Remington TAC-14 VS Mossberg Shockwave: Rumble of the Raptors

We’ve reviewed both Remington TAC-14 and the Mossberg Shockwave individually, but now…

It’s time to put these two head-to-head and determine which of these two Raptor-gripped firearms steals the show.

There are many similarities to each of the guns including their capacity for fun and ability to kick like a mule. So without wasting anymore time, let’s fire away at the Remington TAC-14 vs Mossberg Shockwave.

Mossberg vs TAC-14 Spec Comparison

Why Compare the Remington TAC-14 and the Mossberg Shockwave?

If you’ve read our individual reviews on either the Remington Tac-14 or the Mossberg Shockwave, you’ll know what I’m getting at. These “shotguns” aren’t technically shotguns.

So… what the heck are they?

When it comes to firearms in general, you have two basic classifications. Long guns and handguns. Long guns primarily making up your shotguns and rifles, while handguns consist of mostly pistols and revolvers. The one we’re going to be concerned with at the moment are shotguns.

In order to be classified as a shotgun, you need to meet three basic criteria.

• The weapon must have a butt stock.
• The barrel must be smooth bore.
• The gun must be longer than 26″.

Neither the Mossberg Shockwave nor the Remington TAC-14 can meet all of these criteria. So, they’re technically not shotguns. Now what?

I’m sure you’re aware of a special class of firearms known as NFA (National Firearms Act) firearms. This class covers those tricky to label outliers such as Short-Barrelled Shotguns (SBS) and Any Other Weapons (AOW).

So, you may be thinking that these could classify as SBS. And that thinking would be incorrect. Because in order to be classified as a shotgun at all, it needs to have a buttstock. And again neither of these do. These could fall into the AOW category but they are too long to be considered a handgun.

So, what are they? Simply “firearms.”

For more info on this, check out Ryan Cleckner’s article on Mossberg.com.

Remington TAC-14 vs Mossberg Shockwave

So, which of these AOWs is worth it in the end? They’re both fun to shoot, and they can each make a decent truck gun. But which one is better?

It’s within the differences between the two that makes one stand out over the other. So we’ll examine each gun against the other to come to a clear cut determination on which “little fun shotgun” is better.

Mossberg Shockwave Review

The Mossberg shockwave is made with an eye-catching and functional design that will have you ready for action. Let us dive into this Mossberg Shockwave review and check out the specs, we’ll give you our take and look into the features of this shotgun.

Mossberg Shockwave Features

1 Extended Magazine Tube

Mossberg added on a magazine tube that is nearly the length of the barrel allowing for an increasing firing capacity.

2 Raptor Bird’s Head Grip

This is a fun to use grip that shortens the overall length of the weapon.

3 Shell Lifter

The unique design of Mossberg’s shell lifter allows you to not only fire regular sized shotgun shells, but minishells as well! These will give you a higher magazine capacity and less recoil overall.

Mossberg Shockwave Review: Our Take

First about the Mossberg 500 action generally, it’s a bit rough and clunky but super reliable. Its biggest competition is the Remington 870 which is a much smoother action but with Remington’s quality control problems the last few years, the Mossberg 500 is the more reliable choice. The downside to it is rougher edges and a rougher action (that does smooth out after a bit).

There’s also another difference that makes the Mossberg 500 platform perfect for this Shockwave firearm configuration (it’s almost impossible to talk about a Mossberg 500 anything without comparing it to a similar model Remington 870). The Mossberg Shockwave excels over the Remington version (yep, they followed Mossberg and made one of these too) in five design areas:

1. The capacity. Mossberg used a magazine tube near the same length of the barrel and can hold one more shell than the Remington version. 5 rounds in the magazine is a big percentage jump over only 4 rounds in the magazine.
2. The shell lifter. The lifter (or elevator, which lifts the shell from the magazine into the chamber) is a unique design on the Mossberg in that it is NOT solid – it is two bars on the side meeting at the front with a small cross-bar. Why does this matter? Because of this design, you can buy an inexpensive plug that allows you to shoot mini shells! Minishells are tiny shotgun shells that seem like they were made for this platform (they actually came out more than 10 years before) because you get a higher magazine capacity and less recoil – they are a TON of fun to shoot and perfect for small critters. Because of Remington’s design, the spacer won’t fit and therefore mini shells can’t be used reliably. But, you MUST use a mini shell adapter if you want reliable function!

Mossberg Shockwave Pros and Cons

Mossberg Shockwave Gun Deals

Remington TAC-15 Review

The Remington TAC-14 is a popular, high quality firearm that’s been around for many years. Below we will go over its specifications and offer our take on this amazing gun!

Remington TAC-14 Features

1 Raptor Bird’s Head Grip

The Raptor grip is the first commonality between the Mossberg and the TAC-14 that most people will see. Fun to shoot, but be wary of recoil.

2 All Steel Receiver

Although this gun is shorter than other shotguns, the all steel receiver lends some needed weight to the TAC-14.

3 14″ Short Barrel

This is a definite tactical barrel–making the TAC-14 a decent choice as a truck gun.

4 Magpul M-LOK Forend

The Magpul Forend is awesome. You can use all sorts of cool attachments through the M-LOK slots.

Remington TAC-14 Review: Our Take

As you’ll see in our Remington 870 review, we like the Remington 870 action better than the Mossberg 500 action. However, the Mossberg platform is much better suited for this configuration. To learn more, check out our shockwave shotgun comparison for more.

What we liked: The Remington 870 action does not disappoint, it is super smooth and easy to cycle and fire!

Also, the small size of this firearm in combination with its big power make for a really fun to shoot platform!

The Magpul forend on this gun is much nicer looking than the Mossberg corn-cob grip and it allows for the mounting of accessories via M-Lok. However, the Mossberg grip comes with a strap that makes it easier to hang on to (especially for weaker shooters).

What we didn’t like: The Remington 870 bolt release button is in front of the trigger guard. This is a fine location when the receiver is part of a shotgun and the buttstock can be used to help hold the firearm as you remove your firing grip to press the button. However, in this small package, it doesn’t seem to work near as well. We much prefer the Mossberg’s location behind the trigger guard.

Remington TAC-14 Pros and Cons

Remington TAC-14 Gun Deals

Mossberg Shockwave vs Remington TAC-14 Report Card

If you already purchased the Mossberg Shockwave or are interested in getting one, here are some recommended items I would encourage you get, in order to maximize your gun. You might already have a few of these items, but if not, here is your chance to grab them.

• AMMO
  • Best Slug Ammo- Hornady 12 Gauge 2 3/4
  • Best Target Load Ammo- Winchester AA Light Target Load
• GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon
• EYE & EAR PRO- See our Best Eye/Ear pro Review

Accessories for the Mossberg Shockwave

Now that you have seen a good portion of the Gun University take on the Mossberg Shockwave, take another step by checking out those recommended accessories I told you about.

Editor’s Choice VooDoo Tactical Scabbard		Designed for Mossberg 500 or 590 and similar shotguns with an 18″ barrel Attach to your pack or carry it on your back with the sling	Check Price
#2 VISM Tactical Shotgun Scabbard		Perfect for Hunting Stitching is clean and material is thick and tough.	Check Price
#3 Silfrae Tactical Shotgun Scabbard		Material: 600D Nylon, waterproof Adjustable strap and quick release buckle	Check Price

Another Side Saddle Shotgun in its Class to Check Out

We love the Mossberg Shockwave, and it did get a great grade. However, we know there are some of you who won’t like it and that’s fine So, for those of you who are still on the fence, here is another option. Take a look below at the review we think doesn’t even come close to the Mossberg Shockwave.

Although we have familiarity with pump action shotguns, the Tac-13 has something very unique about it. Drum roll please…it’s a semi-auto, which means you never have to concern yourself pumping the shotgun between each shot. READ MORE HERE

How to Care for Your Mossberg Shockwave

Cleaning and maintaining your firearm, is probably the most important thing that can be done with them. The Mossberg Shockwave is a stellar firearm, so just take good care of it. Maintenance has to be a high priority if you want it to last a good while! If you don’t already have a cleaning kit, we like this one on Amazon from GLORYFIRE. It gives the options and tools to clean all of your handguns, rifles, and shotguns, etc. Here is a great video to show you how to clean it.

• GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon

Important Links And Manuals For Your Mossberg Shockwave

• Mossberg Shockwave Website
• Mossberg Shockwave Videos
• Mossberg Shockwave Manual

Conclusion

Hands down, the Mossberg Shockwave won this competition of the raptors! From the way it handles, to how your able to customize it, all the way to the value it brings, the Shockwave stands tall knocking off any competition and winning the battle of Remington TAC-14 vs Mossberg Shockwave…. for now.