What is Mossberg 590 Shockwav actually good for?

[Frank]

People love to argue about whether the Shockwave is practical or just a novelty. Here's my honest take after owning one for a year: it's a truck/vehicle gun, period. The compact size makes it store easily under a seat or behind one, it's legal in most states as an NFA-exempt "firearm," and at close range the 5+1 capacity of 00 buckshot is absolutely devastating. Is it pleasant to shoot? I will say not really, you gotta know what you're doing to avoid wrist whip. But is it a legitimate tool for a specific role? Absolutely. So don't dismiss it just because it's different...

 

[Alan]

Yeah, it’s one of those guns that makes sense once you accept it’s all about close-range, not comfort or fun.

 

[True American]

It is best seen as a compact defensive tool, it is effective up close but not a general-purpose shotgun.

 

[SA_smith]

 My Shockwave just lives in the cab of my tractor. It's perfect for when a snake or a coyote gets a little too close, practically at arm's length. Not exactly fun to use but it gets the job done.

 

[BryanL]

This one just lives in my tractor cab. You know, for snakes, coyotes or any of those "bad breath distance" problems that pop up. It's not exactly fun but it gets the job done.