* ATTENTION * If you already own our Universal Cartridge Adapter and would like to modify and reuse it with the Mini-Pro Lifter, please choose the Lifter Only option. For new users or those that don't want to modify their original adapter, please choose the Mini-Pro System kit, which includes a modified adapter.
The Mini-Pro Lifter and Cartridge Arrestor System is the next step in the evolution of short-cartridge cycling capability. Taking the success of our Universal Cartridge Adapter and 590S Cartridge Arrestor Upgrade Kits to the next-level, Mini-Pro is not an adapter; it is an OEM-like solution that addresses the heart of the shotgun's functionality, where the entire factory lifter/elevator is replaced with our Mini-Pro Lifter and 590S Cartridge Arrestor System. This means you can essentially upgrade any Mossberg pump-action 12-Gauge shotgun with a 3" receiver to a true 590S-like configuration.
The Mini-Pro Lifter is constructed of hardened steel and blackened to match the factory finish. The cam profile has been optimized to accommodate minishells, and the bolt carrier rails have been polished to smooth out the action and provide a "broken-in" feel. The legs of the lifter are slightly biased in the open position to ensure plenty of residual pressure is applied to the pivot pins so they can't jump out of their respective holes if the firearm is dropped (see this video starting at minute marker 4:25 for more info: https://youtu.be/87XSOnQrCYg).
The Cartridge Arrestor is exactly the same as our 590S upgrade design and is constructed from vulcanized thermoplastic rubber. The follower is machined from solid 6061-T6 billet aluminum and is finished in a hard, safety-red anodized coating.
This system is compatible with any Mossberg 500, 590 or Maverick 88 pump-action 12-Gauge firearm with machined grooves in the receiver. Please refer to the picture or the installation video below to confirm your firearm's compatibility, but we've never seen a Mossberg pump-action firearm without these grooves.
*Please note our Universal Cartridge Adapter is forward-compatible with the Mini-Pro System with a simple modification. If you already own the Universal Cartridge Adapter and would like to reuse it, you will only need to purchase the Mini-Pro Lifter. See video for more details.
**Apply a thin coating of gun oil to all lifter surfaces prior to installation.
***The Mini-Pro Lifter, Cartridge Arrestor and Magazine Follower are optimized to function as a system, however the factory and other aftermarket followers may function as well for those that do not wish to use the follower provided.
****A short break-in period is recommended for the Mini-Pro Cartridge Arrestor, cycle 4-5 magazines of 2-3/4" cartridges thru the firearm before trying to feed 1-3/4" or 3" cartridges (can be dry-cycled if you have a safe place).
It's not often that an aftermarket add-on actually improves performance and expands your options while saving you money. This Mini-Pro system does just that.
After reading online reviews, I took the leap and bought a bare-bones Mossberg 590, knowing that my goal was to fire mostly mini shells. The cost of the 590 was about $100 less than the 590S, and the kit at the time of purchase was $55. So there's $45 more in my wallet.
The true beauty of this system, though, is that you can buy virtually ANY Mossberg and upgrade it to state-of-the-art for mini shells. Get one at a pawnshop, pull an old 500 out of Dad's closet, or decide you want a fancy Cerakote or marine model, and this kit has you covered.
A note on Defender Tactical service: I had trouble with my lifter initially and reached out to Wes. He asked a couple of questions and sent out a replacement lifter right away. The new lifter worked perfectly and I was mixing 2 3/4 inch and 1 3/4 inch shells without a hitch. I couldn't be happier!
A note about mini shells: These seem to be a fantastic innovation in ammunition. I don't know how they manage it, but you can launch a 1-oz slug at 1200 FPS and experience absolutely minimal recoil (my wife preferred it to the felt recoil of her .410). A 1-oz slug at 1600 FPS is always punishing. The mini shell makes your 12ga into a low-recoil, high-capacity, hard hitting home defense shotgun without taking away your option for magnum loads if you want 'em.
Kudos to Defender Tactical for opening the door to upgrade all our Mossbergs.
This took my Mav 88 to the next level. I've recommended this Lifter to a couple of brothers at the range after they saw the operation of the shotgun and asked how I was able to run the different size ammo. Thanks again Defender Tactical.
Its a shockwave must have.
I tried many times to use the mini-Pro Lifter but rounds continued to "tumble" in the ejection port area of the weapon. The highlight of my experience was working with Defender Tactical customer support. For no-cost they provided a new Modified Adapter and were VERY responsive with support. Unfortunately, I could not operate the weapon confidently with tumbling 1.75" rounds. Great idea but something is amiss with the design. Once this is corrected, I'm willing to try again. Thanks for the GREAT Customer Support Defender Tactical and working with me.
I received the upgraded lifter + follower + insert in the mail yesterday. After watching the relevant YouTube video I installed all 3 parts into my 18.5” 12ga Maverick 88 and reassembled it with little to no issue. I loaded up (5) 2-3/4” dummy/snapcap shells into the magazine tube and cycled the action a couple times to make sure it was functioning okay and sure enough all was well.
I did make sure to liberally apply CLP lubricant to the new lifter as per the instructions. I have no complaints and the only thing left to do is go test it out with some live ammunition!
