Mossberg 990 SPX Short Barrel Shotgun
Compact authority, semi-auto performance. The Mossberg 990 SPX is a 12-gauge, 3-inch semi-automatic tactical shotgun built for shooters who demand maneuverability without sacrificing firepower. Available in a short-barrel 14.75-inch configuration, this firearm delivers rapid cycling, modern ergonomics, and extensive accessory compatibility. Below you will find detailed specifications, advanced features, practical benefits, and essential information about this compact defensive platform.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Detail / Value |
| Model |
Mossberg 990 SPX (Short Barrel / NFA Class 3) |
| Gauge |
12 Gauge |
| Chamber |
3 inches |
| Action Type |
Semi-automatic, gas-operated |
| Barrel Length |
14.75 inches (NFA/Class 3 Short-Barreled Shotgun) |
| Overall Length |
33 inches |
| Weight (unloaded) |
7.35 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity |
5+1 with 2.75-inch shells; 6-shot configuration |
| Sights |
Ghost Ring rear, winged Fiber Optic front; Optic-ready receiver |
| Choke |
Accu-Choke Cylinder |
| Finish |
Matte Blue (metal); Black Synthetic (stock/forend) |
| Stock |
Magpul SGA Adjustable LOP Stock with spacers |
| Forend |
SPX Handguard with integrated heat shield, M-LOK slots, and QD ports |
| MSRP |
$1,309 |
Advanced Features
| Feature |
Description / Benefit |
| Gas-Operated System |
Fully contained within the forend, engineered for smooth, consistent cycling across a variety of ammunition types. |
| Nickel-Boron Coated Internals |
Gas piston, magazine tube, hammer, and sear feature nickel-boron coatings and specialized finishes for enhanced corrosion resistance and durability. |
| Optic-Ready Receiver |
Direct mounting of micro-dot optics (RMSc footprint). Includes adapter plates for RMR, Docter, and Leupold footprint optics. |
| SPX Handguard |
Rigid, heat-resistant platform with integrated heat shield, multiple M-LOK accessory slots, and QD sling ports. |
| Magpul SGA Stock |
Adjustable length of pull with spacers, improved recoil management, secure shoulder weld, and QD sling mounting options. |
| Oversized Controls |
Knurled charging handle, oversized paddle-style bolt release, and ergonomic top-mounted safety with red indicator. |
| Enhanced Loading |
Enlarged, beveled loading port, elongated pinch-free elevator, and high-visibility anodized orange follower. |
| Winged Front Fiber Optic Sight |
Rapid target acquisition and seamless co-witness capability with mounted optics. |
| Ghost Ring Rear Sight |
Steel ghost ring rear sight for precision aiming and quick target engagement. |
Practical Benefits & Performance Advantages
| Benefit Category |
Detailed Advantage |
| Compact Maneuverability |
The 14.75-inch barrel provides exceptional handling in tight spaces, making it ideal for home defense, vehicle use, and close-quarters applications. |
| Rapid Follow-Up Shots |
Semi-automatic gas operation cycles quickly, allowing for fast successive shots with reduced perceived recoil compared to pump-action alternatives. |
| Ammunition Versatility |
The robust gas system handles a wide range of 12-gauge loads, from birdshot to buckshot and slugs, without adjustment. |
| Accessory-Ready Platform |
M-LOK slots and QD ports on the forend and stock enable mounting of lights, lasers, grips, and slings for mission-specific customization. |
| Modern Optic Compatibility |
The optic-ready receiver accepts micro red dots directly, enhancing target acquisition speed and accuracy, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Ergonomic Adjustability |
Magpul SGA stock with adjustable length of pull ensures a proper fit for a wide range of shooters, improving control and comfort. |
| Corrosion Resistance |
Nickel-boron coatings on critical internal components provide long-term reliability and durability in harsh environments. |
| Fast Reloading |
Enlarged loading port and pinch-free elevator make reloading quicker and easier under stress. |
Model Variants & Options
| Model |
Barrel Length |
Capacity |
Overall Length |
Weight |
Classification |
| 990 SPX 6-Shot (Short Barrel) |
14.75″ |
5+1 |
33″ |
7.35 lbs |
NFA / Class 3 (SBS) |
| 990 SPX 8-Shot (Standard) |
18.5″ |
7+1 |
37.25″ |
7.75 lbs |
Standard |
Package Contents & Compatibility
| Item / Component |
Details |
| Mossberg 990 SPX Shotgun |
Complete with Magpul SGA stock and SPX forend installed. |
| Optic Adapter Plates |
Includes plates for mounting RMR, Docter, and Leupold footprint optics (RMSc direct mount). |
| Choke |
Accu-Choke Cylinder installed (consumer versions may feature interchangeable chokes). |
| Holster Compatibility |
Compatible with holsters designed for Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical and similar short-barrel tactical shotguns. |
| Accessory Rail |
M-LOK slots on forend for lights, grips, and other accessories. |
About the Mossberg 990 SPX Short Barrel Shotgun
The Mossberg 990 SPX Short Barrel Shotgun represents the evolution of Mossberg’s tactical semi-auto platform, combining the proven reliability of the 990 series with modern enhancements requested by defensive and duty shooters. The 14.75-inch barrel configuration delivers the maneuverability of a short-barreled shotgun while maintaining the semi-automatic firepower that makes the 990 series a formidable defensive tool. With its gas-operated system, nickel-boron coated internals, and Magpul ergonomics, this shotgun is designed to run reliably in demanding conditions. The optic-ready receiver and extensive M-LOK accessory mounting options allow shooters to configure the platform to their specific needs, whether for home defense, law enforcement, or tactical training. The Magpul SGA stock provides adjustable length of pull and improved recoil management, while the SPX handguard with integrated heat shield and QD sling ports ensures the firearm remains comfortable and controllable during extended use. The short-barrel 990 SPX falls under the National Firearms Act as a Short-Barreled ShotgunShotgun (SBS) and requires registration, though the $200 tax stamp has been removed for these items as of recent regulatory changes. With its blend of compact size, semi-auto speed, and modern modularity, the Mossberg 990 SPX Short Barrel is a purpose-built defensive shotgun ready for serious use.
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