F
Field Ethos
Guest
By Christian Craighead
First, let’s address the name.
“Bliksem” is an Afrikaans word that roughly translates to strike, to hit something hard, or depending on tone and context, to thoroughly fuck someone up. It’s a word with weight behind it. The kind of word that implies decisive action. That felt appropriate for this project.
When the opportunity arose to collaborate with O.F. Mossberg & Sons, there were countless platforms we could have chosen. Mossberg has built its reputation on durable, working guns trusted by professionals and civilians alike. But for me, this project had to start somewhere personal.
Not long after I was legally able to own a firearm in the United States, I walked into a gun store and saw the Mossberg Shockwave sitting on the rack. It was compact. Unconventional. A little aggressive in appearance. I remember thinking—“That looks like a lot of fun and it reminds me of … me.” It didn’t fit neatly into a traditional category, and that was part of the appeal. I bought one immediately, and over time it became more than just a range novelty.
It became a study in versatility.
Anyone who knows me understands that I gravitate toward equipment that can serve more than one purpose. Tools should be adaptable. They should solve problems. The Shockwave platform, in its compact 12-gauge form, offered a surprising amount of capability in a very small footprint.
For defensive applications, it provides substantial stopping power in close quarters. For breaching, it offers a compact solution that doesn’t burden the operator with unnecessary length or weight. Also, in a modern context, where we’ve seen the rise of low-flying hostile drones, a 12-gauge platform with the right load has practical considerations beyond traditional roles.
But spending time behind the gun and watching others (try to) run it revealed areas for improvement.
One consistent observation was that accuracy suffered as distance increased. Beyond roughly 15 yards, many shooters struggled to maintain consistent hits, particularly those less familiar with the platform. The factory bead sight works, but it demands repetition and familiarity. That’s fine for experienced shooters, but I wanted this collaboration to broaden capability, not limit it.
The first major change was the addition of a top rail. This allows the mounting of a red dot optic, dramatically increasing hit probability and shooter confidence. A compact red dot doesn’t change the platform’s footprint in any meaningful way, but it significantly enhances usability. Particularly for those who may not train with it on a regular basis. Faster sight acquisition. Greater consistency. More lethality.
The second refinement involved the grip. We incorporated a QD sling mounting point to improve retention and mobility. For breaching applications especially, sling management matters. Being able to secure the firearm quickly and get it out of the way without compromising control is a small adjustment that makes a significant difference in real-world use.
Aesthetically, we went with a Rhodesian brushstroke-style camouflage. It’s a nod to history and a pattern that remains both distinctive and effective. While it certainly gives the Bliksem a unique presence, the intent wasn’t cosmetic alone. It’s a working finish on a working tool.
Importantly, the essence of the original platform remains untouched. You still get 12-gauge power in a compact, maneuverable configuration. The recoil impulse, the authority, the simplicity of pump action—all that remains intact. What’s changed is the refinement around how the shooter interfaces with it.
The Mossberg Bliksem isn’t meant to replace a full-length shotgun. It isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s a compact, adaptable tool designed to excel within its intended envelope, and to do so with greater efficiency and user confidence than the standard configuration.
At the end of the day, this collaboration was about applying experience to a platform I’ve respected for years. Not reinventing it. Just improving it where it made sense.
Compact power. Practical adjustments. Purpose-driven design. Fucking cool looking.
That’s the Bliksem.
The post Mossberg’s Ministry of Defence appeared first on Field Ethos.
Continue reading...
First, let’s address the name.
“Bliksem” is an Afrikaans word that roughly translates to strike, to hit something hard, or depending on tone and context, to thoroughly fuck someone up. It’s a word with weight behind it. The kind of word that implies decisive action. That felt appropriate for this project.
When the opportunity arose to collaborate with O.F. Mossberg & Sons, there were countless platforms we could have chosen. Mossberg has built its reputation on durable, working guns trusted by professionals and civilians alike. But for me, this project had to start somewhere personal.
Not long after I was legally able to own a firearm in the United States, I walked into a gun store and saw the Mossberg Shockwave sitting on the rack. It was compact. Unconventional. A little aggressive in appearance. I remember thinking—“That looks like a lot of fun and it reminds me of … me.” It didn’t fit neatly into a traditional category, and that was part of the appeal. I bought one immediately, and over time it became more than just a range novelty.
It became a study in versatility.
The Shockwave Platform
Anyone who knows me understands that I gravitate toward equipment that can serve more than one purpose. Tools should be adaptable. They should solve problems. The Shockwave platform, in its compact 12-gauge form, offered a surprising amount of capability in a very small footprint.
For defensive applications, it provides substantial stopping power in close quarters. For breaching, it offers a compact solution that doesn’t burden the operator with unnecessary length or weight. Also, in a modern context, where we’ve seen the rise of low-flying hostile drones, a 12-gauge platform with the right load has practical considerations beyond traditional roles.
But spending time behind the gun and watching others (try to) run it revealed areas for improvement.
One consistent observation was that accuracy suffered as distance increased. Beyond roughly 15 yards, many shooters struggled to maintain consistent hits, particularly those less familiar with the platform. The factory bead sight works, but it demands repetition and familiarity. That’s fine for experienced shooters, but I wanted this collaboration to broaden capability, not limit it.
Bliksem Refinements
The first major change was the addition of a top rail. This allows the mounting of a red dot optic, dramatically increasing hit probability and shooter confidence. A compact red dot doesn’t change the platform’s footprint in any meaningful way, but it significantly enhances usability. Particularly for those who may not train with it on a regular basis. Faster sight acquisition. Greater consistency. More lethality.
The second refinement involved the grip. We incorporated a QD sling mounting point to improve retention and mobility. For breaching applications especially, sling management matters. Being able to secure the firearm quickly and get it out of the way without compromising control is a small adjustment that makes a significant difference in real-world use.
Aesthetically, we went with a Rhodesian brushstroke-style camouflage. It’s a nod to history and a pattern that remains both distinctive and effective. While it certainly gives the Bliksem a unique presence, the intent wasn’t cosmetic alone. It’s a working finish on a working tool.
Power & Rhody Swag
Importantly, the essence of the original platform remains untouched. You still get 12-gauge power in a compact, maneuverable configuration. The recoil impulse, the authority, the simplicity of pump action—all that remains intact. What’s changed is the refinement around how the shooter interfaces with it.
The Mossberg Bliksem isn’t meant to replace a full-length shotgun. It isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s a compact, adaptable tool designed to excel within its intended envelope, and to do so with greater efficiency and user confidence than the standard configuration.
At the end of the day, this collaboration was about applying experience to a platform I’ve respected for years. Not reinventing it. Just improving it where it made sense.
Compact power. Practical adjustments. Purpose-driven design. Fucking cool looking.
That’s the Bliksem.
The post Mossberg’s Ministry of Defence appeared first on Field Ethos.
Continue reading...
