Mossberg introduces NFA version of famous shotgun

They say it’s not the size that counts, but what you do with it. Doubly true for the “compact cruiser.” (Photo: Mossberg)

Popular shotgun maker O.F. Mossberg and Sons introduced on Tuesday new subcompact versions of its ubiquitous 12-gauge, pump-action designs.

Calling them “Compact Cruisers,” Mossberg’s 590 and 500 are short-barreled shotguns that classify as Any Other Weapon under standards maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the company said in a press release.

According to federal law, before obtaining an AOW under the National Firearms Act, a buyer must first pay a tax stamp and complete the necessary paperwork.

As for the quality, the company says the designs meet military requirements and calls itself “the only shotgun manufacturer to pass these endurance, accuracy and quality tests.”

Mossberg says both the 590A1 and 500 feature the ATI T3 non-slip pistol grip, constructed of reinforced polymer and designed to absorb recoil energy before reaching the shooter’s hand.

Also, they have contoured polymer foregrips with a durable, webbed strap that can be folded down or up against the magazine tube. Both the stock and foregrip feature a non-reflective black finish.

The 590A1 Compact Cruiser AOW has a 10.25-inch heavy-walled, cylinder bore barrel with front bead sight; convenient cleanout mag tube with 3+1 capacity; metal trigger guard; metal safety button; and anodized aluminum receiver with Parkerized steel finishes.

The 500 Compact Cruiser AOW features a 7.5-inch cylinder bore barrel with front bead sight; 2+1 capacity; durable anodized finish on receiver; and Parkerized finish on barrel and mag tube.

The designs will retail for $910 to $980.