The 990 Aftershock makes for an effective home self-defense shotgun thanks to a compact profile and quick rate of fire.
April 22, 2025
By Guns & Ammo Staff
Following on the success of the Mossberg 590 Shockwave pump action shotgun, Mossberg have announced the all-new 990 Aftershock ; a 12-gauge, 3-inch semi-auto version of the original tactical firearm.
At the core of the 990 Aftershock is a durable gas-operating system that is fully contained within the forend. Internal parts (gas piston, magazine tube, hammer, and sear) feature a nickel-boron coating and a special finish for corrosion resistance. To further improve performance, the 990 has an enlarged and beveled loading port; elongated, pinch-free elevator; and anodized, bright orange follower. The oversized, ergonomic top-mounted safety can be operated by a left or right-handed shooter and features a red indicator. Ease-of-use features continue with the knurled charging handle; oversized, paddle-style bolt release; strapped forend and an M-Lok accessory adaptor with mounting slots on the sides and bottom attached to the 5-shot magazine.
The grip strapped forend is useful for countering recoil. Simply apply forward pressure with your front hand, and rearward pressure with the hand grasping the birdshead grip. M-Lok slots at the front make for great light attachment points. The Aftershock black synthetic grip is shaped for a secure hold while keeping a compact profile, and features a rubberized palm pad to minimize felt recoil. A quick-detachment cup is incorporated on the rear of the grip. The matching black synthetic forend is streamlined, has an attached embossed strap, and is coated in Mossberg's proprietary texturing. The 990 has launched with the choice of 14.75 or 18.5-inch cylinder bore barrels equipped with a LPA front fiber optic sight; 5+1 total capacity (with 2.75-inch shotshells); and matte blue metal finish. The 14.75-inch version is also available with a Crimson Trace Lasersaddle which attaches easily to the receiver. The laser is adjustable for windage and elevation, and the fixture provides multiple touchpad activation points.
At launch, three 990 Aftershock options are available: A 14.75-inch barrel (top), a 14.75-inch barrel with Crimson Trace Lasersaddle (middle), and 18.5-inch barrel (bottom). All models sport a 5+1 capacity. Some G&A staff had the opportunity to get hands-on with a pre-release version of the 14.75-inch 990 (with Crimson Trace Lasersaddle) at Gunsite Academy, where instructors demonstrated recoil mitigation and quick-response techniques. Additionally, we had the chance to test the Aftershock in a "shoot house" scenario, where targets are stacked in a course resembling a typical residential building. The compact frame of the Aftershock made it easy to bring through doorways and maneuver around corners. A full review of the 990 is on the way, but first impressions are quite positive.
Advertisement
Preliminary testing with shots taken at 5, 10, and 15 yards, and aiming at the head, chest, and center mass of the target respectively. For more information on the 990 Aftershock, visit mossberg.com .
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Specifications Gauge : 12 ga., 3 in.Capacity : 5+1Barrel /Finish : 14.75 in.;18.5 in.; Matte BlueSights : LPA Front Fiber OpticChoke : Cylinder BoreOverall Length : 27.13 in.;30.88 in. (long barrel ver.)Stock /Grip : Aftershock Grip Strapped forend; M-Lok black SyntheticWeight : 6 lbs.; 6 lbs., 5 oz. (long barrel ver.)MSRP : $1,120; $1,302 (Crimson Trace ver.)Manufacturer : Mossberg, 203-230-5300, mossberg.com
Enjoy articles like this?
Subscribe to the magazine.
Get access to everything Guns & Ammo has to offer.
Subscribe to the Magazine
