Mossberg 990 AfterShock

By
On Target Staff
-

Mossberg 990 AfterShock

By: Dave Bahde

Compact, reliable, and 12-gauge-powerful, this might be your ideal self-defense solution

Pistol Grip Shotguns are nothing new; I’ve personally used them since the late 1980s as a patrol officer and later on the SWAT team for breaching. Most were actual pistol grips, but on many, we just cut the stock down, leaving only the grip. These types of shotguns definitely have their place, and as of late, are growing in popularity. Portable, maneuverable, and extremely powerful, they can be a fantastic truck or home defense weapon. While they can certainly be “aimed”, it’s just not the best tool past 25 yards, where having an actual buttstock is far better. Still, for most encounters, these are a solid choice — especially if you are not bothered by a little bit of recoil. Most of my breaching guns were pump guns, as semi-autos were just not particularly reliable at the time, but thanks in part to Mossberg, the times have changed.

The 990 AfterShock is available with either a 14.75 (tested) or 18.50-inch barrel with a three-inch chamber, both of which carry a 5+1 capacity in their magazine tubes. At the muzzle end is a bright-red LPA fiber-optic sight and a barrel clamp with M-LOK slots to accommodate accessories.

Mossberg 990 AfterShock

Mossberg’s 990 AfterShock is essentially a 940 Pro with a straight-grip style stock (the AfterShock) and a 14.75 (tested) or 18.5-inch barrel. Both fit into the category of “firearm”; given an overall length greater than 26 inches, they are not considered an NFA-controlled short-barreled shotgun.   The AfterShock uses what is often termed a “birds head” grip, which is more horizontal in profile than a pistol grip, and something I find easier to aim and control with less impact on the wrist from recoil. Sighting consists of a large red fiber-optic front with no rear sight, much like a “beaded sight” shotgun. The 990 features the extended bolt handle and enlarged bolt release from the 940 Pro line, a strap on the forend for a secure grip and to mitigate rearward recoil forces, and M-LOK cutouts on either side of the barrel clamp for mounting accessories. The bird’s head grip gets a rubber insert panel on the top and includes a QD sling cup at the rear. These types of shotguns tend to work better with a single point, but you can also use a wrist strap for better control. The chamber is 3” with a magazine tube that will hold five shells. The receiver is tapped for adding an optic rail or direct mounts for a red-dot sight. Crimson Trace makes a “laser saddle” designed for the 990 that looks to be an excellent choice — in fact, you can get a 990 AfterShock that’s factory-equipped with one.

The bolt release and knurled bolt knob — both borrowed from the 940 Pro series — are enlarged for fast and positive manipulation. Reloads are further expedited by a beveled and widened loading port, and a bright-orange magazine follower gives a clear indication you’ve run dry.
Compared to a standard pistol grip, the 990’s AfterShock grip — with its rubber comfort panel and QD sling attachment point — is much more horizontal in profile, helping to relieve some of the recoil forces on the firing-hand’s wrist. Its length also puts it over the NFA minimum 26-inch overall length, meaning you get to avoid the NFA process altogether. The 990 is drilled and tapped for an optic mount and gets an oversized tang safety for easy, fumble-free manipulation.

Range Time

Using Federal Tactical nine-pellet buckshot, it patterns like almost every shotgun out there; that is to say, a large single hole at 15 yards and then opening up to about four to six inches at 25 yards. My best results for achieving any precision came from a tight grip on the forend, pushing forward on the strap, and holding the grip up in my line of sight. Recoil with the Federal Tactical was a non-issue, though this will depend on the shooter, and your mileage may vary. At very close range, shooting from the hip worked reasonably well, especially with follow-up shots, but adding the aforementioned Crimson Trace laser would make it even more effective.   I only had one failure to eject with Federal Top Gun, but that was while shooting one-handed; get a solid purchase on the 990 and it never misses a beat.    Maneuvering in and around my truck and other tight spaces is where this shotgun shines. It fits just about anywhere in the truck and points quickly when deployed. Its size also makes it an excellent “pack gun”, packing some serious punch in a small package for the back country.

At 15 yards, the 990 put all nine Federal Tactical buckshot pellets into one large single hole. Back out to 25 yards, and the spread opens up to four to six inches; par for the course with most any cylinder-bore shotgun barrel.

Bottom Line

Reliable, handy, and above all, fun to shoot, Mossberg’s 990 AfterShock just adds another great choice to the shotgun market. Once the new year hits and the $200.00 tax stamp goes away, one of these just may end up in my inventory with a stock on it. If you’re looking for a compact, reliable, and serious self-defense firearm, this just may be your ideal solution. See the 990 AfterShock at your nearest dealer, or for more information, contact Mossberg; Tel.: (203) 230-5300; Web: www.mossberg.com.

A self-cleaning gas system and corrosion-resistant internal parts and finishes keep the 990 cycling reliably. With the proper technique, it’s relatively easy to send accurate shots downrange. If a firm grip is taken and the forend strap is utilized to push the gun forward, it’s also relatively easy to control recoil.

Specifications

Action:                                   Semi-Auto

Caliber                                   12 gauge (3” chamber)

Barrel Length:                        14.75 inches

OAL:                                      27.125 inches

Weight:                                 6.04 pounds

Capacity:                               5 + 1

MSRP:                                   $1120.00

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