I’m this video we are taking about the subject of home defense and I’ll be discussing (not necessarily reviewing) the Mossberg 590 Shockwave for tight quarters. #mossberg #homedefense #firearms
Shooting a shorty shotgun is like shooting a snub nose revolver. A laser on a short barrel gun is a game changer. The shockwave with 1 3/4 shells and crimson trace saddle laser makes the perfect home defense weapon!
I bought a Shockwave during the riots a few years ago as I travel for a living, wanted the extra protection with me if needed beyond a handgun. First thing I did was put a laser on and zero it, makes it very easy to quickly maneuver in a vehicle. Also bought the adapter and shoot mini-shells through it, buckshot and slugs. 9, 10 rounds if you push it and anyone who says mini-shells don’t have enough power have never fired them. For my purposes which are strictly close quarters it’s easy to handle and with mini’s it’s easier to control and more than powerful enough for self defense.
"What? You shot me with a mini shell? I'm offended! Do I look like a little girl to you?" Said no, potential assailant ever would be my guess. I haven't had a chance to mess with them, much but have seen a few RU-vid videos where they shoot the buckshot versions at ballistic dummy heads/torsos and, from SD range, the results don't look much different than full-sized buckshot loads.
I have a Mossberg 500 with an 18 inch barrel. It has a light weight plastic stock. It also has ghost ring sights light heat shield and extra shell holder. It’s very affordable and just flat out works.
The Mossberg shockwave with the CT Lazer takes all the guess work out of short range aiming. The shotgun will hold 8 buckshot or slug mini shells in the tubular magazine when the Opsol adapter is installed, which makes a 9 shot firearm perfect for bedroom and household defense. Doesn’t require a lot of thinking at 0300, and it fits perfectly alongside a bed frame with some simple hangers.
Most people will NEVER be able to master a 12ga shotgun with a pistol grip, even shooting light dove loads, must less heavy buck shot loads. Also, the addition of a Limbsaver Air tec recoil pad is of paramount importance. If you ever consider a Woman or teen ager in the house may have to use the shotgun in defense, I hope you take my comments to heart. In the home, a 20ga Pump is MORE than adequate with buckshot or TSS shot. 410ga pump shotguns would be awesome for home defense, and the people with smaller stature would be able to handle the 410 pump with ease.
I own the Shockwave, but I bought a brace for it from SB Tactical. Much more manageable. The other option to make the Shockwave more useful is to use the 1.75" mini shells. OR get it in 20 GA or 410 inches bird's head configuration.
Great video. I’ve had a Shockwave for over 5 years now. Added a sidesaddle and some tennis racket grip tape on the birds head. Also purchased an Opsol mini shell adapter. It’s an awesome self defense tool, and a lot of fun to shoot. With some practice it’s easy to get good with it. Love your channel.
Carried a Mossberg 590 9 shot combat while working a diplomatic site, when ever we had to do a patrol along the fence line. love the 590 series . you could swap out the pistol grip on the shockwave and just add a stock and a side saddle and still would be a handy home defence item
I have the 18" barrel Shockwave. That configuration can legally have the bird's head switched out for a stock, but the 14.3" barrel setup is no longer legal if you add a stock.
@@topofthetrail, I bought the 18" Shockwave, too. And, after putting a Streamlight forearm on it, it was no longer controllable without that front strap. So, I put on a stock, and that's how it will stay. If I had it to do over, I would have gotten the 20 ga Shockwave. It would still be effective for home defense and I wouldn't have to look for reduced recoil loads to use in the original configuration. I even thought about the .410 version, but ammo is hard to find and more expensive if you can find it.
I don't know if you have checked out a rear strap for the raptor grip, but I tell you now, if you have not, PLEASE do so. It makes ALL the difference in how that thing handles. The web of your thumb won't get chewed up by the safety, and you will get MUCH more control over movement and aiming with much less effort. I don't have the shackwave, I have an old 590 Military (from before Mossberg redesignated it the 590A1) that I swapped the out the stock for a raptor grip, put some straps on, and THAT thing is the business. 8+1, heat shield, bayonet lug, and just a front bead so it slides in and out of a scabbard real easy. I'm perfectly happy with it. No legal issues anywhere, so if you can't get a shockwave, this should do quite nicely. Food for thought.
It seems like it would be a really good weapon for close or tight quarters, clearly practice, practice, practice is not only recommended, but necessary for safe, reliable, and effective deployment.
I agree it can be aimed just fine. And yes the grip is superior to a pistol grip. With the birds head grip it slides back in your hand under recoil, instead of slamming against your palm. Zero pain. Same advantage for aiming, it’s totally possible, you just have to make sure your face isn’t in the way when it slides back in your hand.
Two things I did to make mine more comfortable to shoot. First I filed the serrations off of the rear of the safety to avoid cutting the web of my hand. Second I reversed the front hand strap putting the melted ends to the outside of the loop. Thanks for another nice video.
Removed the strap. Melted the ends and formed with a knife blade until smoothed. Dremel Ed the cob grip in the middle making it wasp waited reformed the ribs a bit and retextured with shallow stipple. Also reduced rear grip to fit my smaller hands and when wearing gloves and retextured. Installed heat shield from Mossberg. Had to cut off front 3/8” so bead sight was cleared. Softened and radiused all corners and edges of the shield. Put a rail on top and a $35 green laser from Sportsman’s Guide. Stipple textured the safety button making it pretty much just textured blob. Way better than slippery steps and sharp corners. Very grippy pushing in and off. So just flick off safe keep going another two inches and bump the back button on laser and you’re good to go.
I HIGHLY recommend the OpSol Mini clip adapter for Aguila mini shells. And a top picatiny adapter for an O-Light laser flashlight. You'll increase your round capacity, visibility, and acuracy. Its a game changer.
The adapter for mossberg shotguns from defender tactical makes it so you can shoot mini shells and normal length with without issue. I have it on my shockwave and 500.
I have one. The first thing I did was tighten up the hand saver strap. Then I put a night sight on it that looks like the headlight on the front of a locomotive coming down the track straight at you in the night. Put a light on it and I'm seriously considering a cheap laser. Now I'm just spending time learning to love it.
That is literally THE most perfect weapon to defend a house with. But it is also a perfect camping defense weapon. It is perfect for a ski boat. That is the gun you wanna have when you are sleeping in a tent in grizzly country.
Throw on a laser on that will handle the recoil (either to a added receiver rail or a tube/rail adapter. Add a light up front, your preference. Add side shell holder. Anything inside even a large house can be delt with, even without putting corrective lenses on or getting perfectly behind the gun/sights. A mini shell adapter and mini slugs should also be considered.
I like the bulpup style shotguns. The Kel Tec KSG has two 7 round magazine tubes. Allowing you to have buckshot in one magazine and slugs in another. I like the shorter overall size. More maneuverable in tight spaces like a hallway.
I own it, I have changed the bird's headgrip to a brace. I've added the opsol plug to shoot minishells Increasing the capacity to 8 + 1. I keep it loaded with Buckshot minishells. I also keep 6 minishell slugs on velcro card side sadle. I love it!!!
I've got hundreds of rounds through my Shockwave and love it. I only shoot minislugs and my own homebrew #4 Buck minishells. The minislugs have a bit more kick than my minishells, but the recoil is still manageable. I avoid full-sized slugs. I started with the OpSol adapter, but I recently installed the Defender Tactical conversion kit which allows me to shoot any combination of shell lengths up to 3". I've also installed a NCStar slimline side saddle, a Crimson Trace Laser Saddle, XS Big Dot, and a Streamlight TL-Racker forend light. I've gotten pretty accurate with both the rounds I use, and can comfortably say that I would have no concerns grabbing it at night to defend myself - which is why I keep it in my bedroom.
Put a Magpul foregrip on Mossberg heat shield And had the external front end threaded for the KSG threads. And bought the KSG adapter and put my Salvo 12 on it. Now we’re in No Country for Old Men territory. 37” overall. Salvo can only use full size shells as the wad rides on internal rails. Remove suppressor. Install OPSOL and increase capacity using mini shells. With Salvo and subsonic shells is very quiet. Al’s suppressor greatly reduces recoil. Just fun to shoot.
One thing about shot guns that most dont consider is if you fire it in a house the flash and the percussion is going to blind you and will cause temporary deafness. That will not be ideal in that situation
The Shockwaves need a taller bead sight to shoot lower. I like the XS sights tritium one that glues over your existing bead. Defender tactical makes a highball bead that will get it shooting lower too.
My wife and I each own one and we’ve owned them for some time so they’re not really new to us. She prefers the mini shells and she/it handles them well with an adapter installed. The mini shells have less recoil and are effective. Once, just once, she loaded it with a Hornady 00 2-3/4” defensive round. I warned her before hand that it may be too much for her but she said she could do it. I insisted she fire from the hip (which she already knew was a given) and ensured she had a good grip on it. Well that particular load lifted her two feet up and four feet back … she’s 5’4” tall. We like the Shockwave but one does need to work with it. We have lasers on them which really helps but prefer to practice without the laser. It’s a firearm that one really needs to work with to become proficient.
I got the Remmington 870 tac14 version in 20gauge. That was a better match for my wife. We both didn't like the birds head so we have a 16" with a stock. Either way we are covered.
I was in a gun store a few years ago one time. I was talking to an employee, he said he wouldn't give his wife, mom or daughter a 12 gauge, no way. Always a 20 gauge. 20 gauge is effective, especially with the right load. Buckshot in 20 gauge is nothing to laugh at.
Buy a KS7 for close quarters, can shoot from shoulder, holds 12 +1 mini shells (Federal #4 buck). In a Shockwave mini shells again, The KS7 is legal in all states and is shorter than a Shockwave.
Yeah I have mossberg cruiser. These shorty shotguns shoot well if you practice. I hold mine up as far from my face as I can and sight down the barrel. I like the shorty shells and adapter.
I've got a Remington TAC-14 but now at my age and my eyes at this point, I'm thinking about switching over to the Shockwave, to have that safety mounted up top on the rear receiver where I can reach it and see it better than the crossbolt safety on my TAC-14. Great video, keep 'em comin'!
I’ve had a shockwave for quite a while now and love it! I put a pic rail on top with a Crimson Trace light/laser combo zeroed at 30 ft. The longest distance is about 20 ft in my house and at that range #4 -2-3/4 magnum birdshot will smash a baseball sized hole through 3/4 plywood but very little penetration of 1/2 sheet rock placed a foot behind it. I hold it clamped against my side and find the high velocity 1-1/4 oz loads manageable. Totally get it if someone prefers buckshot and that’s how I’d go with a shift scenario.
I've had pretty good luck just by pulling with my firing arm and pushing out with my support/racking arm. Taught my nephew how to do it after it jumped out of his hands.
I just went to the range today and a guy next to me was shooting this and it looked awesome in action. He had it all customized. I didn't realize it was under 500.
Thanks for the video. For anyone who hasn't purchased a Shockwave and wants to purchase one, I recommend the new models that are made to fire mini-shells. The recoil of a minishell is not bad at all, and a minishell does have as much energy as a 9mm round does. If I remember correctly, the Agila buckshot minishell has a few pellets of No. 1 buck and a few of No. 4 buck. If one puts those into an attacker, he's going to be hurt badly. I don't know whether the new model cycles 2-1/4" shells effectively. A few manufacturers make a 2-1/4" shell with six pellets of 00 buckshot at pretty much normal velocities. In many ways, that round might be the perfect compromise for a 12 gauge Shockwave. I think that these shells add a single round of capacity. Six 00 buckshot pellets will hurt most attackers badly enough to make them stop. At home defense distances, getting all six pellets into the attacker shouldn't be that difficult. For many people, the 20-gauge model might be the better choice. I've never fired one of these, but I would imagine the recoil to be very easy to handle. At home defense distances, a 20-gauge should have plenty of power. I know that many people will disparage the 20-gauge because the 20-gauge is much less powerful than the 12-gauge. I believe that 99.9% of the attackers who will stop on taking a load of 12-gauge buckshot to the chest would also stop on taking a load of 20-gauge buckshot to the chest. The 20-gauge may have less range, and if one's self-defense scenario is a bear or a Bigfoot, then the 12-gauge is absolutely better. Otherwise, the 20-gauge will do the job. The bigger problem with 20-gauge might be ammo price and availability. On one hand, I'm a heavy guy. On the other hand, I have health issues. I never know how to compare what I can withstand to what others can withstand. To me, a 2-3/4" 12-gauge shell with a rated velocity of less than 1200 fps is pretty easy to control. For someone who is interested in the Shockwave for self-defense, I recommend trying to find low-recoil ammunition. Generally, this ammunition is rated at 1200 fps or less. Much of the criticism of the Shockwave by the "guntube community" has felt contrived. I remember one guy saying that the only way to shoot the Shockwave accurately was to hold the firearm outwards quite a bit. He then claimed that holding the firearm this way negated the advantage of this firearm being more difficult for an attacker to grab. This argument was silly. If an attacker is in grabbing distance, one doesn't have to aim anything with a fourteen-inch barrel. One could tuck the Shockwave tight against the dominant side and pull the trigger. Aiming the Shockwave vertically is difficult, but side-to-side aim is pretty easy. If an attacker is within contact distance, just discharging a 12-gauge into the attacker's legs is going to give me a reasonable chance to escape. I realize that people who have trained for years on traditional, tactical shotguns are not going to be able to pick up a Shockwave and go through the same course of fire as quickly or accurately as they can with the shotguns that they've used for years. That they criticized the Shockwave when it was introduced because they couldn't use it as effectively as they could traditional, tactical shotguns was silly. In many ways, I agree with changing the vernacular as it applies to the Shockwave. Calling this firearm a "12-gauge firearm" establishes that this firearm isn't going to be just like shooting the shotguns that someone may have been shooting for years. In most shotgun training courses, the Shockwave won't perform as well because those courses of fire have been developed for those shotguns. The Shockwave is made to go places where the full length of a shotgun would be inconvenient. That includes both storing the Shockwave in a vehicle and maneuvering with a Shockwave in a building. For situations where a traditional shotgun is going to be a better choice, it's going to stay the better choice. If one is certain that his or her home defense situation will always be standing at the end of a long hallway with a little bit of cover, a traditional, tactical shotgun is going to be better. If things are a bit tighter, the Shockwave may be the better tool. As you said, people tend to shoot high with a Shockwave. In a self-defense scenario, aiming for the attacker's solar plexus might be the right tactic. If one hits the solar plexus with a load of buckshot, the attacker is likely going to stop attacking. If the shot drifts high, the load of buckshot will likely hit the chest and maybe even the neck. Those shots will also be likely to stop the attacker. Even a load of buckshot high on the pectoral muscle is going to make most attackers stop attacking. Someone who wants to use a Shockwave should eat his Wheaties and do a few pushups. A bit of upper body strength is very helpful in handing this firearm. I'm sure that many smaller, weaker shooters with great technique have no problem with the Shockwave, but I suspect that most people who really like the Shockwave have pretty good strength through the hands, arms, and shoulders.
I suggest Phoenix technology alternative to the birds head. Better ergonomics. Coupled with olight laser/ light, the Defense adapter, and Federal shortie shells - it is very effective and safe for households and neighbors. I have used the raptor grip and with some practice, is also effective in an of itself. I think your vid's are comprehensive and practical. Overall, an excellent guide to the Shockwave and most of your well thought out concepts, and usage.
To address the high shooting nature of the shockwave. Look into the XS Bigdot, or the Defender Tactical Highball big front bead sight. I chose to go for the Defender Tactical Highball big front bead. I love it and glad I got it. And I was able to get a bunch of other upgrades from Defender Tactical for the Shockwave, for about the price of just 1 XS Bigdot front sight. Plus you may want to look at Defender Tactical’s recoil strap, and Universal Shell Adapter. It allows for mini shells to 3” magnums. If your gonna do it, do it up right the first time!
In states where it's illegal to carry a loaded longbgun in a vehicle, the 590M shockwave would be a good choice as it's magazine fed. Friends carry it open breech and if needed simply insert the mag (5, 10, or 15 round) and it's good to go. It's a choice...
Very articulate commentary! It looks to be a handy defensive tool. But a tool that requires practice to become proficient with! Most people carry handguns for concealment. I think with some work, maybe this could be concealed under a coat during cooler weather. It would be nice to have another option! Maybe in 20 gauge.
411, Great video! The shockwave seems like a perfect home defense gun! I’ve been thinking of getting the shockwave for some time now. I have a ton of.410 & .45LC ammo. So I went with the Rossi tuffy survival. It’s an all around versatile takedown rifle/shotgun. 💪🇺🇸
Good stuff, ive been very fond of the shockwaves since they came out and have had 3 or 4 of the mossbergs and have tried so e of the other brands aswell. The mossberg just makes the most since to me and feels best to me. Ive done alot of shooting with them and have found the best way to shoot it for me is just below eye level tucked kinda tight and use a "c" grip on the forend. Basically wrap your thumb over the barrel, no you dont has visibility of the front bead, but with it raised just below eye level your not using it anyway. Its primarily a point and shoot style of weapon but you can be very accurate with it with practice. This is not a beginners weapon or for someone with less knowledge. But i too use the little rascal for the house aswell.
That hand strap gave way quick on the first production run. Your hand slips off better not get in front of it. In a home an 18 inch stocked shotgun is a way better option. It’s an acquired taste. Not for me as of yet.
I have a standard Mossberg 590, 18 1/2 inch barrel, love it. But I find the Shockwave to be awkward, hard to aim, hard to use, and a potential danger for those who do not practice enough or do not have much arm strength.
I tried to get one 4 years ago, one in 20 gauge. It was on backorder because of all the panic buying during COVID. I waited for months, and still no word. I even contacted the store on Facebook and inquired. The guy said "trying to find one now, in 20 gauge especially, is like trying to find a Unicorn". So I called the store and cancelled the order to get my money back and I put the money towards another gun. I wouldn't use birdshot for home Defense, no way. I just don't think birdshot hits hard enough and/or penetrates deep enough. It won't stop anyone in their tracks, especially if they're hopped on something. I'd use buckshot, Number 1 buckshot at the minimum. 15-16 .30 Caliber pellets moving at 1,100+ fps per second is NO joke. I would use 00 buckshot, but I live in a condo building with thin walls, so I'm concerned about over penetration, unless I'm using that Force X2 load by Federal, if I could find it that is. Shockwave is compact and easy to maneuver in tight spaces, so that's a big plus. You can also throw it in a bag or pack too, if you had to.
I think the Shockwave is relatively inexpensive. You can't really go wrong with it.I would probably remove the straps though. You can fire off more slugs if you use 2-3/4 slugs. I think it also takes 3 inch slugs, but you have less capacity if you use them. You can fit 5 slugs in the magazine and one in the barrel when you use 2-3/4 slugs. Shotguns are good for home defense. You just have to be careful if your using slugs for home defense.
All your points are valid, except when there’s a family member taken hostage by an intruder/multiple intruders. I know it’s a rare situation but if it happens, what’s the plan?
Stop the chicken wing grip. Square your body to the target, brace against your cheek and get a strap on the bird’s head. Done. Different manual of arms. Stating that I bought the Maverick 88, and a less expensive option to the shockwave. I can always upgrade the 88, choices. Still a great HD option.
A stock on that thing is illegal until you buy a stamp, buy a pistol brace. Just adding more context, if you keep the bird head grab a Crimson Trace grip laser for strictly hip fire. With a brace you have a different option for firing the "other"
I have an older 590 , its not the shockwave , just the regular sporting shotgun . I have a KSG for the home . Small size , no issues with it for years .
I just cant handle the recoil of a 12 Gauge. So I have a nice 20 Gauge shotgun. Just have to get the extended magazine for it. Recoil is so much nicer. Easier to stay on target.
The distinction between the Shockwave and a shotgun is a legal definition. We all get what you’re saying but calling it a shotgun may draw unwanted attention. If the powers that should not be, decide you’re using a “shotgun” of that length they’ll automatically consider you a felon.
Very nice, thanks! This one is not for me. As I might have alluded to before, if I can't imagine it being beneficial and usable for the women in my life, it's off my list. (And I don't I could use this gun myself as well).
Here in England, we can't use ANYTHING, as a weapon, (such as a rolling pin, or a walking stick, or large flashlight, etc, etc,, As soon as you pick up ANY object with the intention of hurting someone, you are breaking the law, and face prosecution and possible jail time,,, I bet you wish you had our laws,, 😂😂
@@sturmgewehr70 Definitely. People think American elitists are bad?, foreign elitists are much much worse. They make American elitists look like pansies.
I’m going to be buying a recoil strap for it because without that it is uncomfortable. It’s just hard to get dialed in if you can’t put it as close to your face as possible.
Bingo, right on the dot. Up here in Canada, we can't be sporting firearms for home defense sadly, unless it's a really solid court case, that will still cost a guy a pile a cash usually. However, as the saying goes, it's better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6. Or, belongings in a house are not considered sacred or subtle. However, if your duty is required and there's children. You reach not for the phone but the shovel. The liberal government thisnway has gone completely out of its mind. I won't get into that, but its bad. You guys are so fortunate in some parts down there. Truly. Anyways, back to what I was originally going to say. I was listening to a guy from Detroit a while back on home defense, and he stated that as mentioned, shotguns can be hip fired in need be tl have results, but one of the biggest benefits sadly, is, when it comes to gang violence and such, many will be on substances during a crime that will prevent them from feeling allt of damage. So unless a critical target is hit with a single Shor weapon, alot of them won't go down or care. With a shotgun however, that force, regardless of the shot is making then question there decision afterwords, if there able to in that time frame. He deliberately mentioned the mossberg. He said some kind of quote like "Its one thing to get shot, but a whole other to get tossed."
.12 gauge, those suck ! " says video game kids , who dont really know" the .12g is a weapon of uncanny perpous , you can do it all with a .12 g, with sabot copper solid deer slugs, have effective rannge of 200yrds. And think about your own shells possabilities
