Mossberg has introduced two new NFA guns based on its classic 500 and 590A1 – the 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOWs.
Over the years, Mossberg's 500 and 590A1 shotguns have established a well-deserved reputation as great home defense and combat shotguns. They are ruggedly built, feel natural in the hands and, most importantly, are utterly reliable.
Now, the manufacturer has brought out two new sub-compact, NFA versions of these two classic designs. These shotguns do not have a stock and feature shortened barrels, which places them in the BATFE's (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) AOW (Any Other Weapon) category. Dubbed the 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOWs, these firearms require a $5 tax stamp for transfer, as well as all required NFA paperwork.
These two new 12-gauge Compact Cruisers are built on Mossberg's excellent 500 action and are chambered for 2-3/4 and 3-inch shells. Like previous Mossberg 500-type shotguns, the 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOWs are built for smooth, reliable operation. They incorporate non-binding twin action bars, positive steel-to-steel lock-up, an anti-jam elevator, dual extractors, lightweight aluminum receivers and Mossberg's typical ambidextrous top-mounted safety.
Both guns utilize ATI's T3 pistol grip, which features reinforced polymer and is designed to absorb recoil energy rather than transfer it all to the shooter. The grip also spots a non-slip textured finish for improved control. Each gun also has a contoured polymer fore-grip that can be folded down for additional help in terms of recoil reduction, or left folded up against the magazine tube. Both the pistol grip and fore-grip wear a non-reflective black finish.
The new 590A1 Compact Cruiser AOW utilizes a 10.25-inch heavy-walled, cylinder bore barrel with a front bead sight and has a 3+1 capacity in the magazine tube. It also features a metal trigger guard, a metal safety activation button, and a anodized aluminum receiver with a Parkerized steel finish.
The new 500 Compact Cruiser AOW, on the other hand, is equipped with an even shorter 7.5-inch cylinder bore barrel with front bead sight and has a 2+1 capacity. It too carries a durable anodized finish on the receiver, and the barrel and magazine tube have a Parkerized finish.
Pricing on the 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOWs is $980 and $910, respectively. Specifications on the 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOWs can be found below.
Specifications:
Mossberg 590A1 Compact Cruiser AOW
Gauge/Chamber: 12-ga., 3-in.
Capacity: 3+1
Barrel/Finish: 10.25-in., heavy-walled, Parkerized
Sights: Front bead
Chokes: Cylinder bore
Overall Length: 19.5 in.
Fore-end: Folding vertical grip w/ strap
Stock: None, ATI T3 pistol grip
Finish: Non-reflective black
Weight: 5.3 lbs.
MSRP: $980
Mossberg 500 Compact Cruiser AOW
Gauge/Chamber: 12-ga., 3-in.
Capacity: 2+1
Barrel/Finish: 7.5-in., Parkerized
Sights: Front bead
Chokes: Cylinder bore
Overall Length: 17 in.
Fore-end: Folding vertical grip w/ strap
Stock: None, ATI T3 pistol grip
Finish: Non-reflective black
Weight: 4.9 lbs.
MSRP: $910
Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack
Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.
Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.
Why ? Because they are neat.
I’d love to have one, but let me explain why I won’t.
This is a NFA item due to the OAL being less than 26+”.
Therefore, you have to wait for the ATF to get around to issuing you a tax stamp for it before you can possess it.
That is further complicated if you have a trust – then all the trustees in the trust must submit fingerprints and photos along with the trust papers and a form 4 would also have to be generated and the local LEO notified. As this is considered to be AOW, the tax stamp is only $5.00.
This is a firearm, not a shotgun. A shotgun has a stock on it. If you want a stock on this, the tax stamp would cost $200 as this would now be considered a SBS as the barrel length is less than 18+”.
A downside for me for one of these firearms is the capacity 2+1 or 3+1. Yes, that brings the OAL down, but at the cost of magazine capacity. I also don’t care for the style of pistol type grip as it tend to obscure the action release button.
Now as an alternative, still staying with Mossberg and adding a few aftermarket parts, AND staying within NFA / Federal Firearms Act regulations might be the Shockwave / Raptor Grip / Raptor Lug. There are various manufacturers that also make these types of firearms. They are NOT shotguns as they have NEVER had a stock attached to them. They are not an AOW as they have an OAL of greater than 26″. Read more about this on the link below:
https://www.slickguns.com/product/sirearmsshockwave-raptor-shorty-14-non-nfa-custom-mossberg-500-no-stamp-599