Estimated studying time: 10 minutes
Mossberg lastly drops a semi auto Shockwave model thumper, and the 990 Aftershock brings actual gasoline gun management to a compact 12 gauge that hits arduous up shut.
Shockwave Vitality, Semi Auto Management: Meet the 990 Aftershock
Mossberg upended the capturing business in 2017 by introducing the 590 Shockwave. The Shockwave shouldn’t be a shotgun by definition, as a result of it contains a 14-inch barrel and is simply over 26 inches in total size, which suggests it isn’t a short-barrel shotgun and as such doesn’t come underneath the Nationwide Firearms Act. To me this a scenario the place if it seems like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it in all probability is a duck. It’s a shotgun.
Since that introduction many various manufacturers have launched pump-action Shockwave-style firearms. A number of manufacturers even took the Shockwave idea and utilized it to semi-automatic shotguns. I used a Remington TAC-13 just a few years again which options Remington’s wonderful V3 gasoline system to create a semi-auto firearm. I at all times puzzled why Mossberg didn’t come out with a semi-auto model. No have to guess any extra because the Mossberg 990 Aftershock is right here.
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Mossberg 990 Aftershock Function Set
The Mossberg 990 Aftershock is an all new gasoline operated, semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 12-gauge with a 3-inch chamber. There are a number of variations out there. One is an 18.5-inch barrel mannequin, a 14.75-inch barrel mannequin which I examined, and a model outfitted with a Crimson Hint Lasersaddle. In hand, the 990 Aftershock with the 14.75-inch barrel is simply 27.1 inches lengthy and weighs about 6 kilos unloaded. It seems like a small heavy stick. A small stick to a giant whack. In reality, 5+1 rounds of whack.
What I like in regards to the 990 Aftershock is that Mossberg integrated options discovered on their Mannequin 940 semi-auto shotguns and utilized them to the 990 Aftershock.
Forend
Just like the enlarged and beveled loading port and elongated elevator which eases loading the 990 with no pinched thumb. Controls, knurled charging deal with, paddle-style bolt launch, and ambidextrous security, are all outsized making the 990 straightforward and quick to function with or with out gloves. The forend wears a strap which is a necessity with most of these firearms. Recoil generally is a bear and the strap ensures your help hand stays in place on the forend and doesn’t slip previous the muzzle.
I’ve used Shockwave model firearms with out the strap and it could really feel like you are attempting to hold onto a fats slippery, wiggling eel in recoil. Similar to with an SBR or massive format pistols similar to AR15 or AK pistols, it is very important hold arms away from the muzzle. The forend is comparatively skinny for a gasoline system gun. The piston is contained in the forend and on many sporting weapons, the piston could make the forend really feel thick in hand.
Defensive
What I additionally favored in regards to the 990 was that Mossberg didn’t overlook that this can be a protection weapon. The M-LOK accent slots on the edges and backside assist you to connect a tactical gentle that’s in shut proximity of your help hand thumb when it’s worthwhile to flip it on.
The grip was additionally thought out with a rubberized palm that gives some cushion from recoil. There may be additionally a QD cup within the grip butt good to be used with a one-point sling.
Constructed for Tight Areas and Quick Choices
The Aftershock is an in depth quarters model weapon. Preferrred for cramped environments just like the hallway of your private home, additionally it is the kind of companion you might have considered trying with you in your car if issues go sideways on the highway.
Heavy
These are tough firearms to shoot, nevertheless, since it’s too heavy to fireplace like a pistol and there’s not a inventory or brace to regular the weapon when you goal. As such you’ll be able to’t get a gentle goal with most of these firearms and that’s the explanation why they’re shut vary weapons. I discover two methods of capturing these firearms works out finest for me.
A method is to carry the Aftershock in entrance of your physique and use the purple fiber optic tube to goal with. Make certain the 990 is away out of your face or you’ll quickly understand why it ought to be. This method presents the perfect accuracy, and as I discovered relying on the load the Aftershock will be surgical. A 3-inch group with Hornady Essential Protection at 15 yards is spectacular.
The second manner is to shoot the Aftershock is from the hip with the Aftershock on the facet of your physique. This method presents much less accuracy however is efficient at shut vary. With the Aftershock at your facet, your arms take in the recoil.
Masses
I ran two completely different 00 Buck masses and a fowl shot load by way of the 990. For the tactical masses I used Hornady Essential Protection 00 Buck and Panzer Protection 00 Buck. As facet be aware: I’ve discovered that Hornady Essential Protection load persistently shoots tight patterns in comparison with different manufacturers of 00 Buck ammo. It averaged a 3-inch sample at 15 yards whereas the Panzer averaged over 4 inches. The Federal Extremely Clay & Area loaded with 1-1/8 ounce of #8 birdshot spewed a 21 inch sample on common. Chook shot may be an excellent choice to keep away from over penetration particularly within the confines of your private home. The fowl shot doesn’t have the vitality of buck shock, and can penetrate much less. It is going to additionally over spray the goal which is one thing to contemplate when deciding on a protection load in your scenario.
Loading
Loading up the Aftershock I discovered the beveled loading port made inserting shells quick and straightforward. I didn’t pinch my thumb on the final spherical loaded. The over sized controls permit me to function the 990 easily. I hate bolt launch buttons which might be small and arduous to press. Loading up with Federal fowl shot and ripping by way of {a magazine} of shells shredded the cardboard goal. Taking pictures from the hip the Aftershock was pretty straightforward to regulate when capturing quick. Recoil is stout; your arms and arms take all of the abuse. The strap on the forend retains your hand in place. Not solely does it assist you to maintain on and avoid the muzzle, it retains your hand off the recent barrel.
Push Pull Approach: Quicker Hits, Much less Ache
Level capturing with the 00 Buck masses I used the push pull approach, pull the grip with my firing hand whereas pushing with my help hand, to regular the Aftershock. At 15 yards it was a straightforward activity to get all 00 Buck pellets heading in the right direction. Taking pictures the Aftershock this manner helps to handle recoil. Bear in mind to maintain it away out of your face or else you may get whacked. The pace and quantity of 00 Buck pellets you will get down vary is spectacular. The Aftershock cycled easily and even with the sunshine Federal birdshot load. It cycled relentlessly with no points. I ran about 200 shells by way of the Aftershock and full disclosure I had a smile on my face. It’s a enjoyable firearm to shoot.
Is the Mossberg 990 Aftershock Value It?
The 990 Aftershock reverberates with energy. I admit that it’s a enjoyable firearm to shoot, however it’s harder to shoot than a handgun, shotgun or rifle. It’s an costly choice for dwelling protection, in comparison with comparable pump-action firearms. Firearms just like the Aftershock are distinctive and take a coaching simply to be competent and constant, however it does supply a variety of hearth energy in a small bundle.
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Specs
Execs and Cons
Execs: Compact 12 gauge bundle, gasoline system softens the chaos, outsized controls and beveled port run quick, M-LOK timing with gentle is intuitive, strap retains you protected and planted. Cons: Nonetheless tough to goal in comparison with a stocked shotgun, recoil is stout with out a brace, costlier than pump choices, approach dependent for finest outcomes.
Accessible on GunsAmerica Now
Robert A. Sadowski is an American author and journalist.
He has written about firearms and 2A points for many years, and has educated with a number of the nation’s best firearm instructors in handguns, rifles/carbines, shotguns and long-range capturing. He has additionally had the chance to interview quite a few people deeply concerned in defending our 2nd Modification.
He a is a frequent contributor to quite a few gun-enthusiast publications, just a few of which embrace:
TheArmorylife.com TheTruthAboutGuns.com GunsAmerica.com GunBroker.com Gun-Checks.com Taking pictures Illustrated SHOT Enterprise Gun Digest
Sadowski can be the creator of quite a few gun books, together with: “9MM — Information to America’s Most Common Caliber” and “Guide Of Glock,” each of which have been #1 new releases on Amazon. He additionally wrote the favored DIY gun e book collection: Shooter’s Bible Information to Firearms Meeting, Disassembly, and Cleansing Quantity 1 and Quantity 2. Different gun books authored by Sadowski embrace “50 Weapons That Modified the World,” and edited “The M16A1 Rifle: Operation and Preventive Upkeep”initially revealed by the U.S. Division of the Military. He additionally edits the annual “Gun Dealer’s Information” to firearm values.
Sadowski can be the Treasurer/Secretary of the GLOCK Collectors Affiliation, a non-profit group with the mission to teach and protect: Educate the general public on the fashions, variations, and commemoratives constructed by GLOCK, in addition to present members with data on GLOCK serial numbers, importation, and different information distinctive to GLOCK pistols.
