Is my brand new Shotgun Legal?

[NewGunOwner]

I recently attempted to purchase a Mossberg 590 new from a gun store. I was told he had one left that he had to swap a stock out on. Bought the gun under the impression it was a regular 590 shotgun with an 18.5" barrel. Upon reading the owners manual and looking at the stickers on the box I found out that it was actually a 590 Shockwave 50639 with an 18.5" barrel. The dealer had swapped out the raptor grip for a buttstock like you would see on a standard mossberg 590. The manual says that making such a modification may change its ATF classification. There is also a sticker on the box saying it comes with a raptor grip and is not meant to be fired from the shoulder. Online I have read that it is illegal to put a stock on a shockwave firearm. The shop owner is saying that because this has an 18.5" barrel that doesnt apply and this is classified as a shotgun and not a firearm like the 14" shockwaves are classified.

Is this gun legal? Is there some sort of designation attached to the serial number of the gun that identifies it as a "firearm" and not a shotgun, making it illegal to have a normal stock?

Is the receiver of a #50639 exactly identical to a regular mossberg 590?

This is my first gun and I am trying to be 100% legal and responsible in my ownership, thanks for any help in advance.

 

[spat]

I recently attempted to purchase a Mossberg 590 new from a gun store. I was told he had one left that he had to swap a stock out on. Bought the gun under the impression it was a regular 590 shotgun with an 18.5" barrel. Upon reading the owners manual and looking at the stickers on the box I found out that it was actually a 590 Shockwave 50639 with an 18.5" barrel. The dealer had swapped out the raptor grip for a buttstock like you would see on a standard mossberg 590. The manual says that making such a modification may change its ATF classification. There is also a sticker on the box saying it comes with a raptor grip and is not meant to be fired from the shoulder. Online I have read that it is illegal to put a stock on a shockwave firearm. The shop owner is saying that because this has an 18.5" barrel that doesnt apply and this is classified as a shotgun and not a firearm like the 14" shockwaves are classified.

Is this gun legal? Is there some sort of designation attached to the serial number of the gun that identifies it as a "firearm" and not a shotgun, making it illegal to have a normal stock?

Is the receiver of a #50639 exactly identical to a regular mossberg 590?

This is my first gun and I am trying to be 100% legal and responsible in my ownership, thanks for any help in advance.

The shop owner is right. With the 18" barrel you can do what you want.

If it had the 14" barrel the shoulder stock would make it an illegal SBS. With the 18" barrel it is just a normal shotgun.

The fact that it was manufactured originally as a Shockwave does open up a possibility though.

This will be a gray area, so I just mention it as a point of discussion, but since it was originally an other, not a shotgun, it *might* be legal for you to shorten the barrel if you wanted. Provided you met the "no shoulderable stock" and "26 " length" requirements.

Now, if the FFL acquired it as an other, then sold it as a shotgun, that could nullify that (since it was on the books as a shotgun). It might also have been illegal for him to do depending on what types of FFL he holds.

Bottom line though, you're safe owning a shockwave that was converted into a legal shotgun configuration, but not the other way around.

 

[Marine Cpl]

If you have a stock on it and the barrel is indeed 18.5 inches long, it is now a shotgun which is legal.

If you swap the barrel back to the shorter one and keep the stock on, it becomes illegal. An SBS. Short barrel shotgun.

If you swap the the stock and install the bird’s head grip first, it goes back to not being a shotgun and is only considered a firearm even if you keep the 18.5 inch barrel or swap out the barrel for the shorter one.

You can turn a firearm into a shotgun but never a shotgun into a firearm. Sounds crazy but that’s the way it is according to the ATF.

Hope this helps.

 

[BDinPutnam]

I wasn't aware Mossberg made a Shockwave with an 18.5 barrel.

 

[NewGunOwner]

I wasn't aware Mossberg made a Shockwave with an 18.5 barrel.

590 Shockwave – 7-Shot

Features the Shockwave signature bird’s-head grip, uniquely shaped to minimize felt recoil. Also includes the features that have made Mossberg pump-actions the choice for millions worldwide: ambidextrous safety, dual extractors, positive steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars, and a smooth...

www.mossberg.com

 

[Bananabandit]

Probably not. Ill hold it for safe keeping.

 

[togmaster]

Win win. Buy a raptor grip or a brace and you are gtg.

 

[Deplorable Me]

I wasn't aware Mossberg made a Shockwave with an 18.5 barrel.

2019 catalog.

590 Shockwave – 7-Shot

Features the Shockwave signature bird’s-head grip, uniquely shaped to minimize felt recoil. Also includes the features that have made Mossberg pump-actions the choice for millions worldwide: ambidextrous safety, dual extractors, positive steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars, and a smooth...

www.mossberg.com

 

[BDinPutnam]

Grazi across the board.

 

[togmaster]

Prego

 

[repete]

OP, beware that if your in the city of Rochester the city has an ordnance against "pistol grip" shotguns. Never seen it enforced but ya never know!