The Mossberg 500 platform is one of the legendary American shotguns, it’s well made, dependable, and proven.
There are a lot of features I could name that make the case for the Mossberg 500, but today we are going to talk about one of the most important.
Adaptability, modularity, and the aftermarket of accessories. This is important because the ability to adopt a firearm to roles and situations is a critical one. It allows you to adapt the weapon to your needs, and even allows it to serve multiple purposes.
There are two parts that really change the weapon’s capabilities, the barrel and the stock.
Everything else is adaptable, but these two parts make the biggest difference.
Lucky for you, there are tons and tons of options for stocks. Like dozens of them. Some of them are complete and uncomfortable crap. And some of them are amazing.
Now, how you do sort between the crap and the good stuff?
Well, that’s why you came here.
I am a shotgunner, and I have more shotguns in my collection than any other category combined. So, I’ve gone forward and found what I think are the best stocks on the market for the Mossberg 500.
Also as a quick note, to answer any questions preemptively, these stocks are all compatible with the Mossberg 500, the 590, the 590A1 and the Maverick 88 series of shotguns.
THE QUICK LIST
Best Mossberg 500 Stocks
1. Shockwave Raptor Grip
See, right off the bat, I’m playing fast and loose with the definition of a stock. The Shockwave Raptor grip isn’t a stock, but it attaches to the rear of your Mossberg 500. I included it because it’s likely one of the best pistol grips only options for a shotgunner on a budget.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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It’s only 30 bucks, and superior to almost every pistol grip only option on the market. So, when you include the price it’s hard to beat. The Raptor grip is a pistol grip that is more horizontal than vertical and resembles the classic grips that used to occupy the Witness Protection 12 gauges used by the U.S. Marshals.
A normal pistol grip on a 12 gauge shotgun it is a very uncomfortable, and very harsh grip to have. The recoil from the powerful gun is sent straight back into your wrist and it’s not comfortable, to say the least. The Shockwave Raptor grip makes the force move upwards rather than rearward.
The horizontal nature wants to push the recoil of the shotgun upwards, but the forward weight of the shotgun fights this natural rise.
The Shockwave is superbly comfortable, even with serious buckshot loads. Sure, it’s not as stable as a stock, but it’s a great pistol grip option when you’re on a budget.
Mossberg agrees and when designing their Shockwave, they included the grip and named the weapon after it. We did a write up on the Shockwave here.
I love the grip personally, and for thirty bucks it’s a bargain. Plus, it looks cool, and looking cool is half the battle.
2. Magpul SGA
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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There is a classic debate between traditional shotgun stocks and pistol grip shotgun stocks. On the traditional side, shooters claim a traditional stock points better and make instinctive shooting easier. Pistol grip shotgunners cite increased one-handed control, and often the ability to shorten the length of pull.
The Magpul SGA stock is likely the best compromise between both a traditional stock and pistol grip stock. The SGA stock is best described as a hybrid that retains the best of both worlds. It points naturally and provides excellent one-handed control.
The Mossberg 500 pump action shotgun requires two hands, but in some situations, you may be forced to utilize one hand to open a door, shield a child, or climb a tree stand.
The more vertical pistol grip of the SGA stock makes it comfortable and possible to do this without worrying about wrist discomfort or your barrel dipping.
Because the vertical grip isn’t a straight 90 degrees you maintain your ability to naturally point and maneuver the shotgun. It also has an adjustable length of pull from 12.5 inches to 14.5 inches via a system of spacers.
This isn’t an immediate adjustability, but it’s a consistent one.
The stock allows you to easily reach and activate the Mossberg’s tang safety.  You also get sling loops and the ability to add cheek risers to make using optics easier.  The Magpul stock is respected so much that Mossberg even offers a factory Magpul model with the SGA Stock and pump.
3. Fab Defense Folding Stock
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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If you really want to go big and don’t mind spending a little extra money Fab Defense makes a fantastic Mossberg 500 stock. It’s designed to basically replicate a AR 15 style stock and is a thoroughly modern option.
The stock is mounted on a five-position aluminum buffer that allows for immediate adjustment for size, clothing, or presence of body armor.
The stock itself is simple and robust.
It’s fitted with sling points for QD and webbed slings as well as a small storage compartment. The stock can also be folded out of the way, for easier storage and a more compact package overall.
The stock also integrates a recoil reducing buffer that absorbs shock when the stock is extend.
Admittedly it’s not as recoil reducing as the comp stock but it takes some bite out of the dog. The pistol grip is very AR like in design and angle. You also get QD sling points right above the pistol grip to make carrying the gun with the stock folded possible.
What I really like about the Fab Defense stock is the options. You can instantly go between compact power with the stock folded, to recoil reducing stability with it unfolded.
The design is sleek, modern, and it’s a solid stock for a combat or home defense shotgun.
Admittedly, it’s a pricey stock, one of the most expensive on the market. Is it worth it? That’s the tough question to answer.
If recoil -reducing is more your flavor…they also have one of those varieties!
Fits Maverick 88 and Mossberg 500/590 series shotguns. Definitely have a less sore shoulder after installing this bad boy.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Is that all?
This is a relatively short list in terms of Mossberg 500 stock options. There are just so many of them out there we couldn’t possibly list them all. Thankfully our readers tend to pretty smart (and handsome) people, with a lot of experience.
We want to know: what stocks do you prefer? Any disagreements with my list? Let me know why in the comments!
Latest Updates:
March 2025: Removed the discontinued Blackhawk Knoxx Breachersgrip.
18 Leave a Reply
Upgrading your Mossberg 500 shotgun's stock can significantly enhance its ergonomics, handling, and overall shooting experience. By then, When selecting a stock for your Mossberg 500, consider factors such as intended use, desired ergonomics, and personal comfort preferences to ensure the best fit for your shooting needs.
Will the knoxx bleacher grip fit on mossberg 500 flex pistol grip shotgun
Will the Knoxville breacher fit on mossberg 500 flex
the Knoxx breacher grip would be an ideal grip for a MOSSBERG 590. Is it compatible with a Crimson trace saddle lazer? Also is the stock adapter needed with this grip? Thanks in Advance
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.
Hello. Being a smaller lad with a corresponding bone structure, and pushing 60 years old, recoil is an issue for me. So is cost. Have any peoplke you know that are smaller used a 590 with recoil reducing stocks or grips like the Knoxx? What are their opinions? Does the Knoxx by itself do the job well enough? I firmly believe a shotgun is the best thing around to have, but at the same time I realise I'm facing a bit of a dilemma. What would be THE best choice in your opinion for a smaller man like me? I live in Canada, handguns are problematic, but I now own a 590A1. Thank you.
The Fab Defense folding Buttstock listed has been discontinued.
Have you actually tried the Blackhawk Compstock Buttstock on a Maverick 88. If so was the installation difficult, tools?
If you use the ergo adapter do you need the buffer spring assembly for the 6 position buffer tube, or no? (Since you don’t need the spring to compress under recoil to cycle the next round like in an AR?)
Nope! Spring assembly not needed.
Did someone really put a FAB D stock on a maverick? The thing costs as much if not more than the gun itself.
We're mad that way
Just picked up a 590a1 and would like to know where I can get a fab defense stock. That stock looks amazing!
Bought the Blackhawk Compstock. Excellent recommendation! I mainly shoot slugs from my Mossberg 590 and needed something to help reduce recoil. Shot over 20 rounds and did not even feel like I had been shooting.
We recently purchased the Mossberg 500 with a pistol grip but have not been able to find a place to shoot it. what is a good stock that is not too expensive that will allow us to have the three points of contact needed? Thanks in advance for your answers..
If any of you buy one of these butt stocks for your Mossberg, I'll buy your old one for $25.00 (including postage) if in excellent condition.
How do i get a hold of you?
How is the MagPul stock for clays or birds?