Confession time: I love shotguns.
There is just something about delivering what’s best described as a “payload of lead” with each pull of the trigger.
Plus, the shotgun just so happens to be the most versatile weapon in my armory.
With a single 12-gauge pump gun, I can hunt deer, birds, and bears. I can defend my home or shoot skeet.
A shotgun is a do-it-all kind of weapon — as long as it’s at close range.
One of my favorite modern pump-action shotguns comes from the Mossberg 500 series — the Mossberg 590. The Mossberg 500 series and I go back a long, long way.
Over the years, I’ve swapped some things out on my trusty 590, upgrading it here and there.
And I’m here to share some of my favorite accessories and parts so you, too, can take your Mossberg to the next level.
So let’s get started.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Forend
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Best Vert. Grip
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Best Front Sight
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Best Shotgun Sling
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Best Red Dot
Best Mossberg 500 Upgrades
1. Magpul MOE Shotgun Forend
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Modular
- Does not interfere with side saddles
- Offers two mounting solutions
Cons
- Requires either Dremeling or adapter for shorter barreled guns
Magpul SGA furniture is fantastic for shotguns, and like most Magpul gear, it’s extremely high quality and modular.
The Magpul SGA Mossberg 500/590 MOE Pump allows you to add stuff only where you need it.
You can attach M-LOK or MOE accessories directly to the pump or attach rails to accommodate any accessory that mounts to Picatinny rails. This allows the easy mounting of lights, lasers, and even chainsaw grips.
The pump doesn’t overlap the receiver, so it doesn’t interfere with side saddles if you want one. Also, it looks cool as hell.
To mount it to a short-barreled shotgun or firearm, you have two options.
Option 1 is to Dremel the pump to fit the short action tube. It’s easy but takes a bit of time and the necessary tools.
Option 2 is an adapter from Hogue. This makes the Magpul MOE Shotgun pump compatible with shorter action tubes.
And don’t forget some M-LOK Rails to mount your favorite accessories.
2. Magpul M-LOK Vertical Grip
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Reduces likelihood of short-stroking
- Offers excellent grip
- Stable
Cons
- May be too short for some
If you rock a Magpul forend, a Magpul M-LOK Vertical Grip is the perfect addition.
Why? Because with a vert grip, you are much less likely to short-stroke the shotgun.
You get an excellent grip and a stable platform.
To effectively mitigate recoil, the best method is the push-pull — pushing forward with the firing hand and pulling rearward with the pump hand.
It’s a lot easier to pull on a vertical grip without worrying about your hand slipping.
Since the M-LOK grip mounts directly to the Magpul pump, it’s not going to slide off the pump either.
On Mossberg 500/590s with pistol grips, a vert grip adds a lot of control to the gun. It makes it easier to aim and helps prevent getting an eye full of shotgun.
What do you think of Magpul’s products? Rate them below!
3. XS Big Dot Front Sight
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Improves low-light shooting performance
- Can co-witness with optics
Cons
- Replaces original bead sight, which may not be preferred by all users
Night sights can make a big difference in low-light shooting performance. If you’re like me and still rely on the boomstick for home defense, you want to see your sights.
The XS Big Dot front sight is a combination day and night sight that replaces your teeny tiny bead. It’s a massive, high-visibility front sight that’s easy to see regardless of the time of day.
This sight stands high enough to co-witness with my chosen optic and optic rail.
At night, it glows bright, and you’ll have no issue getting that rock-solid front sight focus.
The XS Big Dot is a must-have, even if you rock an optic.
4. Nightstick Shotgun Forend Light
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 1,200 lumens of light with a broad coverage
- Adaptable attachment system
- Durable and cost-effective
Cons
- Newer product with limited long-term durability data
The Streamlight TL Racker is great, but having options is always nice. A newcomer to the shotgun light world is Nightstick. Nightstick produces the Shotgun Forend Light for the Mossberg 500/590 series.
Much like the TL Racker, the SFL replaces the pump and offers a combination pump and weapon light. Nightstick designed the SFL to utilize an adaptable attachment system so the SFL will work on the standard long tubes of shotguns and the shorter tubes used on Shockwave and SBS variants.
Nightstick offers a model with a laser if you so choose to take that route. Mossberg owners get 1,200 lumens of light backed by 10,315 candela. It’s a light that fills the room from edge to edge and is perfect for home defense.
The SFL has a big ambidextrous button to activate the light and, potentially, the laser. Nightstick’s pump itself is textured and rubberized for a good grip. It’s fairly short in length but offers plenty to hold onto. The SFL comes with an optional strap to ensure your hand doesn’t leave the pump.
While the SFL is new, it seems promising, and the price point makes it right for most shooters. I’ve abused one to hell and back, and it still keeps ticking. There isn’t much to dislike with the SFL.
5. Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Rapid adjustment feature for easy use
- Durable and versatile for various applications
- Excellent control over the weapon
Cons
- Specific to two-point sling preferences
When it comes to sling selection for any weapon, I’m pretty damned biased. I like my Vickers Blue Force Gear slings.
I own a standard issue, an AK limited edition, a Vickers One sling, and even one of the rare Vickers Medic slings.
The two-point Vicker Tactical sling from Blue Force Gear is my all-time favorite. What makes it interesting is the rapid adjustment tab. A quick pull rearward or forward of this tab tightens and loosens the sling.
This allows it to be tightened down when climbing, crawling, or running and then, bam, instantly loosened for shooting and maneuvering.
The quick adjustment tab allows for easy adjustment and control over your weapon.
While traditionally found on a carbine, there’s nothing stopping it from being an excellent Mossberg 500 sling.
6. Opsol Mini Clip
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Allows reliable use of Aguila mini shells
- Simple drop-in, drop-out installation
Cons
- Limited to use with Aguila mini shells
The OPSol Mini Clip is one of the coolest little gadgets you can add to a Mossberg 500 series shotgun.
It’s a drop-in, drop-out upgrade that allows you to reliably use those Aguila mini shells.
Those mini shells don’t always run super reliably in shotguns, but this adapter makes them run like a dream in the Mossberg 500. In a standard 5-shot tube, you can load nine rounds of the Aguila mini shells.
This is the best $15 I’ve ever spent on a shotgun — especially for those shooting Mossberg Shockwaves.
7. Magpul SGA Stock
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Adjustable length of pull
- Combines traditional and pistol grip features
- Durable
Cons
- May be more expensive than other stock options
Magpul occupies the slot of “industry standard” for a dozen different products they produce. One of those products is the Magpul SGA Stock system. Magpul redefined what a shotgun stock could be with the SGA, and everyone else is still trying to catch up.
The SGA stock does a couple of things right that have made it the industry standard. First and most importantly, it offers adjustment for length of pull to fit shooters. This adjustment is done via a set of spacers that allows adjustment from 12.3 to 14.3 inches overall.
Shotguns often have these lengthy LOPs that make them unwieldy, so the Magpul SGA series was a game changer in terms of ergonomics.
The SGA stock also combines some of the best features of a traditional stock with the advantages of a pistol grip design. This allows for a standard manual of arms that makes it easy to control the shotgun and even hold it up with one hand.
It’s rugged, tough, and ready to be fit with a sling and cheek riser. Magpul makes tough gear, and the SGA is no different – it’s the professional industry standard for a reason.
8. Aridus Industries CROM
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Allows co-witnessing with optic sights
- Compatible with Trijicon RMR footprint
- Minimalist mount
Cons
- Requires ghost ring sights for optimal use
If you are running and gunning with a Mossberg 500/590 series shotgun with a set of ghost ring iron sights, I’ll point you to the Aridus Industries CROM mount.
CROM stands for Co-witness Ready Optic Mount. This replaces your rear ghost ring and makes mounting an optic easy.
The CROM utilizes a Trijicon RMR footprint, so you can Trijicon optics or a great many alternatives that have settled on the Trijicon footprint.
Behind the optic sits a ghost ring or, by choice, a Rob Haught-style open rear sight. Either way, you can mount a co-witness applicable sight with a set of iron sights.
It’s a great minimalist mount and perfect for those with ghost ring sights, and it lets you get a rock-solid cheek weld before pulling the trigger.
9. Aridus Industries Q-DC
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Durable and secure shell retention
- Detachable carriers for easy reloading
Cons
- Adhesive attachment may not be preferred by all users
Have you ever looked at the side of your Mossberg 590A1 and realized you wanted a side saddle as tough as the metal monstrosity of a repeating claymore?
Great, well, we have an option for you in the form of the Aridus Industries Q-DC. Aridus makes a Mossberg 500-specific model, but I prefer the universal model because I hate messing with the bolts inside my shotgun.
The Q-DC Universal uses a crazy sticky adhesive that attaches to the gun and refuses to ever let go. My Benelli M4 has worn one for nearly four years now without a problem. The Q-DC system is a side saddle and is made up of two parts: the base and the carrier.
Its base attaches to and stays on your gun. The carriers can detach and are made up of six loops to hold six shells. They can detach when empty and be reloaded with spare carriers. Carriers fit in an AR-15 mag pouch, but Wilderness Tactical also makes dedicated pouches.
This nearly all aluminum system uses springs for retention and ensures your shells stay put. It’s the only carrier I trust enough to run rounds upside down with. It’s remarkably well-made, and I’ve heard it once described as over-engineered. I think that matches the use case for the thick-barreled, bayonet-lug-equipped 590A1.
10. Tactaload Flash 5 Stock
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ambidextrous design with fast tube reloads
- Provides an adjustable length-of-pull
Cons
- Replaces the standard stock, which may not suit all preferences
Stashing extra ammo on your gun is a must, and one new way is the Flash 5.
The Flash 5 is a Mossberg stock with a built-in magazine storage option that allows you to store five rounds of 12-gauge that range in size from 2.75 inches to 3.5 inches.
Its storage setup is essentially a magazine with a spring, follower, and spring-loaded nob to keep your shotgun shells in the stock.
Pull the shell from the stock, and the spring-loaded nub retracts and allows you to draw a shell for a quick reload. The Flash 5 offers numerous advantages over the standard side-saddle.
- Ambidextrous design
- Faster tube reloads
- Shells are entirely secure and protected from the elements.
As a stock, it’s also great and gives you an adjustable length-of-pull similar to the Magpul SGA stock.
It’s super comfy, provides a great cheek weld, and is tough as nails.
11. Holosun 507C
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Pros
- Multi-reticle system for versatile use
- Optimal for shotguns with 32 MOA circle
Cons
- Smaller window may not appeal to everyone
I think the little Holosun 507C-X2 might be the best shotgun optic on the market.
Why? Well, it packs a multi-reticle system that utilizes three different reticles.
One includes a 32 MOA circle, and that circle is the very best for shotguns. With the right load, you can pattern your load to that circle at certain ranges.
I use the 507C-X2 with my Federal FliteControl load, and I’ve patterned it at 5, 10, and 15 yards.
I know that within those ranges, no pellets will escape from the 32 MOA circle.
This ensures I have total accountability of my buckshot pellets and know exactly where the shot will land. It’s quite handy for precision-oriented shots.
12. Aridus SMRT Follower
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ensures reliable feeding
- High-visibility and tactile design
- Simple upgrade for enhanced shotgun performance
Cons
- Cost high for a follower
Aridus makes some of the best gear ever if you are a shotgun nerd, and they offer a little bit of everything from side saddles to optics mounts.
Their latest release is the Aridus SMRT follower. A shotgun’s follower is the unappreciated hero in a shotgun’s reliability. Without a good follower, you may risk future failure from your magazine tube.
The SMRT follower is engineered to give you complete reliability. This is especially important if your stock magazine tube features an extension. Extensions can be fickle with followers and cause reliability issues.
Additionally, the SMRT follower features a high-visibility green bottom that it’s easy to see and is also tactile, so you know when your tube is completely empty whether you can visually inspect it or not.
This simple upgrade allows you to ensure your Mossberg 500 or 590 feeds reliably for years to come. It’s a $40 upgrade that’s well worth the investment.
13. Defender Tactical CoSight
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Allows direct attachment of RMR pattern red dots
- Mounts optics lower than traditional methods
- Can mount Glock sights
Cons
- Short sight radius
To be completely clear in bias, I did have a hand in designing the CoSight. The crew at Defender Tactical and I teamed up. They did 99.99% of the work on the CoSight. I just pitched an idea. With that said, I don’t receive a dime if you purchase one, but I still think you should.
The CoSight is an optics mount for Mossberg shotguns. It allows for the direct attachment of your RMR patterned red dot sights and mounts them much lower than a pic rail and pic rail adapter. This makes it super easy to mount the optic and reduces the effect of stacking tolerances.
The other thing the CoSight does differently is allow you to mount Glock sights to the gun. The front sight goes in front of the dot, and the rear sight behind it.
While it has a short sight radius, it does offer a backup sight option for your red dot. Your bead sight certainly won’t co-witness with a red dot.
If you have ghost ring sights on your gun, you can replace the rear sight with the CoSight and install a suppressor height rear sight that will co-witness with a blade front sight.
The CoSight is super handy and easy to use, and it solves some problems with using red dots on shotguns.
Final Thoughts
The Mossberg 500 platform is well-proven, dependable, and as evidenced above, almost endlessly upgradeable.
You can tune and customize a Mossberg 500 almost as much as you can an AR-15. So what are you waiting for? Build the Mossberg of your dreams!
These are my favorite upgrades, but I want to know yours. For more general upgrades like lights…check out our Best Home Defense Shotgun Upgrades.
Latest Updates
March 2024: Added Defender Tactical CoSight, Aridus Industries Q-DC and Magpul SGA Stock
63 Leave a Reply
XS sights
I have Mossberg 590 Retrograde and am looking for ghost ring sights for it. Mossberg doesn't have theirs in stock and has no idea when they'll be available. Do you have any idea where i can find them? If not - what would a suitable alternative be (both front and rear sights)?
Would love your thoughts on the Ryker grip with the shotgun. Great article
I have a Mossberg 500 with a Hogue pistol grip and fore end. Both are rubberized and very comfortable. Also replace the front ball sight with a HI Viz mini comp front sight. Very visible. Love this shotgun.
Love my 500 too hogue grip and forend…wasnt to hot on the hiviz sight…got an oversized ball instead……anyway it’s my goto weapon for home defense and just plain fun plinking
Question: Will the BlackHawk Knoxx Gen III Breachersgrips listed here work (i.e. plug and play) on the Moosberg Shockwave? I only ask because the description says "Remington Model 870". are the Breachergrips sold by brand (I need a Moosberg specific model) or even though it says "Remington Model 870" - it will work on the shockwave? thank you!
No. The Blackhawk Knoxx Gen III Breachergrip for Mossberg Series is discontinued.
They offer a grip/stock now at Blackhawk.
I have a Mossberg 500 23 gauge and I love it. I’ve read so many “experts “ that claim that pumps jam and other bs, then tout semi’s, which is fine, but I don’t like cars that drive themselves (if you catch my meaning). Yes, 12’s kick like a mule, but I found something that, for me and everyone that’s shot it, drops the kick to less than a .410. It’s the Blackhawk Knoxx SpecOps Gen 2 stock (the Gen 2 is discontinued, but the Gen 3 is just as awesome). There’s virtually no recoil and very little lift. Even my wife likes to shoot it. Give it a try.
I just need an 18 1/2" barrel for my 88 and can't find one.
Outstanding review! I bought a Mossberg 590 many years ago for use in home defense. I've added many upgrades to it as they became available. My old eyes need all the help they can get so I added the Streamlight TL Rracker and the Crimson Trace Saddle with a green laser. I highly recommend both products. Thanks for the info on the NDZ Tactical Safety. I'll get one immediately. I look forward to your next rewiew.
I disagree with a lot of the choices in here.
3. Magpul Vertical Grip? Nah. Magpul's M-LOK Handstop
5. Ergo Stock Adaptor? Nah. (Its angle is HORRIBLE.) Mesa Tactical's LEO Gen II
6. Vickers Sling? Nah. Magpul's MS3 Sling
11. Tactaload Stock? Nah. Doublestar's SOCOM stock *and* Vang Comp's DSAC
12. Streamlight TL-Racker? Nah. Magpul's stock with Streamlight's TLR-RM1 mounted to CDM Gear's CHS Rail at 6 o'clock
13. Holosun? Nah. Trijicon's RMR
Stuff not here that should be.
* Shoten Armory's Extended slide release
* Vang Comp's Big Speed Safety *or* CDM Gear's Delta Wave Safety
* High Vis Delrin Follower
Travis, how are you handling your sling and flashlight mount? Do you have one piece that holds both?
As a longtime very satisfied 500 owner, I appreciated this article ...a lot. My Mossy already has a couple aftermarket additions, an Opsol and a foldover stock/pistol grip. I'm now looking forward to adding several of the author's accessories.
What kind of fat slob of a coward hunts a bear? It serves 0 purpose other than trophy hunting. So brave, hunting a bear with a gun. Small balls syndrome.
Tell that to my two daughters, both of whom hunt and carry concealed. Small balls syndrome indeed, you must be talking about yourself when it comes to that department.
bear taste good
There are also people who actually live in bear country..... and you better have the right gun and shell if needed.
kyle...there are multiple reasons to hunt bear...but since you're such a couragous keyboard warrior...i'll just let you remain in your angry state of ignorance...you seem to enjoy it
Aww Kyle the bad man shot your teddy bear did he? Summer berry fed bear tastes yummy!
Look in the mirror. You are the only fat slob of a coward posting. They are great eating, and the bonis is that awesome rug.
Why the insult? Black bear meat makes excellent sausage and mince. And if you want to find YOUR balls hunt grizzley bears... more challenging than whitetail, tough guy...!
Wha Da Fuq?
You clearly never have had bear jerky, bear pot roast, or bear sausage.
I like a new product out there for the Mossbergs, the Tactaload Flash 5 stock that stores and feeds 5 shells inside the stock. Quick access, protects the shells from gunk, and adds rounds without a side saddle or external mount. They also advertise them for the Remington 870.
So the center mass (or any other laser from Laserlyte) is no longer available. Any recommendation for a substitute?
Crimson Trace LaserSaddle Laser Sight Mossberg 500 & 590 Series Shotguns & Shockwave Matte
Product Family #: 102062036
I'm trying to find the best shot that will take slug shells. What is most recommended?
You know where I can find install manual or video I have the gen 3 and a 500
I want a fore end for a Mossberg 500 with the tactical strap already attached. Any recommendations?
Me too
RAPTOR F1
Hey, can you recommend a light for the 590 A1 and what about shell holder for the sling anf those that mount or fit on the weapon itself?
I prefer the Mossberg Compact Cruiser. I would like to see a review of this AOW, The stamp is only $5, and it took 10 months to get it, but it is the perfect bedside security device!
Really wish you had given better options for the buttstock. Just listing one pistol grip is a bit lazy. Most people don't want just the pistol grip, as most people don't want to use the crappy shockwave.
To the writer, can you tell me when you added the bleachers grip did it keep it over 26 inches therefore making it legal. Non nfa item?
More detail on how you had to modify the Magpul MOE Shotgun Forend? Also, the link to the Hogue adapter? Thanks.
Hate to break it to ya mr. (I take the NFA seriously) but if you put a magpul ar stock on your shockwave you have created an illegal unregistered nfa weapon.
Precisely why he only mentioned adding a brace to the shockwave. Actually reading the article helps.
Don't count on a brace being legal on a shockwave.
I am not saying it isn't -- but I will say that it is doubtful.
The ATF recently said that the length of a brace does NOT count towards the OAL on AR pistols and similar "firearms" -- on an AR pistol, only the buffer tube length counts, not the added length of the brace (regardless of extended or collapsed position). The "logic" was that a brace is an ACCESSORY not an essential part of the firearm so it doesn't count towards OAL.
I have not seen anything addressing the idea of using a brace on a non-NFA shotgun based "firearm" but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they would apply the same "logic"
For real? How? New to firearms
Now, if I could just find some of these things for my 20 ga Shockwave.
Many of these aftermarket adds are useful but there is a game changer here that’s missing from the list. The Bullpup Unlimited, Bullpup aftermarket stock.. Turn that 500 or 870 Remington into an even more serviceable firearm with even greater potential.
Take a look!
Does it work for the 590?
Don’t waste your time with the Knoxx, it’s as robust as a plastic cup. Mine had some gear shift up against it in the back of the Jeep, the guide rails broke. I never knew the plactic rails were the only thing holding the grip on. That piece should be made of aluminum or other metal.
I am also a M500 fanboy. I have two, a 20" Tac Gun with rifle sights and an 18" HD Gun with the XS big Bead and a Streamlight mounted on the underside of the Magpul Fore end.
Both guns have Magpul furniture and are equipped with the larger Remington Recoil Pads. The Tac Gun has had the Vang Comp Treatment to the barrel and it makes all the difference in the world. The gun patterns 00 Buck into 3" at 15 yards and 7" at 25 yds, not to mention the smoother recoil and no tendency to raise the muzzle during recoil. This makes the gun a joy to shoot lots of ammo thru like in a class scenario.
Both guns also have a Brownell's Steel Safety with the raised center which makes for more reliable safety deployment either on or off.
Both guns have Velcro Side saddles from Brown Coat Tactical as well as side mounted slings using Magpul parts with MY own 1.5" wide nylon slings. I don't keep the Sling on the HD Gun for obvious reasons.
Mossbergs run so much easier than 870's and have less issues., and that's why I use them.
Would post pics of both guns if allowed.
Randy
I won a Mossberg 500 Chainsaw 12ga several years ago at a Friends of NRA banquet. Left it in the box until last week when I saw this article. Ordered the Magpul M-Lok forend and the SGA stock. My barrel is that weird breacher barrel and it’s stamped 500. I put the forend on with the 500 anti-roll piece at the castle nut. The forend would not work smoothly and jammed up a lot. Finally took it off and put on the one for the 590. Works correctly and smoothly. Cleaned and oiled/greased appropriately (gun has been sitting for 5 years). Any ideas why the 590 anti-roll piece worked? I can’t stand this barrel and would prefer one without the ugly breacher brake. Anyone know if I can put a differen barrel on? TIA
Your Mossberg Chainsaw is actually closer to a 590a1 pattern shotgun than a 500-pattern. Any Mossberg 590a1 barrels built for a 5-shot mag tube will work. Be careful, though, because new 590a1 barrels are built to a longer, 6-shot mag tube and will not fit on your shotgun. These particular barrels will work (I've included factory part numbers for clarification) 16025P standard heavy-wall barrel, 16017P choaked heavy-wall barrel, 18925P Ghost Ring Sight heavy-wall barrel [you will want the rear GRS for this one as well]. Hope this helps. If you need more help, Mossberg customer service is actually not half-bad and can assist you with ordering spare barrels.
I have a 590 12 gauge. Will the Magpul forend and m-lok vertical grip fit? Some say yes. Some say no. I don't know and don't want to waste my money
What is the Hogue adapter you talk about in option 2 of the Magpul MOE forend solution to having a shorter action tube? I see they make the larger action tube but also make a larger castle nut which is much cheaper than buying the action tube but am not sure if it will work. I'd rather not dremel out my new forend to make this work.
Travis,
Just wanted to say that I read this entire page. It really helped me decide on the best way to set up my 590. I am using the Blackhawk Gen 2 stock, but was struggling with a forend solution. I shoot Long guns on my left side, and pistols on my right, but have an old injury that prevents me from getting a solid grip on the forend of my 590. After reading this, it looks like the Magpul forend and MLok Foregrip is going to solve my issue.
Great in-depth read sir!
I have the shockwave. I switched out the safety for one that is more "upright" I kept the birds head grip and went with the "tape" that gives me a postitive grip. I went with the rapid safe myself. The only drawback is what can be mounted on the receiver. As I am a fan of side saddles I went with the cloth ones attached with Velcro. I have two of them velcoed to the door of the rapid safe. I can grab one and slap it on the gun in a milasecond. I do have the opsol mini clip (for practice only as I am a big believer in 00 buck or slugs). At this juncture I am looking around for sighting options.
Look up the local fire-arm regulations and fedral possesion laws, BEFORE you go "modifying" any fire arm.
Unless you just plan on keeping it in the gun cabinet or under the bed, to show your buddies what a bad-ass you think you are., when they come over for a BBQ.
Adding a "breacher", or full stock to the Shokwave, will make "shouldered" weapon.
For that to be leagal, the barrel must be more than 18".
The Shock wave is only legal, in and of itself, as layed out in federal perameters as a "speacialty fire-arm", NOT a short barrel shotgun, NOT a pistol grip shotgun, not a pistol, nor does it require a federal tax stamp. Fore grip fine. accessory rail on top for light / laser / sight / ammo, fine.
The designed length of pull / barrel length / and specific grip, in conjunction make it legal to own. AGAIN, per ORIGINAL MANUFACTURERS DESIGN FROM FACTORY.
Look it up.
You do realize, if you modify it from "factory configuration", it is no longer a legal fire-arm, right?
For the 14" barrel configuration to be legal, it must have the FACTORY INSTALLED Raptor bird-head grip.
Travis points out in the article that he switched out the barrel before switching the grip/stock - to quote him:
"To my ATF agents and forum lawyers, I just attached a Mossberg 18.5 inch barrel I had on the gun before installing the grip. I don’t even joke about NFA violations."
This gives it the OAL required for it to be a legal firearm.
Will a standard 18.5 inch barrel fit on the shockwave? I have been trying to find an answer to this all day. My impression was that the shockwave has a 5 shot tube that is slightly shorter in length than the standard 5 shot tube Mossberg makes, therefore the "lug" ring at the front of the barrel that slips over the tube will not be in the same position. Can anyone verify this?
Sorry, I don't know. If you can't find an answer you might just want to call Mossberg directly, anytime I've had a firearm question that I couldn't answer with Google I just call the company and ask - very positive experience so far with Winchester, Ruger, and Sako.
You’re correct, the 18.5 inch on the 500 has a +1 tube over the shockwave creating a longer space between the lug; which also prevents you from chopping the 500 under 16”.
I do know that an 18.5 inch barrel from a 500 will NOT fit on a Shockwave. They mount differently.
Negative, as long as it retains the OAL of 26 inches it;s legal. I do have an ATF letter clarifying this.
You can now add a brace to the shockwave and still be legal. Brownells sells them (SB Tactical) for 160. I believe you get paperwork as well from the company when you purchase the brace confirming its completely legal.
https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/brownells/sb-tactical-mossberg-590-sbm4-shockwave-stabilizing-brace/
So im trying to find out what the final result of the breachers grip on the shockwave was. Is it legal to install with the 14" barrell? Thanks great article.
So the best forend grip for the mossberg is the one that comes standard on Remington's Tac-14?