The pistol grip “any other weapon” category of shotguns (yes, they’re shotguns) have become popular since the introduction of the Mossberg Shockwave, but semi auto-versions are still somewhat uncommon. That may be changing though. Mossberg just dropped their new 990 Aftershock and IWI has now released the MAFTEAH.
The IWI MAFTEAH
The MAFTEAH is a 12 gauge, recoil operated, semi automatic shotgun with a 14-inch barrel and birds head pistol grip. I had to look it up, but the word Mafteah means a key or opening instrument in Hebrew. That’s pretty fitting for something that falls into the class of the old Masterkey entry and breaching shotguns.
IWI’s version is a bit over 27 inches in length putting it firmly in the ATF’s “other” category which means you don’t need any NFA paperwork to own one. It transfers on a regular 4473.
The MAFTEAH holds five rounds of 2¾” 12 gauge shells in it’s tubular magazine…or four rounds 3” shells if you’re really daring. It uses a polymer birdshead-style grip and has a polymer forend. There are QD attachment points and M-LOK slots on the forend for mounting accessories. A cross bolt safety is positioned behind the trigger guard.
The barrel is topped with a vent rib with a brass bead front sight. Although the specs don’t say anything about it being optic-ready, some of the pics show it with a reflex sight mounted and zooming in on the photos shows what looks like a covered optic plate. MSRP is $999.99, making it about $120 cheaper than the Aftershock.
IWI MAFTEAH Features:
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Action: Semi-Auto
Operating System: Recoil Operated
Barrel Length: 14″
Magazine Type: Non-detachable Tube Magazine
Magazine Capacity: 5 Rounds 2 3⁄4” Shells / 4 Rounds 3” Shells
Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
Overall Length: 27 3⁄4”
Weight: 5lbs 11oz
Grip Type: Reinforced Polymer with QD attachments
MSRP: $999.99
It’s not an AOW
It’s not a Shotgun
It’s a Firearm, just like the Mossberg 590 Shockwave and 990 Aftershock, and the Remington V3 TAC-13 and 870 TAC-14