I'm into my night stick for 450, tops. The wood is more expensive than the polymer. Not saying it's as smooth as my browning bps or old wingmaster, but both my newer production mossbergs are plenty smooth. Certainly no grave in the action feel. Definitely on par with freedom group Remington 870 express.
Adding a brace to the birdshead grip firearms brings it to the point in my opinion where you are better off with a sbs or 18" riot configuration. The birdshead lends itself very well to shooting from the hip, or held in front of you sighting down the barrel. Not saying it's perfect or for everyone, but you definitely don't want to be on the receiving end of one. I didn't like or get the shockwaves when they first came out, but after shooting one, they are fun. Wouldn't want to shoot 3"slugs out of one, but for birdshot and especially the mini shells they are fun.