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The Annoyed Man wrote:I wasn’t aware that they needed improving. The 500 model has been around for years, and has been in use by police departments for decades. The 590 model was designed in response to a request for an upgraded shotgun for the military. The Shockwave is just a shorty 590, so it ought to be at least as rugged as the full sized gun.

I almost went there.

rotor wrote:I have a less than $200 Maverick 88 that works great. I also have a $3,000 plus Browning over-under. It works great. I would not hesitate to buy a Mossberg again.

I had a Maverick 88 that I traded for a vintage full sized frame Remington 20ga 1100 semi-auto. There was nothing to dislike about the Maverick, I couldn't pass up a trade like that.

cmgee67 wrote:The mossberg I handled long ago was a maverick 88 and it felt like I could shake it apart and the machining didn’t look up to par to Remington. It was very loose and looked like you spray painted the finish on it. That being said it was a 120$ shotgun. I’ve never handled a 500. It always seemed to me the Remington was heavier duty built. I know our military uses both Remington and mossberg as well as many LEO agencies so there’s something to be said. Maybe I’ll give the shockwave a try. I’m all for giving something a chance. If I end up not liking it I’m sure I can resell it quickly. The safety location will be a learning curve as I am used to the button safety behind the trigger guard on the Remington.

The top mounted safety was a concern for me. Especially the sharps edges of the step design. I was worried the gun would slip back and I'd end up with a cut on the web of my hand. I didn't shoot 3", shells but the 2¾" shells were no problem with the well designed grip. I held the gun up in front of my face to aim and the recoil was not a problem. The strap on the forend is a big help and gripping it against the front attachment point makes a big difference.

I watched a Hickok45 video of him shooting one handed in each hand and he had a cut on the web of one of his hands. I didn't try that.

From personal experience selling guns back in the 60's and 70's I can tell you Mossberg provides solid well made firearms at intermediate prices compared to Remington and Winchester. They came out with a centerfire bolt action rifle back then that was well designed and very well made. I was always chagrined when I'd show one to a customer; they were surprised at the quality. They mostly had the idea Mossbergs were inferior firearms, which they weren't; then or now. Beside a Mossberg 500 I have the Shockwave in 12ga. The additional shell capacity and ability to use an adapter for mini shell helped me make my choice over the Remimgton TAC-14 as well as the strap on the forend that looked like a useful addition, which turned out to be. When I shot it I was impressed with the ergonomics of the grip. I'm sure a lot of time was spent coming up with the design to make it comfotable. The strap was a definite plus.