length (26.37 inches) makes it ideal for storage and deployment in vehicles or recreational vehicles where space is at a premium. Its compact nature ensures it can be quickly accessed and brought to bear in an emergency.
• Backcountry and Outdoor Protection: For campers, hikers, or those in remote areas, the Shockwave offers a powerful defense against both human and animal threats in a portable package.
• Personal Safety: For anyone prioritizing personal security, the 20-gauge Shockwave provides significant deterrent power and the ability to effectively neutralize threats.

Making an Informed Decision for Your Safety

When considering a firearm for personal defense, factors like reliability, ease of use, and legal compliance are paramount. The Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 gauge offers a unique blend of these attributes. Its design minimizes felt recoil, maximizing user comfort and control, while its proven pump-action mechanism ensures dependable performance when it matters most. The "firearm" classification removes the complexities of NFA regulations, making it an accessible and attractive option for responsible citizens.

Remember, proper training and understanding of local laws are essential for safe and responsible firearm ownership. Investing in a high-quality, reliable firearm like the Mossberg 590 Shockwave is a significant step towards enhancing your personal and family security. This is a tool designed not just for protection, but for empowering individuals with confidence in their ability to defend themselves.

For those ready to equip themselves with this formidable defense tool, the Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 gauge (UPC: 015813506571) is available from trusted retailers such as DEGuns.com. DEGuns offers a wide selection of firearms and accessories, ensuring you can find the perfect solution for your defensive needs with knowledgeable support.

Detailed Specifications: Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 Gauge (Model 50657)

Feature	Specification
Model	Mossberg 590 Shockwave 50657
Gauge	20 Gauge
Chamber	3" (accepts 2-3/4" or 3" shells)
Barrel Length	14"
Barrel Type	Heavy Walled
Capacity	6 Rounds
Choke	Cylinder Bore
Sights	Bead Sights
Grip	Raptor Bird's Head Pistol Grip
Safety	Ambidextrous Tang Safety
Extractors	Dual Extractors
Lockup	Positive Steel-to-Steel
Action Bars	Twin Action Bars
Elevator	Smooth Operating Anti-Jam
Overall Length	26.37"
Overall Weight	4.9 lbs
Finish	Matte Blued
UPC	015813506571