Any first hand experience with the Mossberg 930?

[tacticalcity]

I'm definately a semi-auto guy. But being able to afford a semi-auto shotgun is easier said than done. 9 times out of 10 when it comes time to take a course, or go to the range for practice I reach for the M4gery or the Glock. But having taken a lot of AR and Handgun courses, I'd like to takea Tactical Shotgun Course.

While I know an 870 or 500 would do the trick, I'd much rather have a semi-auto. I never really appriciated the 870s I've had in the past, I am hoping having a semi-auto shotgun might encourage me to take a little more interest in scatter guns.

So while cruising Gunbroker for a Remington 1100 in used but servicable condition (and finding little to no luck) I came accross the Mossberg 930 Home Security 12GA Semi-Auto 18.5" Shotgun.

What appeals to me about it is that it is 12GA, Semi-Auto, Has an 18.5" Barrel, a Bead Sight which I prefer over all others, comes from a reputable brand, and has an amazingly low sticker price of under $500.

Given the price disparagy between this semi-auto, and so many others, and that you usually get what you pay for, I am curious to know if anyone has any first hand experience with this shotgun they can pass on?

I'm not looking for bashing for the sake of bashing, but rather legitmate concerns and complaints as well as any positive experiences you've had.

Thanks for your time.

Here is a picture of the specific version I am interested in.



I've already confirmed my suppliers have a 6 shot side saddle for it, and a tritium front bead sight. I figured I could easily mount a short rail to the support side front handguard for a light. I have yet to search for a front sling adapter and magazine extension, but I plan on using a nylon top carry rear adapter for 2 point front carry. Beyond those comparatively simple updates, I have no other modifications in mind - been there done that.

[C.W.M.V.]

where are you seeing these for under $500?

[luchador768]

I have a 930 SPX with over 900 trouble free rounds down range. Mossbergman had a lot of problems with his, but the company eventually fixed it. Mine cycles bird, buck and slug with no problems. It's a great shotgun!!!

[Average Joe American]

That model does come alot cheaper than say the SPX model (which I have).

I can only say my 930SPX has been great from day one. Is it the best semi auto shotgun ever made? Some would say the Benelli M4 is? But like you I am on a budget and a $1000 FN SLP or a $1500 Benelli M4 just aint gonna happen for me.

The 930SPX has run cheap bulk pack WalMart low brass birdshot ammo like water with not even one malfunction. (I may just be lucky though?) I would assume the home security model would be similar?

If you load a semi auto shotgun with 00-buck it should cycle under almost any situation. I say this because the pump action guys will be along soon to tell you that semi auto shotguns are unreliable when needed to be shot from non traditional positions. In the past semi autos needed a solid shoulder to cycle reliably. Modern semi autos allow trick shooters to shoot upsidedown and over their heads now so that not 100% accurate with todays technology.

How much of this claim is backed up by facts or personal experience... I do not know? What I do know is that my 930SPX has run flawlessly.

[SuperSet]

I didn't have the 930SPX but the 28" 930 Field Gun. Since it was destined for 3-gun, I had the barrel chopped to 21" and a mag tube extension installed. It ran very well except for 2 things:

1. Slug accuracy was not great.
2. The shell stop retaining lever broke and it took several weeks for Mossberg support to send the part.

I still think it's a good choice at that price point.

[gadjeep]

I really like mine. The only ammo that has stymied it was the bulk Walmart stuff but all other low brass (rem, federal, estate) has run great. Its fast, reliable, easy to maintain and the aftermarket is catching up with accessories

[tacticalcity]

where are you seeing these for under $500?

Gunbroker.com and you had better not buy the very last one!

Thanks for the posts guys. I'll likely pick this up in the next month or so. I need to order some more AR lowers, and I like to put as many long guns on a single DROS as I can afford. Drives down the overall cost of each should you need to sell it.

[Baron]

I have the 930 with the 28" ported VR with screw in chokes.... I use it for trap
I love it. It seems to perfer federal bulk packs more then the winchester bulk packs... But all in all I love it.
I bought mine on sale at Big 5 a couple of years ago for about $425 out the door... but that was a few years ago