Asking if the Shockwave can be used as a defensive firearm seems a little silly. Obviously, anything can be a defensive firearm in a pinch, from a single shot .22LR to a .50 BMG rifle. However, I’m specifically asking if can it be a purpose-built defensive firearm you might turn to over other choices. Today we are going to examine some of the issues with the Mossberg Shockwave and similar 12 gauge, pump action firearms. I’m using the Shockwave as a catch-all because it’s likely the most popular model on the market.
If you aren’t sure what I’m talking about, let me break it down. The Mossberg Shockwave is a pump action, 12 gauge firearm. It does not meet the legal definition of a shotgun because it does not have a stock. Therefore these stockless firearms are just that, firearms. As firearms, they aren’t restricted by barrel length.
Instead, they must remain at least 26 inches long to avoid becoming an AOW (Any Other Weapon), another NFA classification for firearms. The Shockwave is a hair over 26 inches, features a 14-inch barrel, holds five rounds of 2.75-inch twelve gauge, and uses a Shockwave bird’s head grip.
Does the Shockwave have any shortcomings?
There are a few obvious problems with the Shockwave series of firearms. Like any pistol-grip-only 12 gauge gun, they have some hefty recoil. You don’t get to brace the gun against your shoulder, and you have to eat the recoil. That can make this gun difficult to fire without proper technique or training. It can also be very difficult to fire multiple rounds quickly without good training.
These guns only hold five rounds, and they are slow and difficult to reload. Having to support the weight of the weapon on just your wrist can be difficult because it is very front-heavy. I’d go as far as suggesting reloading with your firing hand rather than your support hand.
Shotguns already have a short range, and mechanically, the difference between the effective range of a shotgun and a Shockwave isn’t different. However, from a practical perspective, it’s much harder to shoot the Shockwave out to 25 and 50 yards quickly and efficiently, and slugs are especially harder to use with the super short sight radius.
What advantages does the Shockwave offer?
The Shockwave is incredibly short but incredibly powerful. It fires a blast of 12 gauge, and at close range, it’s a cannon. The small size and light weight make it easily maneuverable. It’s nearly as easy to maneuver as a handgun but offers shotgun firepower. Handguns poke holes, and 12 gauges make cavities.
Pistol grip shotguns with 90° or similar pistol grips have always been somewhat brutal. They hit hard and hurt the wrist. The Shockwave’s grip is different—much different. In fact, it doesn’t hurt at all to fire the Shockwave. The energy doesn’t beat you up and seems to go more up than rearward.
How To Use the Mossberg Shockwave Successfully
First and foremost, we need to utilize a technique known as the Push/Pull to control the Shockwave. Rob Haught of Symtac Consulting designed this technique decades ago, and it’s widely used on regular shotguns. On these firearms, it is downright essential.
The technique works as so: You pull rearward with your firing hand and press forwards with your support hand. Imagine you were stretching your gun. This technique is the one utilized to create tension. As you fire the weapon, this tension helps increase control of your gun. Learning this technique made it easy for me to see the potential of the Mossberg Shockwave.
I learned the best way for me to use the technique is to pull the rear grip forward with about 70% of my strength and press forward against that tension with my front hand. Pulling rearward first locks it into place and makes it easy to engage with your support hand. In terms of placement, imagine that the gun has a stock, and you are shouldering it. That should put it at the right height to aim and fire.
Get the Right Ammo
Use purpose-made tactical ammunition with your Shockwave. I suggest a low recoil load with a velocity of 1,200 feet per second or slightly slower. I wouldn’t use more than 1,300 feet per second. This will help reduce the recoil and make the weapon much easier to control. My favorite load is the Federal Flitecontrol, low recoil loads. I think they are perfect for the Shockwave series guns.
Try a Red Dot
A good red dot is a lot easier to use than even a bead. These guns are used at distances where a target focus is very easy to achieve. As such, a red dot is a natural part of your shotgun’s kit. It’s perfect for the pint-sized Shockwave and makes it very easy to aim and get on target. It also makes the gun much easier to aim. Getting the bead on target is easy, but getting a big glowing dot on the target is even easier.
A Laser?
Visible lasers for defensive firearms are a bit of a controversial subject. They aren’t exceptionally handy in most cases. On the Shockwave, the gun is only really used at absurdly close ranges. At close ranges, you are likely to be in less traditional shooting positions, and in those positions, a laser can be a great secondary aiming source. It should not be your primary means to aim your Shockwave.
The best option for a laser in this situation is, without a doubt, the Crimson Trace Laser Guard. It’s easy to use, stays out of the way, and it’s very ergonomic, and the laser itself is quite bright. A secondary option would be the Nightstick SFL with its light and laser combo pump.
Feeling the Shockwave
Like most things, it’s all about practice and situation. A stocked shotgun will likely be better for most defensive tasks, but the Shockwave certainly has a niche. In an RV or Camper, it’s a great option. In a small room, like an office where it might sit behind a desk, again, it’s a great option. The uses are niche, but the weapon is a viable option for extreme close quarters.
While the weapon might have limited use, the Shockwave can be a very capable defensive tool that is extremely maneuverable and powerful. What do you think? Is it an option for you?
