TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590 Review

First Thoughts on the TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590

The TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590 promises an inexpensive way to enhance the handling and control of two of the most popular shotgun platforms. As someone with over a decade of experience in the tactical gear realm, I’m always looking for affordable and effective upgrades. I’ve seen countless accessories come and go, from game-changing innovations to utter failures, and I approach each new product with a healthy dose of skepticism and excitement. Will this simple ABS polymer grip live up to its potential, or will it end up gathering dust in the parts bin?

I was initially drawn to this grip because I was looking for a simple, non-permanent way to improve the ergonomics of my Mossberg 500. The factory forend is functional, but leaves a lot to be desired in terms of grip and control, especially during rapid firing or in awkward positions. The low price point made it an attractive option for experimentation. Upon unboxing, the grip felt surprisingly solid, given its ABS Polymer construction. It’s lightweight, which is a plus, but the finish felt a little…plasticky.

Compared to other forend replacements I’ve used, like the Magpul MOE forend or the Hogue OverMolded forend, the TacStar grip lacks the refined feel and robust construction. Those other options offer more comfortable and secure grips, but they also come with a higher price tag. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It looked like it could be a functional upgrade, but I was also prepared for the possibility that it might feel cheap and flimsy in actual use.

Real-World Testing: Putting TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, under dry and mild conditions. I brought along my trusty Mossberg 500 and a variety of shotgun loads, ranging from birdshot to buckshot, to get a comprehensive feel for the grip’s performance. Installation was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of effort. The TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590 replaced the factory forend easily, with no need for any gunsmithing.

The first few rounds were surprisingly positive. The TacStar grip provided a much more secure hold than the standard forend, allowing for better recoil management and faster follow-up shots. It felt more natural to manipulate the shotgun. However, after about 50 rounds of mixed loads, I noticed a slight loosening of the grip. This required me to stop and re-tighten the screws, which was a minor annoyance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including a muddy clay shooting session and a few trips to the range, the TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590 showed some signs of wear. The finish started to scratch, and the grip developed a slight wobble, even after tightening the screws. While it still functioned adequately, the wobble was concerning, making me question its long-term durability.

Maintenance was simple, as the ABS Polymer is easy to wipe clean. However, I found myself needing to tighten the screws more frequently than I would like. Compared to my experience with more robust forends, the TacStar grip felt less reliable under heavy use. While it offered a noticeable improvement over the factory forend in terms of grip, its durability was questionable.

Breaking Down the Features of TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590

Specifications

• Type: Tactical Grip. This design specifically aims to improve the user’s grip and control, leading to better handling of the shotgun.
• Model: Shotgun. It’s designed exclusively for shotguns, limiting its versatility.
• Material: ABS Polymer. The use of ABS Polymer aims to strike a balance between durability and affordability, potentially sacrificing some longevity for cost savings.
• Compatibility: Mossberg 500 & 590. This limits its use to these two shotgun platforms.

The ABS Polymer construction keeps the weight down, but it also raises concerns about long-term durability, especially under heavy use. The limited compatibility restricts its appeal to owners of Mossberg 500 and 590 shotguns only.

Performance & Functionality

The TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590 does improve grip and recoil management, offering a more secure hold than the factory forend. However, the loosening issue and eventual wobble detract from its overall performance. It offers a noticeable improvement in ergonomics but falls short in terms of reliability under sustained use.

Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and ease of installation. The biggest weakness is the long-term durability of the ABS Polymer construction and the loosening screws. It initially meets expectations for an inexpensive upgrade, but its long-term performance is disappointing.

Design & Ergonomics

The ABS Polymer construction makes it lightweight and relatively comfortable to hold, although the finish feels somewhat cheap. The grip itself is ergonomically sound, providing a more natural hand position for better control. There’s no significant learning curve. Installation is a breeze, making it a simple upgrade even for novice users.

Durability & Maintenance

The ABS Polymer construction raises concerns about its lifespan, especially under harsh conditions. Frequent tightening of screws may be necessary to prevent loosening. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth, but the plastic is prone to scratching.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590 does not come with any additional accessories. There are no built-in rails for attaching lights or lasers. The only “customization” is the replacement of the factory forend with this grip.

It’s not directly compatible with aftermarket rails or other accessories designed for railed forends. This severely limits its customization potential.

Pros and Cons of TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590

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Who Should Buy TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590?

This TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590 is perfect for budget-conscious shotgun owners who want a simple, non-permanent ergonomic upgrade for their Mossberg 500 or 590. It would also be suitable for those who need a quick, inexpensive improvement for occasional use.

Those who prioritize long-term durability, extensive customization options, or heavy-duty performance should skip this product. They would be better served by investing in a higher-quality railed forend from a reputable brand like Magpul or Hogue.

Consider adding a thread-locking compound to the screws during installation to help prevent loosening. It might also be worth exploring aftermarket screw options with a more secure locking mechanism.

Conclusion on TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590

The TacStar Front Shotgun Grip Mossberg 500 590 offers a budget-friendly way to improve the ergonomics of your shotgun. It provides a more secure grip and better recoil management compared to the factory forend, and it’s easy to install. However, the long-term durability is questionable, and the lack of customization options is a significant drawback.

The price is certainly justified for the initial improvement in grip and handling. However, buyers should be aware of the potential need for frequent maintenance and the limited lifespan of the ABS Polymer construction.

I would cautiously recommend it to those on a very tight budget who understand its limitations. If you can afford to spend a bit more, invest in a higher-quality forend with more robust construction and customization options. Consider this a stepping stone, but not a long-term solution. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and your performance expectations.

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