Staying Cool: Mossberg shockwave or Tac-14 commonly comes with heating issues and the only way to improve its performance is by adding a heat shield.
If you own a mossberg shockwave or tac-14 you are going to realize that these 12 ga short barreled rifles are bad news. I have to admit they are short and Spartan, which makes them relatively easy to maneuver with for home protection or as a truck rifle. That said, the condensed size also makes the barrel very hot after firing a few shots to the actual size of nothing much. In still target shooting, rapid fire situations or competitions, that heat you feel soon becomes uncomfortable; it can be hard to handle your firearm.
That is where an aftermarket Shockwave Heat Shield can come in a huge way. The inclusion of the accessory heat shield increases an insulated airspace between your hand and the barrel in holding and controlling your Shockwave or Tac-14 without burning your hands. A proper heat shield dissipates and reflects heat and gases back into the air so the palms of your hands are not burning when you pull the trigger.
There are a few things to look for when choosing a heat shield:
That is, it must have heat resistance – Tac-14 Heat Shield is made of aluminum or stainless steel – a pair of metals that can take a beating from multiple firings. Further shielding is also applied to the outer surface of the grip as an insulating layer.
Custom fit – You want a heat shield that will perfectly fit your Mossberg Shockwave or Tac-14’s barrel and action for better heat protection. A loose coupling exposes hotspots which gives the firmware an unfriendly environment to operate in for an extended period.
Accessories – Some heat shields come along with a picatinny or M-LOK rail to allow one to install a laser, light or any other accessory. This aids in boosting the efficiency of your versatile small firearms as well increase the protection from heat.
Thin mat – Good at what it does, you just want a thin shield to avoid adding mass to the gun or getting caught on things. The aforesaid types of shields should ideally reach only slightly beyond the barrel diamensions.
I purchased an aluminum heat shield from Shotgun Heat Shield that helped me shoot competition rapidly and without much discomfort. It’s probably not much more than a piece of metal, but a good heat shield really changes the game when you just need to keep that shotgun from overheating. Whether you’re out at the range plinking away, or are using your Shockwave for home defense, a heat shield assists you in maintaining a clear sight on the target rather than being concerned about the fact that the barrel is hot.
