The 990 Aftershock was probably one of my favorite guns of 2025. I love shotgun-style firearms with short barrels and pistol grips. Making one semi-auto just makes things better and better. The 990 was a seemingly huge success for Mossberg, and they are quickly expanding the platform into two new platforms.
The 990 Aftershock SPX
Adopting a firearm in its first generation is starting to feel painful. For example, I jumped all in on the Mossberg 990 Aftershock. People told me to wait…wait for the SPX model. I knew it was coming, but I didn’t expect it to be here oh so soon. The new 990 Aftershock SPX solves my issues with the 990 Aftershock, which were mostly feature complaints.
For example, the 990 Aftershock SPX comes with the same handguard as the 940 SPX. This new handguard envelopes the barrel to provide better hand protection and is a heat shield. The SPX handguard comes with M-LOK slots for accessories and a sling attachment point. They also added wings to protect the high-visibility front sight.
That’s one sighting fix. Another is to use the same RMSc direct-attach optics cut as the 940 SPX. That allows for an ultra-low-sitting dot that doesn’t require a Picatinny rail to attach an optic. I like my optics low on shotguns, and it makes aiming easier. If you don’t want an RMSc footprint optic, you can attach any one of three plates for RMR, DPP, and Docter footprint optics.
We’re getting the standard 14.75-inch model, but they are also producing an 18.5-inch barrel model with a +2 extension for a capacity of seven rounds. From what I understand, several states ban the firearm-type guns based solely on barrel length. With that said, the 18.5-inch model makes it easy to add whatever 500/590 stock you want without bothering with a (zero dollar) tax stamp. This thing with a wooden stock would be slick.
Finally, we get a choke system. The Accu-choke design allows you to better tailor your patterns or to attach suppressors. MSRP starts at around $1200.
The 990 Magpul
The big trick behind the Mossberg 990 Aftershock was its compatibility with 590 stocks. You could make yourself an SBS quite easily. Mossberg has taken the predictable step of producing the new 990 SPX Magpul. The 990 Magpul comes as both an SBS and a standard NFA-free model with an 18.5-inch barrel. The SBS variant holds five rounds, and the standard model features a +2 extension and packs seven rounds in the tube.
The 990 Magpul models come with the absolutely fantastic Magpul SGA stock. This stock blends a traditional-style stock with an aggressive pistol grip, giving you the benefits of both. The SGA comes sling-ready and has the ability to adjust the length of pull through a series of spacers.
These 990 Magpul models also come with the SPX handguard and all its nice features. Like the SPX, we also have the direct optics cut and the palte. Additionally, the 990 Magpul guns come with ghost ring sights. The rear sight is your optic’s cover plate, which is a nice touch
MSRP is $1,309.
The 990 Keeps Growing
Will the 990 eventually replace the 940? Tough to say. However, Mossberg is letting the design sit dormant. Factory short-barreled, semi-auto shotguns aren’t all that common, and it’s nice to see options.
Are you interested? Or do you feel a little scorned for being an early adopter? Let us know below.
Great for video games…but practical use in the real world