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May 11, 2026
Best Pump Shotgun 2026: 870 vs 590A1 vs Maverick 88

Best pump-action shotguns ranked head-to-head in 2026. Remington 870 vs Mossberg 590A1 vs Maverick 88 vs Benelli SuperNova, plus non-NFA Shockwave and TAC-14 compared on capacity, barrel build, aftermarket, and value.

Our Top Picks

  1. #1 Mossberg 590A1 ($600): Only pump to pass MIL-SPEC 3443E. Heavy-wall barrel, metal trigger group, 8+1 capacity, ambidextrous tang safety.
  2. #2 Remington 870 Express Tactical ($450): 11 million units mean the largest pump aftermarket on the planet. Factory 18.5" barrel, 6+1 tube, and Picatinny rail for $450.
  3. #3 Mossberg Maverick 88 Security ($299): Cheapest serious defensive pump in production. Mossberg 500 action and stock interface under $300.

Our Top Picks

1
Mossberg 590A1
Only pump to pass MIL-SPEC 3443E. Heavy-wall barrel, metal trigger group, 8+1 capacity, ambidextrous tang safety.
$600
2
Remington 870 Express Tactical
11 million units mean the largest pump aftermarket on the planet. Factory 18.5" barrel, 6+1 tube, and Picatinny rail for $450.
$450
3
Mossberg Maverick 88 Security
Cheapest serious defensive pump in production. Mossberg 500 action and stock interface under $300.
$299

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Best Pump Shotgun 2026: 870 vs 590A1 vs Maverick 88

The best pump shotgun in 2026 is the Mossberg 590A1. It is the only pump-action shotgun ever to pass MIL-SPEC 3443E military testing, ships with a heavy-wall 20-inch barrel, metal trigger guard, ambidextrous tang safety, and 8+1 capacity, the highest tube capacity of any factory pump in this guide. We rank the Remington 870, Mossberg 590A1, Maverick 88, Benelli SuperNova, plus the non-NFA Shockwave and TAC-14 head-to-head on capacity, barrel construction, aftermarket depth, safety design, and price, so you can pick the pump that actually fits your budget and use case.

By AB|Last reviewed May 2026

Best Pump Shotguns (2026 Rankings)

Six pump-action 12-gauge shotguns ranked head-to-head on capacity, barrel build, aftermarket depth, and value. Remington 870, Mossberg 590A1, Maverick 88, Benelli SuperNova, plus the non-NFA Shockwave and TAC-14.

1

Mossberg 590A1

Best Overall - Mil-spec durability with 8+1 capacity

$600
Shop at Classic Firearms
20"12 Gauge8+1
  • +Only pump-action to pass MIL-SPEC 3443E military testing
  • +Heavy-wall barrel and metal trigger guard rated for hard-use
  • +8+1 capacity is the highest factory configuration in this ranking
  • −20-inch barrel is longer and heavier than 18.5-inch competitors
  • −Heavier than the commercial Mossberg 500 it is based on
  • −Polymer trigger group on standard 590 (non-A1) is the main difference, A1 metal group is the upgrade worth paying for
Action: Pump-ActionBarrel: 20" Heavy-wallCapacity: 8+1Weight: 7.25 lbs
2

Remington 870 Express Tactical

Best Aftermarket - 11M+ units mean every part is upgradeable

$450
Shop at Classic Firearms
18.5"12 Gauge6+1
  • +Largest aftermarket of any pump-action shotgun ever produced
  • +Factory 18.5-inch barrel and 6+1 tube extension out of the box
  • +Steel receiver and dual-action-bar pump prevent twist-binding
  • −Express finish is rougher than the Police or Wingmaster Remingtons of the 1990s
  • −6+1 capacity trails the 590A1's 8+1
  • −Crossbolt safety is slower than the Mossberg tang safety
Action: Pump-ActionBarrel: 18.5"Capacity: 6+1Weight: 7.5 lbs
3

Mossberg Maverick 88 Security

Best Budget - Mossberg 500 action under $300

$299
Shop at Classic Firearms
18.5"12 Gauge5+1
  • +Lowest entry price of any serious pump-action defensive shotgun
  • +Shares Mossberg 500 forend, stock, and magazine tube fitment
  • +18.5-inch barrel and 5+1 capacity are adequate for home defense
  • −Crossbolt safety in front of trigger guard is slower than Mossberg tang safety on 500/590
  • −No factory Picatinny rail, optic mount adds $50-80
  • −Rougher action and finish than Mossberg 500 or 590A1
Action: Pump-ActionBarrel: 18.5"Capacity: 5+1Weight: 7.0 lbs
4

Benelli SuperNova Tactical

Best Premium Pump - 3.5" chamber and ComforTech recoil reduction

$649
Shop at Classic Firearms
18.5"12 Gauge4+1
  • +3.5-inch chamber handles defensive, hunting, and magnum loads
  • +ComforTech stock cuts felt recoil more than any other pump in this list
  • +Polymer-overmolded steel receiver resists corrosion in humid climates
  • −Smallest aftermarket of any shotgun in this ranking
  • −4+1 tactical-tube capacity is the lowest here
  • −Premium price for a pump when semi-auto A300 Ultima Patrol is only $300 more
Action: Pump-ActionBarrel: 18.5" TacticalCapacity: 4+1 (3.5" chamber)Weight: 7.4 lbs
5

Mossberg 590 Shockwave

Best Compact Non-NFA - 14-inch 590 action for truck or boat

$549
Shop at Classic Firearms
14.375"12 Gauge5+1
  • +14-inch barrel is non-NFA because the firearm has never had a stock
  • +5.25 lbs and 26.5-inch overall length fits in a backpack or under a seat
  • +Mossberg 590 action with proven feeding reliability
  • −Recoil with bird's-head grip is significantly more punishing than a stocked shotgun
  • −No cheek weld means aimed fire requires extensive practice
  • −Muzzle blast and concussion are amplified by the short barrel
Action: Pump-ActionBarrel: 14.375"Capacity: 5+1Weight: 5.25 lbs
6

Remington TAC-14

Best Compact 870-Pattern - Non-NFA with 870 aftermarket access

$499
Shop at Classic Firearms
14"12 Gauge4+1
  • +14-inch barrel is non-NFA on the same legal basis as the Shockwave
  • +Remington 870 dual-action-bar pump runs smoother than the Shockwave
  • +Compatible with most 870-pattern magazine tubes and forends
  • −4+1 capacity is the lowest in this ranking
  • −Bird's-head grip recoil is harsher than the Shockwave with similar weight
  • −Defensive use demands more training time than any stocked pump
Action: Pump-ActionBarrel: 14"Capacity: 4+1Weight: 5.6 lbs

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Why a Pump Shotgun in 2026?

A pump-action 12-gauge is the cheapest serious defensive long gun money can buy, and it is the only platform that cycles every shell on the shelf regardless of power level. Light birdshot, reduced-recoil buckshot, full-power 00, slugs, breaching rounds, less-lethal: a pump runs all of it without spring swaps or gas-port tuning. Mechanically it has fewer parts than any semi-auto, and the action is forgiving enough that a Maverick 88 stored in a humid closet for five years will still cycle and fire when you pick it up.

The trade-off is speed. A trained shooter can cycle a pump fast enough for any realistic defensive encounter, but it takes work. Under stress a pump can be short-stroked, which is the single most common failure mode of a defensive pump shotgun and the reason we recommend semi-auto for new shooters who can afford one. If your budget supports a Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol at $950, see our best home defense shotgun guide for the semi-auto comparison.

Ammo Indifference

A pump cycles a 1,150 fps low-recoil buckshot load and a full-power slug from the same chamber without adjustment. No semi-auto on the market does this perfectly across the entire shell range.

Entry Price

The Maverick 88 Security is $299, the 870 Express Tactical is $450, the 590A1 is $600. A semi-auto worth owning starts at $950. Pump is the only path to a serious defensive shotgun under $500.

Mechanical Simplicity

Pump-actions have no gas system, no recoil spring tuning, and no piston to clean. Fewer parts means fewer failure modes, lower maintenance time, and a longer service life with less attention.

870 vs 590A1 vs Maverick 88: Head-to-Head

The 870 vs 500 vs 590 question is the perennial pump-shotgun comparison, but most of the parts that matter live one tier up. The relevant fight is Remington 870 Express Tactical vs Mossberg 590A1 vs Mossberg Maverick 88, since the Maverick 88 is the cheapest serious Mossberg 500-pattern pump in production. Here is how the three stack up on the decisions that actually drive the buy.

Price
$600
Remington 870 Express Tactical$450
Mossberg Maverick 88$299
Capacity
8+1
Remington 870 Express Tactical6+1
Mossberg Maverick 885+1
Barrel
20" heavy-wall
Remington 870 Express Tactical18.5"
Mossberg Maverick 8818.5"
Trigger group
Metal
Remington 870 Express TacticalPolymer
Mossberg Maverick 88Polymer
Safety
Ambidextrous tang (fastest)
Remington 870 Express TacticalCrossbolt (slower)
Mossberg Maverick 88Crossbolt (slower)
Factory rail
Picatinny top
Remington 870 Express TacticalPicatinny top
Mossberg Maverick 88None
MIL-SPEC 3443E
Yes (only pump certified)
Remington 870 Express TacticalNo
Mossberg Maverick 88No
Aftermarket
Large (shares 500 parts)
Remington 870 Express TacticalLargest of any pump
Mossberg Maverick 88Shares Mossberg 500 fitment
Pick when
Hard-use, duty, or maximum factory durability
Remington 870 Express TacticalCustomizing on a $700-$900 total budget
Mossberg Maverick 88Lowest entry price or second pump for the truck

Our call: The Mossberg 590A1 is the best pump in this comparison and the one to buy if you can afford it. The metal trigger group and metal tang safety alone are worth the $150 step up from the 870 Express Tactical. The 870 is the right pick when the extra $150 needs to go toward a light, optic, or 500 rounds of practice ammunition: the aftermarket will get you to the same defensive setup. The Maverick 88 is the no-excuses first-pump pick that buys you a serious defensive shotgun for $299, but plan to budget for a Mossberg 500 forend with picatinny rail or add a clamp-on rail because the receiver is bare.

For the full Mossberg 500/590 upgrade path (forend with rail, optic mount, magazine extension, side-saddle), see our Mossberg 500 & 590 upgrades guide. Remington 870 owners get a parallel checklist in the Remington 870 upgrades guide.

Key Features That Matter on a Pump Shotgun

Barrel: 18-20 Inches

Federal law requires a minimum 18-inch barrel on shotguns (anything shorter is an SBS). 18.5-inch barrels are the most common factory length on defensive pumps because they maximize indoor maneuverability. The 590A1's 20-inch heavy-wall barrel is the longest pick here and earns its extra inch and a half by adding tube capacity (8+1 vs 6+1).

Safety: Tang Beats Crossbolt

The Mossberg tang safety on top of the receiver is the fastest manual safety on any defensive shotgun: ambidextrous, thumb-reachable from a firing grip, and visible without breaking your sight picture. The Remington 870 and Maverick 88 use a crossbolt safety behind the trigger guard that requires more hand movement. The 590A1 (not the standard 590) adds a metal safety button: a real upgrade for durability.

Capacity: 5+1 Floor, 8+1 Ceiling

5+1 is the minimum for a defensive pump and adequate for the vast majority of defensive encounters, which are resolved within 2-3 rounds. The Mossberg 590A1 leads at 8+1 with its 20-inch barrel and full-length tube. A shell card on the receiver doubles your ready-ammo regardless of which gun you pick and is cheaper than a tube extension.

Factory Optic Rail

A factory Picatinny rail saves $50-80 on an aftermarket rail and ensures the rail sits at a known height for optic co-witness with iron sights. The 870 Express Tactical, 590A1, and SuperNova Tactical all ship with one. The Maverick 88 does not, which is the single biggest argument for spending the extra money on a proper Mossberg 500 or 590. See our best shotgun red dot guide for the optics that earn their place on a defensive pump.

Pump Shotgun Spec Comparison

Still deciding? Sort by capacity, weight, barrel, or price to match the trade-off that matters most for your setup.

Mossberg 590A1
Mossberg 590A1
ActionPump-Action
Capacity8+1
Weight116 oz
Price$600
Shop at Classic Firearms
Remington 870 Express Tactical
Remington 870 Express Tactical
ActionPump-Action
Capacity6+1
Weight120 oz
Price$450
Shop at Classic Firearms
Mossberg Maverick 88 Security
Mossberg Maverick 88 Security
ActionPump-Action
Capacity5+1
Weight7.0 lbs
Price$299
Shop at Classic Firearms
Mossberg 590 Shockwave
Mossberg 590 Shockwave
ActionPump-Action
Capacity5+1
Weight5.25 lbs
Price$549
Shop at Classic Firearms
Benelli SuperNova Tactical
Benelli SuperNova Tactical
ActionPump-Action
Capacity4+1
Weight7.4 lbs
Price$649
Shop at Classic Firearms
Remington TAC-14
Remington TAC-14
ActionPump-Action
Capacity4+1
Weight5.6 lbs
Price$499
Shop at Classic Firearms

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Essential Pump Shotgun Accessories

A stock pump is half a defensive tool. Four upgrades make the gun work: a red dot for aimed fire under stress, a weapon light for positive target identification, a side-saddle shell card to double your ready ammunition, and a stock that fits with the right length of pull. Total accessory budget ranges from $500 (Streamlight light, irons, basic shell card) up to $1,000 for the Holosun 507COMP and SureFire M640DFT-Pro setup below.

Red Dot - Faster Hits at 7-15 Yards

Holosun 507COMP

  • ✓Large window sized for shotgun recoil and rapid acquisition
  • ✓Multi-reticle: 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or both at once
  • ✓Shake-awake means it is always on when you grab the shotgun
  • ✓Mounts to factory rails on the 870 Express Tactical and 590A1
$369.00 MSRP
Shop at Brownells
Weapon Light - Non-Negotiable for Home Defense

SureFire M640DFT-PRO Turbo Scout Light Pro

  • ✓1,500 lumens and 100,000 candela throw a tight beam for target ID
  • ✓Hardened electronics survive sustained 12-gauge recoil
  • ✓Dual Fuel: CR123A or 18650 rechargeable
  • ✓M-LOK and Picatinny mount options for pump forends
$334.49
View at OpticsPlanet
Shell Card - 7 Spare Rounds on the Receiver

Esstac 7-Round Shotgun Card

  • ✓7-round KYWI shell card keeps reloads indexed and accessible
  • ✓Velcro-back adhesive mount works on every receiver in this guide
  • ✓Retention is positive enough for movement and recoil
  • ✓Pumps trail semi-autos on tube capacity, this closes the gap
$17.00 MSRP
Shop at Brownells
Stock - Length of Pull and Recoil Management

Mesa Tactical Urbino Stock (1301/M4 Pattern)

  • ✓13-inch length of pull works for shooters 5'4" to 6'2"
  • ✓Limbsaver pad cuts felt recoil from 00 buck noticeably
  • ✓Fits Mossberg 590/590A1, Remington 870, and Maverick 88
  • ✓Adjustable cheek riser supports red-dot height-over-bore
$158.49
View at OpticsPlanet

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Total Setup Budget: A complete Maverick 88 setup runs $299 (gun) + $130 (Streamlight TLR-7 X) + $35 (shell card) + $100 (stock) = about $565. A complete 870 Express Tactical setup with Holosun and SureFire light is $1,300. A 590A1 with the same accessories sits around $1,450. Budget at least 200 rounds of practice ammunition plus 100 rounds of your chosen defensive buckshot for pattern testing before relying on the shotgun for defense.

Shockwave and TAC-14: Non-NFA Pump Shotguns

The Mossberg 590 Shockwave and Remington TAC-14 are 12-gauge “firearms” under federal definition, not shotguns. Because they ship with a Raptor bird's-head grip and have never had a stock, the 14-inch barrel is legal without an NFA tax stamp. Both run the parent shotgun's action (590 for the Shockwave, 870 for the TAC-14), and both fit in a discreet bag at roughly 26-26.5 inches overall.

Practical defensive use is a different question. Without a stock, recoil with a bird's-head grip is significantly more punishing than a stocked pump, and follow-up shots are noticeably slower. The 14-inch barrel also amplifies muzzle blast and concussion indoors. Choose these only if you have a specific use case (truck gun, RV, boat) that justifies the compact form factor and you are willing to put in serious practice time. For most buyers, a stocked 870 Express Tactical or 590A1 is a better defensive tool. See our dedicated Shockwave & TAC-14 accessories guide for sling, brace, and light recommendations specific to these platforms.

Do Not Add a Stock or Vertical Foregrip

Adding a buttstock to a Shockwave or TAC-14 converts it into a short-barreled shotgun (SBS) and triggers NFA registration before the modification. The same applies to a vertical foregrip on either firearm: ATF treats a VFG addition as conversion to an Any Other Weapon (AOW). Strap-style hand stops are the only ATF-blessed front grip modification. The 2025 OBBBA zeroed the NFA tax on SBS conversions, but the registration paperwork is still required and approval times run a few days on eForm 1 rather than the old 6-12 month wait. If you want a stocked compact 12-gauge, file the Form 1 first.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the best pump shotgun in 2026?
The Mossberg 590A1 ($600) is the best pump shotgun in 2026. It is the only pump-action shotgun ever to pass MIL-SPEC 3443E military testing, ships with a heavy-wall 20-inch barrel, metal trigger guard, metal tang safety, and 8+1 capacity, the highest factory tube capacity in this ranking. For a cheaper proven pump, the Remington 870 Express Tactical ($450) is the value pick with the largest aftermarket of any pump shotgun ever produced. For absolute lowest entry price, the Mossberg Maverick 88 Security ($299) uses the Mossberg 500 action under $300.
▶Is the Remington 870 or Mossberg 590 better?
The Mossberg 590A1 is better for hard-use defense thanks to MIL-SPEC 3443E certification, an 8+1 tube, a metal trigger group, and the ambidextrous tang safety that is faster than the 870's crossbolt safety. The Remington 870 Express Tactical is better for value and aftermarket: $450 vs $600, factory 18.5-inch barrel and Picatinny rail out of the box, and the largest parts ecosystem of any pump-action ever made. Pick the 590A1 if you want the most durable factory pump. Pick the 870 if you plan to customize, want to save $150, or value parts availability over military testing certification.
▶What is the difference between the Mossberg 500, 590, and 590A1?
The Mossberg 500, 590, and 590A1 share the same dual-extractor pump action and most parts. The 500 is the commercial model with a polymer trigger group, plastic safety button, and a magazine tube that the barrel screws into (limits magazine capacity to 5+1 or 6+1). The 590 has a removable magazine tube cap that allows extended tubes up to 8+1 or 9+1 capacity but retains the polymer trigger group. The 590A1 adds a metal trigger group, metal safety button, and heavy-wall barrel rated under MIL-SPEC 3443E. If you can stretch the budget, the 590A1 is worth the extra $100-150 over the 590 for the metal parts alone.
▶What barrel length is best for a home defense pump shotgun?
18 to 20 inches is the sweet spot for a home defense pump shotgun. Federal law requires a minimum 18-inch barrel on shotguns with a stock (anything shorter is an SBS, regulated under the NFA). 18.5-inch barrels are the most common factory length on defensive pumps (Remington 870 Express Tactical, Maverick 88, Benelli SuperNova Tactical) because they maximize maneuverability indoors. 20-inch barrels add a couple of inches of overall length but pick up one extra round of tube capacity (Mossberg 590A1 at 8+1) and slightly tighter buckshot patterns. Avoid 26-28-inch sporting barrels: they are too long for hallways and doorways.
▶Bead sight, ghost ring, or red dot on a pump shotgun?
A red dot beats both bead and ghost ring sights on a pump shotgun for defensive use. At 7-15 yard home defense distances, 00 buckshot produces a pattern roughly 3-6 inches wide, small enough to miss center mass if you point rather than aim. A red dot with shake-awake (Holosun 507COMP, Aimpoint Micro) eliminates sight alignment under stress, supports both-eyes-open shooting, and works in any lighting. Ghost ring sights are a usable second choice if budget rules out the optic, and the Mossberg 590A1 ships with them. Bead sights are the cheapest factory option and adequate for daylight engagements inside 10 yards, but they are not the right pick for a dedicated defensive shotgun. See our shotgun red dot guide for the full optic ranking.
▶Is 00 buckshot or slug better for home defense?
00 buckshot is the standard recommendation for home defense in a pump shotgun. A 2.75-inch reduced-recoil 00 buck shell sends 8 to 9 pellets of .330-inch diameter (each roughly the size of a 9mm bullet) downrange at 1,200 to 1,325 fps. That delivers devastating terminal performance inside 15 yards while keeping over-penetration manageable compared to slugs. A 1 oz slug penetrates through multiple interior walls and remains lethal on the other side: only use slugs indoors if you have confirmed safe backstops. Reduced-recoil loads like Federal FliteControl LE132-00 keep buckshot patterns tight (3-4 inches at 15 yards through an Improved Cylinder choke) and reduce the chance of stray pellets.
▶Is a side-saddle shell card worth it on a pump shotgun?
Yes, a side-saddle shell card is the highest-ROI upgrade on a pump shotgun. Pumps have 4 to 8 rounds of tube capacity, which is fewer than any defensive carbine or pistol. A 6 or 7-round Esstac KYWI or Mesa Tactical SureShell card on the receiver puts spare ammunition exactly where your support hand is during a reload and lets you switch shell types (buckshot to slug) without going to a vest or belt rig. The card adds roughly $25-130 depending on rigid vs. soft, doubles your immediate ammo supply, and indexes shells in the same orientation every time, which speeds emergency reloads under stress.
▶Why is the Mossberg Shockwave legal with a 14-inch barrel?
The Mossberg Shockwave (and Remington TAC-14) are legal with 14-inch barrels because the ATF classifies them as 'firearms' rather than 'shotguns.' A shotgun under federal definition is a weapon designed to be fired from the shoulder, which means it must have or have had a stock. Because the Shockwave and TAC-14 ship from the factory with a bird's-head Raptor grip and never had a stock, they fall under the catch-all 'firearm' category that has a 26-inch overall length minimum but no barrel-length floor. The two common modifications that pull these guns into NFA territory are separate categories: adding a stock converts them into a short-barreled shotgun (SBS), and adding a vertical foregrip converts them into an Any Other Weapon (AOW). Both require NFA registration on the correct form (Form 1 for an SBS conversion, Form 1 for an AOW conversion) before the modification, but they are not the same category. The OBBBA zeroed the NFA tax in 2025, so neither conversion costs $200 anymore, and eForm 1 approvals are running a few days rather than the old 6-12 month wait.

Configure Your Pump Shotgun

Pick the pump, then layer on optic, light, shell card, and stock with real-time compatibility checking. Our shotgun builder filters every accessory by host platform so you do not waste money on a forend that does not fit a Maverick or a stock cut for the wrong receiver pattern.

Launch Shotgun BuilderCompare: Tactical Semi-Auto ShotgunsBenelli M4 Upgrades

Complete Your Build

Essential accessories to round out your setup

Illumination • $119

Streamlight ProTac HL-X

  • ✓1,000 lumens
  • ✓50,000 candela
$96.99
View at Amazon
Slings & Retention • $75

Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling

  • ✓Dual QD swivels
  • ✓Convertible design
$66.45
View at OpticsPlanet
Iron Sights • $99

Magpul MBUS 3

  • ✓Impact-resistant polymer
  • ✓Spring-loaded flip-up
$48.99
Shop at Brownells
Slings & Retention • $22

Magpul QD Sling Swivel

  • ✓QD swivel
  • ✓Manganese phosphate
$13.95
View at OpticsPlanet
Slings & Retention • $69

Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling

  • ✓Padded
  • ✓Quick-adjust
$64.95
View at Amazon
Slings & Retention • $25

BCM M-LOK QD Sling Mount

  • ✓M-LOK
  • ✓QD socket
$17.85
View at OpticsPlanet

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AB
ABAuthor

Avid shooter with 9+ years of experience including competition shooting. Built 10+ AR-pattern rifles and several handgun platforms for home defense, competition, and suppressed night shooting.

9+ years shooting experienceCompetition shooterBuilt 10+ AR-pattern rifles

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