Black Aces Tactical Pro Series S Max 517 12 Gauge

This reliable shotgun outperforms the shotshell firearms types by a tremendous factor, in our view. The Black Aces S Max is a relatively light shotgun. Despite this, recoil was not objectionable. The shotgun handles well, and we were surprised that it was still controllable with its own birdshead grip.

By
Todd Woodard
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Published:
1
The Black Aces Tactical Pro Series S Max’s handling was surprisingly good.

We recently tested three shorty-type shotshell-chambered firearms, one of which was a new Mossberg model, with a diverse group of mini shotgun shells to see if any of the three could handle the 1¾-inch shotshells reliably. In particular, the Mossberg 590S Shockwave firearm is purportedly designed for factory reliability with mini shells. If the gun were to work as advertised, the 590S would go a long way toward legitimizing the mini shell and its niche popularity.

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1 COMMENT

  1. I have some questions more than a comment. First the photo makes it look like the barrel it pointing in a different direction than the stock. It is just a very very strange photo.
    You compare the Black Ace S with the Mossberg
    Shockwave 590S. But you didn’t compare it with the Mossberg 590S. Supposedly they are essentially the same mechanism but one is a full size like the Black Ace S and the other is not. More like comparing oranges to tangerines. Both orange in color both citrus fruit but not the same. The grip isn’t the same, the recoil isn’t the same, the way it handles isn’t the same, etc. Do you like the way the Black Ace handles more because it is a shotgun and the Mossberg is not? A Colt 1911 is a firearm. A Colt SAA is a firearm. They are both made by Colt, both fire .45 cartridges (and with the proper cylinder can fire .45ACP) but not the same thing. Apples to Apples please. Personally I wouldn’t buy a Shockwave or any of those type of “shotguns”. I might a full size 590S. But from your review it’s hard to tell if it’s better or worse than the Black Ace. Or the others with the inserts.

    Sometime when I get around to it I’ll have to write you a long letter on comparing break top revolvers, the Charter Arms Southpaw, and why the Colt SAA and similar revolvers are really better for lefties.