Tactical Shotguns of yester year. It's good to see the ol' 12 gauge staying strong, and as the popularity with module, fancy rifles has grown, the shotgun world has been becoming a little... blacker. Rails, High Capacity clip-o-zines, flesh-eating muzzle devices... no this isn't one of those shotguns. The Mossberg 930 is pretty conventional by todays high-speed-low-drag, 'gotta have 1913 rail all over the place' standards. And thank the Lord for that, because this gun is really meant to be put to work. Law Enforcement, Military, and recreational competition is where the 930 shines due to its durability and reliability.
It's actually a 3-Gunner fan favorite, with more than a few famous shooters (ahem - Jerry Miculek, Lena Miculek, Ryan Flannigan) having signature models. Seriously, check out Jerry's 930 with the huge magazine tube and gnarly muzzle compensator, what a beast! Buying a 3-Gun platform in 930 isn't painless though, as availability is real tough, but for the price it still comes way lower than a Benelli. Luckily it's Mossberg, and that means aftermarket availability is out there. Not as much as the 500 but its still out there. Finding a 22"-24" is the hardest part, since these come with an 18" and everyone's looking for a longer barrel so they can get a longer mag tube as well. I'm still searching. But in-between matches, its a great range beast, and will definitely fit a home defense role.
The only real issue that floats around out in the community is the anemic ejection of low-brass and inexpensive shells right out of the box. Some claim they never had the issue, other's swear by it. I did have a few shells get caught in the action at first. But I managed to find some winchester bulk that was a bit bolder at 1200fps, and still mixed in some 3" old game loads for about 2-300 rounds. It shoots the cheap stuff just fine now.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: The "Go-To" high capacity (tube-fed) semiauto 12 gauge
Target Market: Ideal for 3-Gun, Home Defense, Slug hunting with legal mag limit. Alittle 'bubba' for skeet and sporting clays.
FNBs: (Features and Benefits of this product)
- 2 3/4" - 3" Chambered in 12 Gauge
- 4+1 or 7+1 Capacity
- Smooth Cycling, Dual Gas-Vent System
- Railed, Stand-Off Breacher & Heat Shield Models available
- Free Gun Lock/2-Year Limited Warranty Included
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? Matte black/synthetic only
What others are saying? "I can't speak for everyone's 930spx and low recoil loads, but mine has been great with the Federal Wally World value pack and various low recoil buckshot and slugs. Shell ejection was somewhat anemic, but still positive, with the Fiocchi 00 buckshot and the action cycled just fine. I only have about 300 rounds through this shotgun. Most of the posts Ive read say it's not truly broken in until around 400." - Shotgun world forum
Price point:
I need it now! Availability: Check your local gun stores.
Our Rating:
+ Large knurled bolt handle right from the factory + Ghost ring rear iron sight detachable on 1913 rail (factory installed) + Recoil is mitigated (to a point) with gas operated system - Hard to find SPX with pistol grip stock in stores, had to get standard stock model and aftermarket choate stock. - Some new owners report failure to eject with low-brass, cheap bulk ammo during initial "break-in" period.
Score: 9.5
Ryan prefers Promised Land Firearms for all his FFL needs.
I can't speak for everyone's 930spx and low recoil loads, but mine has been great with the Federal Wally World value pack and various low recoil buckshot and slugs. Shell ejection was somewhat anemic, but still positive, with the Fiocchi 00 buckshot and the action cycled just fine. I only have about 300 rounds through this shotgun. Most of the posts Ive read say it's not truly broken in until around 400.
