The ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 Made a Bold First Impression
The ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 promises to transform your venerable shotgun into a modern, tactical powerhouse. With its 6-position collapsible stock, ergonomic pistol grip, and integrated shell holder, it certainly looks the part. It aims to offer enhanced adjustability, improved handling, and a more aggressive aesthetic to the already popular Mossberg platform.
For years, I’ve been customizing and upgrading firearms, seeking that perfect balance of form and function. I wanted to modernize my trusty Mossberg 500 for home defense and range use, hoping this stock would deliver the ergonomics and adjustability I needed. The promise of a tunable recoil pad and integrated shell holder sealed the deal, or so I thought.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 makes a striking first impression. The carbon-fiber reinforced polymer feels lightweight yet substantial. The aggressively styled pistol grip and adjustable cheek riser hint at the enhanced control and customization it offers.
Compared to the basic factory stock and a similar offering from ATI, the Archangel stood out with its integrated shell holder and more robust-looking construction. I chose the ProMag hoping the added features would translate to superior performance in the field. My initial excitement was high, envisioning a modernized shotgun with improved handling and quicker reloads.
Unfortunately, that excitement quickly turned to disappointment after my first range session.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 took place at my local outdoor range. I primarily used 12-gauge birdshot and buckshot loads to evaluate the stock’s recoil absorption and overall handling. The weather was clear and dry, ideal conditions for testing.
The pistol grip felt comfortable in my hand, and the adjustable cheek riser provided a decent cheek weld. After firing the first few rounds, the stock began to collapse on its own during each shot from recoil. This was completely unexpected and immediately raised concerns about the system’s reliability.
My nose came dangerously close to the shell carrier with each collapsing shot, a very unpleasant experience. This collapsing issue rendered the adjustable stock virtually useless, making accurate and consistent follow-up shots difficult. The initial promise of enhanced ergonomics and recoil absorption vanished within the first five rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
Extended use of the ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 was, frankly, cut short due to its immediate failure. I didn’t want to risk further discomfort or potential injury with a product that was clearly malfunctioning. Further attempts to tighten the stock or adjust its position proved futile; the collapsing issue persisted.
After only a few rounds, signs of wear became evident on the tube/receiver where the stock pin is supposed to lock in each position. The edges became beveled, exacerbating the collapsing problem and demonstrating poor material quality or design. This accelerated wear raised serious concerns about the stock’s long-term durability and overall reliability.
Maintenance wasn’t really a concern since the product failed so quickly. Given the structural issue, simply cleaning or lubricating the stock wouldn’t address the fundamental problem. Based on my previous experiences with other aftermarket stocks, the ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 was a significant disappointment, failing to deliver on its promises of enhanced performance and adjustability.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590
Specifications
The ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 boasts several key specifications. It features a 6-position collapsible butt-stock made from a proprietary lightweight carbon-fiber reinforced polymer. The stock is designed to be impervious to weather and resistant to standard gun solvents and oils.
It includes an ergonomic pistol grip with internal storage. The stock comes with a tunable, interchangeable-insert recoil pad with soft and firm inserts. The design incorporates molded-in QD sling swivel hardpoints.
The package includes a detachable cheek riser for improved sight alignment. Finally, the Model AA500SC includes a 7-round shell holder that mounts to the left side of the receiver, offering individual shell-retention adjustment without interfering with the forend. These specifications, at face value, suggest a well-thought-out and versatile upgrade for the Mossberg 500/590.
The 6-position adjustability theoretically allows users to customize the length-of-pull for optimal comfort and control. The carbon-fiber reinforced polymer is intended to provide a lightweight yet durable platform. The inclusion of a shell holder offers convenient access to extra ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
In theory, the ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 should enhance the user’s shooting experience through improved ergonomics and adjustability. However, my experience was quite the opposite. The collapsing stock issue completely undermined the system’s functionality and made accurate shooting nearly impossible.
The 7-round shell holder is a good idea but did not compensate for the faulty stock, and the cheek riser provides a decent cheek weld when the stock doesn’t collapse. The stock’s primary weakness is the structural integrity of the collapsible mechanism. The poorly designed locking mechanism and low-quality materials rendered the entire system unreliable and unsafe.
This product failed to meet my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 features an aggressive, tactical design that visually upgrades the Mossberg 500/590. The carbon-fiber reinforced polymer feels reasonably solid in hand, although its performance proved otherwise. The ergonomic pistol grip is comfortable and offers improved control over the standard stock.
However, the collapsing stock issue severely compromises the ergonomics. The adjustable cheek riser is a nice addition, but its utility is limited by the stock’s instability. The design ultimately suffers from a critical flaw in the collapsible mechanism, making it difficult to recommend despite its aesthetic appeal.
There is a learning curve adjusting the cheek riser, and finding a comfortable setting, but this is made even harder when the stock is prone to collapsing after every shot.
Durability & Maintenance
Given my experience, the ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 appears to have questionable long-term durability. The rapid wear on the stock tube and the failure of the locking mechanism suggest a limited lifespan, even with light use. The design flaw in the collapsible mechanism will likely lead to premature failure for most users.
Maintenance is unlikely to address the core issue of the collapsing stock. The materials used in the locking mechanism seem inadequate for the recoil forces generated by a 12-gauge shotgun. Overall, the ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 does not inspire confidence in its long-term durability or reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 includes a detachable cheek riser and interchangeable recoil pad inserts as part of the package. It also features molded-in QD sling swivel hardpoints for attaching slings. The 7-round shell holder offers additional customization, but its functionality is linked to the stock’s overall reliability.
While the stock itself doesn’t directly interface with other aftermarket accessories like optics, its Picatinny rail on the receiver can accommodate various sights. However, the underlying issue of the collapsing stock needs to be addressed before any other customizations can be meaningfully implemented.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590
Pros
- Ergonomic pistol grip provides improved control.
- Adjustable cheek riser allows for a customized cheek weld.
- Integrated 7-round shell holder offers convenient ammunition storage.
- Molded-in QD sling swivel hardpoints provide easy sling attachment.
- Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer construction is lightweight.
Cons
- Major structural flaw: Collapsing stock renders the system unreliable and unsafe.
- Poor material quality leads to rapid wear and tear.
- The design flaw overrides any positive aspects of the product.
Who Should Buy ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590?
This product is only suitable for someone who enjoys tinkering and is prepared to modify the product with their own money and time to make it function reliably. It is not suitable for those seeking a reliable and ready-to-use tactical stock for home defense or serious range use. Given the significant structural flaw, I cannot recommend this product for any practical application.
Who should skip this product? Anyone seeking a reliable, durable, and safe tactical stock for their Mossberg 500/590 should avoid the ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System.
Must-have modifications? A complete redesign and replacement of the collapsible mechanism are essential to address the collapsing stock issue.
Conclusion on ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590
The ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 promises to transform your shotgun into a modern tactical weapon. However, in my experience, it fails to deliver on its promises due to a significant structural flaw in the collapsible stock mechanism.
At a price of $119.49, the cost is not justified given the inherent safety and reliability issues. The collapsing stock problem renders the system virtually useless, negating any potential benefits of the ergonomic design or added features. Based on my firsthand experience, I cannot recommend this product.
Ultimately, the ProMag Archangel Tactical Stock System for Mossberg 500/590 is a disappointing product that needs significant design and quality improvements before it can be considered a viable upgrade for your Mossberg shotgun. Do yourself a favor and explore other, more reliable options before investing in this system.