When you think about a home defense gun, what comes to mind? Something maneuverable, powerful, and intuitive to operate under pressure. Stockless shotguns? Those are perfect for personal defense, especially in CQB. And they are sleek. But which one should you choose—Mossberg Shockwave, Remington Tac-14, or Charles Daly Honcho? In this post, we’re going to compare them.
A quick clarification. If you’re new to guns, you might wonder if any special permissions are needed for owning these bad boys. Aren’t they considered short-barreled shotguns? Well, they don’t—that’s the beauty. Stockless shotguns are classified as “firearms” and don’t fall under the NFA because they meet specific legal criteria for barrel and overall length, and they aren’t designed to be fired off the shoulder. That means you can skip the NFA paperwork and tax stamps.
* Prices accurate at time of writing
Key Similarities Between Honcho, Shockwave and Tac-14:
Before we break down each one, let’s talk about what they share:
- Barrel Length: All three sport a 14-inch barrel.
- Weight: Lightweight, baby. We mean it. Each shotty weighs around 4 to 5.5 pounds.
- Bird’s Head Grip: The signature bird’s head grip is a defining feature across all three firearms. These grips make firing more manageable, even with heavy-recoil 12-gauge rounds. However, each manufacturer puts its spin on the grip material and feel.
- Chamber: All three have a 3-inch chamber, meaning they can accept 3-inch and 2¾-inch shells.
- Gauge: Each firearm is chambered for 12-gauge shells.
- Intended Use: Designed for personal protection and CQB situations, but undeniably fun for recreational shooting too.
- Price Range: They’re all fairly budget-friendly, with slight variations depending on the model.
Mossberg 590 Shockwave
The Mossberg Shockwave is a fan favorite, and for good reason. The Mossberg Shockwave is built on Mossberg’s well-loved 590 platform, which has been trusted for years in heavy-duty applications, including law enforcement and home defense. This shotgun is durable, easy to handle, high-quality, and has massive aftermarket support.
Read: Mossberg 590 Shockwave Hands-On Review
Pros:
- Raptor Grip Design: Its Raptor bird’s head grip makes managing recoil surprisingly comfortable for its size.
- Mini Shell Support: The Shockwave supports mini shells with a simple (and inexpensive) rubber adapter, increasing capacity to up to 8 rounds in the magazine. A huge win for Mossberg fans.
- Reliable Operation: Mossberg’s tried-and-true action ensures smooth cycling.
- Capacity: Shockwave holds 5+1 2¾-inch shells (the Tac-14 holds 1 shell less).
- Ambidextrous Safety: Its tang-mounted safety is easy to access for both left- and right-handed users.
Cons:
- Controls Placement: Some users dislike the placement of the safety on top of the grip. It feels intuitive to many but inconvenient to others when operating quickly.
- Lightweight Alloy Receiver: While plenty durable, some enthusiasts prefer the extra heft of a steel receiver found in other models (like the Tac-14).
- Forearm Design: The corn cob-style forearm with a strap may not appeal to everyone, although it’s practical for maintaining grip.
Special Features Unique to Mossberg:
One undeniable edge some stockless shotgun fans love about Mossys is their ambidextrous tang-mounted safety. Positioned for quick, intuitive access, lefties and righties alike can engage the safety switch easily without fumbling for it.
Additionally, the ability to easily install a mini-shell adapter has made the Shockwave especially appealing to users who want to shoot minishells. This feature makes Mossberg stand out from rivals like the Remington Tac-14, which does not offer mini-shell support (at least not without more intensive modifications).
Price Point:
Expect to pay around $400–$450 depending on where you shop.
Final Thoughts on the Shockwave:
Its support for mini shells, ergonomic design, and reliable performance make the Mossberg Shockwave a top choice. If you’re looking for versatility and ease of use, it’s hard to go wrong here.
MOSSBERG 590 Shockwave
$448.99
Price accurate at time of writing
- Action: Pump-Action
- Caliber: 12 GA
- Barrel length: 14"
- Capacity: 5rd
- Safety: Top-Mounted
* Prices accurate at time of writing
590 Shockwave models:
590 Shockwave 7-shot: Features an extended mag tube, offering a 7-shot capacity.
590 Shockwave 410 bore, 20 ga: Perfect for smaller-framed shooters or anyone seeking a more manageable shotgun.
590 Shockwave Laser Saddle: Equipped with a factory-installed Crimson Trace Laser Saddle.
590 Shockwave SPX: Has bonus features like a heat shield, breacher muzzle, and a Picatinny rail for accessories.
590 Shockwave Shock n Saw: Includes a saw-style grip on the forearm and a tactical strap for better control and handling.
590 Shockwave Nightstick: Adds an old-school touch with its classy wooden grip and corncob forearm.
590S Shockwave: Can chamber 1.75”, 2.75”, and 3” shells interchangeably without modifications.
590M Shockwave Mag-Fed: Fed by a detachable box magazine with 10+1 rounds of capacity.
Remington 870 Tac-14
The Tac-14 takes the iconic Remington 870 platform and packages it into a small, maneuverable firearm. Perfect for those who appreciate Remington’s legacy.
Pros:
- Steel Receiver: It delivers durability and a bit of heft for greater balance during firing.
- Magpul Forearm: The synthetic Magpul forearm with a textured surface features M-LOK slots for accessories like lights or lasers. The ribs on the sides prevent the hand from slipping.
- Build Quality: While there have been some quality control concerns in recent years (thanks to Remington’s ownership changes), most Tac-14s deliver consistent performance.
Cons:
- Lower Capacity: The Tac-14 holds 1 round less than the Shockwave—4 shells in the tube, as opposed to 5 on the Mossberg.
- Traditional Safety Location: Positioned near the trigger guard, it’s not as user-friendly or ambidextrous as Mossberg’s tang-mounted safety.
- Incompatible with Mini Shells: While some say they managed to run mini shells cycling the pump fast, the feeding is unreliable. Moreover, there’s still no adapter for the Tac-14.
Special Features Unique to Remington:
One of the standout features of the Tac-14 is its Magpul MOE fore-end, which includes M-LOK slots for attaching accessories like a light or laser. This added functionality can help tailor the firearm for home defense use, especially in low-light situations. While certainly useful, the additional bulk at the fore-end might be less appealing for purists who prefer simpler setups.
The firearm retains the familiar location of the safety (a cross-bolt type located behind the trigger guard) and slide release. If you’ve used an 870 before, you’ll feel right at home.
Price Point:
Typically priced at $450–$520, depending on accessories and availability.
Final Thoughts on the Tac-14:
While the Mossberg Shockwave might edge it out slightly in capacity and weight, the Tac-14 remains a solid choice for Remington enthusiasts or anyone drawn to its classic design and rugged steel construction.
REMINGTON 870 Tac-14
$516.99
Price accurate at time of writing
- Action: Pump-Action
- Caliber: 20 GA
- Barrel length: 14"
- Capacity: 4rd
- Safety: Crossbolt
* Prices accurate at time of writing
Charles Daly Honcho
The Charles Daly Honcho shakes up the competition with its even more budget-friendly price and thoughtful features. At a manufacturer-suggested retail price of $340, the Honcho comes in at around half the price of its Mossberg and Remington counterparts. While it lacks the name recognition of Mossberg or Remington, this underdog shouldn’t be overlooked.
Pros:
- Rubberized Grip: The bird’s head grip is rubber-overmolded, offering a more secure and comfortable hold during recoil compared to the polymer grips.
- Picatinny Rail: A molded-in Pic rail beneath the forearm allows for mounting lights or other accessories.
- Ribbed Forend: The Honcho’s forend features deeply ribbed texturing designed to provide a secure hold. This becomes especially critical when using high-power loads and during rapid-fire action.
- Easy Maintenance: The Honcho’s design makes disassembly simple, rivaling even the Mossberg.
- Made in the USA: The new models are domestically manufactured, ensuring a higher standard of quality.
Cons:
- Brand Reputation: Charles Daly doesn’t carry the same legacy as Mossberg or Remington, which could concern some buyers.
- Aluminum Receiver: The anodized aluminum receiver is durable and keeps the firearm lightweight, but some might dis it for reduced recoil control.
Special Features Unique to Charles Daly:
The area where the Honcho confidently scores points is value. It offers many of the same tactical features as the Tac-14 and Shockwave but often comes at a lower price. The Honcho’s pump action is smooth and reliable, comparable to the actions of the other two. Plus, it offers some tactical features its rivals lack – a rubberized grip, aggressively ribbed forend, and a Pic rail on the bottom.
Price Point:
Budget-friendly at around $300, making it the most accessible option.
Final Thoughts on the Honcho:
The Honcho is an excellent pick for those who want the functionality of a compact 12-gauge firearm without breaking the bank. It’s reliable, surprisingly well-built, and delivers fantastic value for its price.
CHARLES DALY Honcho Tactical
$254.99
Price accurate at time of writing
- Action: Pump-Action
- Caliber: 12 GA
- Barrel length: 14"
- Capacity: 5rd
- Safety: Crossbolt
Which Should You Choose?
Each of these firearms has its distinct advantages, so your decision will depend on your priorities:
- Choose the Mossberg Shockwave if you want flexibility, lightweight handling, and the ability to use mini shells for added capacity.
- Choose the Remington Tac-14 if you prefer steel construction, the classic 870 action, and modern Magpul furniture.
- Choose the Charles Daly Honcho if you’re budget-conscious but still want a quality firearm with excellent features, like the rubberized grip and Picatinny rail.
At the end of the day, all three are fun, functional options that bring immense power in a compact package. Whether you’re eyeing one for home defense or range shooting, there’s no wrong choice here.
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