There is a one-panel meme rolling around the Internet in which a patient in his 20s is consulting with a physician who looks to be in his 60s. The doctor asks, "How would you rate your pain today?" The patient replies, "Zero stars, do not recommend!" That's how I had been feeling in the weeks prior to being invited to participate in a Mossberg new product event for media members. We would be meeting at the Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona, in the fall of 2024. There we would be working in the top-notch facilities with the world-class staff to learn more about a few new models in the works, in particular, 12-gauge shotguns.
This version of the 940 Pro is loaded with tactical and practical features.
However, about three months before this event, I had managed to participate in a series of physical activities that would result in a pinched nerve in my neck. Before this medical moment I thought I had some understanding of what it feels like to get hurt. But as with many of life's bittersweet lessons, I discovered that there was still plenty of room to broaden my education on this particular subject. Thankfully, with the help of a supportive family and terrific medical professionals I was on the mend and had regained most of my mobility when the invitation arrived.
I consulted with my doctor, the one who is primarily responsible for screwing my head back into its original position, regarding shooting shotguns for a few days at this point in my recovery. He kindly dispensed the same universal, multi-purpose advice given to everyone involved in any kind of sporting event, which goes like this: If it hurts, stop. That's about it. And so, I accepted the invite with the plan that should I reach a point in the class schedule that I needed to take a break or step out of a given exercise, I would do so.
The front sight is a bright green fiber optic.
The event's shooting portion began under Arizona's boundless sapphire sky on a sunny fall day with a rack of new pump-action models. Military and law enforcement arms experts agree that the pump-action 12-gauge has proved to be among the most effective and reliable platforms available for close-quarters defense. They are potent and decisive fight stoppers when loaded and handled properly. But I have yet to meet anyone, professional or enthusiast, who jumps out of bed in the morning to cheerfully shout, "Oh good, I can't wait to get punched in the shoulder by a pump-gun loaded with slugs and buckshot today!" I think it's safe to say, without committing tactical blasphemy, that although 12-gauge pumps will get the job done they are not always fun to shoot.
In this particular instance, I found that by paying attention to proper technique, I had no real difficulties running the pump actions with bird shot and buckshot. But then they passed out the slugs. I picked up a few rounds and I heard from somewhere in the back of my mind the robot's voice from “Lost in Space” (1965, CBS) saying, "Danger, Will Robinson!" But nothing ventured, etc., etc. I fired one round, felt that familiar kick and a red light lit up on my internal dashboard. I was not hurt, yet. But perhaps this would be a good time to safely step off the shooting line and let other folks ride the lightning for a while. I ended up observing for the rest of that day, primarily from an abundance of caution.
The barrel clamp sport M-LOK accessory slots.
The next morning we stepped up to a set of new semi-automatic shotguns called the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX. I had evaluated a sporting configuration of the 940, dubbed the 940 JM Pro, a few years prior. That experience had left me wanting a defense-grade version with similar features. With the arrival of the Pro Tactical SPX, that wish had been granted!
My experience with the 940 Pro Tactical SPX, or 940 Pro, was measurably different from running the pump action. In short: I shot it all day with various loads, including birdshot, buckshot and slugs, with no notable deleterious effects. We punched paper in the morning and ran these guns through gullies and a house simulator in the afternoon. I was tired and sweaty by the end of the day but finished the course.
The textured fore-end features a built in heat shield and QD ports.
What was it that made such a difference between the pump-actions and this particular 940 semi-automatic? Although I already knew about the 940 series' softer shooting characteristics, the side-by-side shooting experience was impressive. This model is loaded with top-notch features, including a smooth trigger, interchangeable chokes, a heat-shielded fore-end and M-LOK accessory slots, to name a few. But I would like to home in on the following facets of the platform that made for a more manageable and enjoyable defensive 12-gauge shotgun shooting experience.
940 Pro Gas System
Simply stated, gas-operated shotguns like this one kick less than pump-action shotguns. With a pump gun, the action remains closed when the shell is fired. This means all the recoil force generated by the shot shell is transmitted backward toward the shooter.
The Vang Comp Systems side saddle holds up to six rounds of ammunition.
The gas-operated 940 series generates noticeably lower levels of recoil because a portion of the expanding gases produced by the shell's powder ignition is redirected into the system that cycles the shotgun's action. This energy is used up in the mechanical actions of cycling the bolt assembly in order to eject the spent shell casing and load a fresh round from the magazine into the chamber. The result is a reduced level of recoil that feels more like a shoulder shove than a clavicle punch. And that's with full power slugs and buckshot. When loaded with compatible reduced-recoil loads, the kick can drop into the sporting 20-ga. shotgun range.
The aluminum magazine tube follower has a bright orange anodized finish.
Another noteworthy advantage of gas guns is the lack of a sliding fore-end to rack in between shots. It takes some practice and dedication to master cycling a pump properly under duress, much like driving a stick-shift automobile. Just like an automatic transmission, semi-automatic shotguns have fewer external controls to keep track of. The action of this model features nickel boron coated internals for increased corrosion resistance, smoother cycling and more shots fired between cleanings.
Hobbit-Friendly Shoulder Stock
Over the years I've tested a variety of scatter guns with industry standard length stocks that provide a 14.25" length-of-pull (LOP). I can shoot them well enough but I don't necessarily enjoy them. This is because stocks in the 13.50" to 13.75" range are a much better fit for my frame size and arm length.
The shielded ghost ring rear sight is also the filler plate for the receiver’s optics cutout.
It's surprising just how much of a difference a correct-for-the-shooter shoulder stock length makes when working with 12-gauge shotguns. It changes the balance and feel noticeably and lends to better overall control for repeated shots. It also reduces shooter fatigue during longer practice sessions. Recognizing that this product would be purchased by Shire-sized customers as well as the long and tall types, Mossberg outfitted the SPX version with a polymer shoulder stock and spacer set which allow for a LOP adjustment between 12.5" to 14.25". The gun I worked with was set to 13.75" which was a great fit.
The shoulder stock’s spacer set allows for a 12.5” to 14.25” length of pull.
Receiver-Mounted Red Dot Optic
The SPX models ship with a very good iron sight system installed. It consists of a shielded fiber-optic up front with a winged ghost ring aperture sight at the rear. It’s a set up that's quick, intuitive and effective. But Mossberg was an early adopter of micro red-dot optics for their defensive shotguns so the 940 ships with an optics-ready receiver. The optic mounting slot is located under the removable rear sight plate. The slot is sized for directly mounting RMSc or Holosun K footprints. Additional adapter plates are provided to support optics with Docter, Leupold and RMR footprints.
The oversized controls include this new deeply textured safety slider.
For the Gunsite event, our guns were outfitted with Holosun HS407k optics which proved to be durable and intuitive to use. Although a red dot is not mandatory in order to run a defensive shotgun effectively, I've found I generate better shot placement when using them. Firing freehand at a distance of 35-yards, I managed to punch out a 3-shot group of 3" with full-power slugs. No complaints about using a red dot with a defensive shotgun here! The 940 Pro Tactical SPX is available with a Holosun HS407k optic installed at the factory.
The external controls include a knurled charging handle, extended bolt release and a smooth, light trigger.
Easy Loading and Operation
Shotguns hold a relatively low number of rounds compared to semi-automatic rifles and pistols. The 940 discussed here has a 7+1 capacity when using 2.75" shells. This makes the ease with which a given defensive model can be reloaded a high design priority. Shooting classes or workshops, like those held at Gunsite, are a great way to find out just how well a particular shotgun's features lend themselves to quick reloads. This is one area in which the 940 Pro excels.
Unloaded this 940 tips the scales at 7-lbs. 10.8-oz.
This version of the 940 Pro ships with the Vang Comp Systems 6-shell side saddle installed at the factory on the left side of the receiver. The elastic shell loops are stitched into a nylon card secured by hook-and-loop fastener. The card can be pulled off, if no side saddle is required, or, quickly traded out for fresh cards (sold separately for $30) once the ammunition has been used up. This was my first opportunity to work with the Vang Comp system and I was impressed with its ease of use and flexibility. Keeping another card or two stocked with shells and staged with this shotgun is a very handy way to manage additional rounds for this platform.
The author was impressed by this shotgun’s manageable levels of felt recoil with all loads tested.
The tubular magazine's aluminum follower is an anodized bright orange color for easy identification. The loading port is beveled around the edges and the shell elevator is shaped to prevent pinched fingers. Having had my finger tips chewed by shotgun elevators in the past, this was a noteworthy improvement. And best of all, like a pump-action, the elevator configuration allows for load-as-you-go reloading, meaning, spare rounds can be fed into the magazine with a round in the chamber. The oversized charging handle and bolt release, along with the smooth 2 lbs. 14 oz. trigger were certainly pluses as well.
Parting Shots
To wrap up, I hope folks will take the intended messages from conversation. Am I advising readers to go shooting when injured? Not at all! Please, rest up, heal and make sure you are fit to fire before heading out to the shooting range. I also do not recommend that shooting sports enthusiasts should use firearms with levels of felt recoil beyond their experience levels or physical capabilities to manage safely. That's not the point.
The Holosun HS407k optic contributed to this tight group at 35 yards.
What I did want to convey is this. First, it's not always the caliber of ammunition that is not a good fit for a particular shooter. It may be the platform. Trying different loads of ammunition in a particular gun can reduce levels of felt recoil, so to, using a different model of firearm can significantly reduce recoil as well. The 12-gauge shot gun shell offers a level of performance, flexibility and availability that's hard to beat. Before switching to a smaller caliber, it may be worthwhile to try a few different shotgun models first. For more information about the 940 Pro series, and other Mossberg shotguns, visit mossberg.com.
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX Specifications:
Manufacturer: O.F. Mossberg & Sons
Action Type: gas operated, semi-automatic, center-fire shotgun
Chambering: 12-gauge, 2.75" and 3" shells
Barrel: 18.5" matte blue steel, Accu-Choke system
Receiver: aluminum; matte-black hard coat anodized finish
Magazine: tubular, 7+1 capacity
Sights: fiber optic ghost ring, optics-ready receiver
Stocks: black polymer
Trigger Pull: 2 lbs. 14 oz.
Overall Length: 37"
Weight: 7 lbs. 10.8 oz. unloaded
Accessories: stock spacers, replacement front sight fiber optics, lock, owner's manual
MSRP: $1,371 (as configured)
