By Jeff Johnston, FE Hunting & Shooting Editor
Since the 1970s two companies have dominated the tactical pump shotgun market: Remington with iterations of its 870 and Mossberg with its 500 and now with its 590A1. But since the 90s Benelli and Beretta have dominated the tactical semi-auto market. Look for that Italian domination to take a hit, however, with Mossberg’s launch of its 940 Pro Tactical Thunder Ranch.
Before I tell you about it, I’ll tell you that I was skeptical when Mossberg launched the 940 series in 2020, claiming it was a vast upgrade to the 930. That’s because I knew that the 930 wasn’t great, comparing somewhere between a Remington 1100 and a jockey’s goggles in the frequency with which it required cleaning to run. Sure, Jerry Miculek used one in competition, but I’d seen Jerry’s “930” personally, and it looked more like a Formula 1 Car than a stock Chevy.
But it turns out Miculek was all too happy to consult the engineers and even happier when they actually listened. Now, four years and about a half-dozen test guns later, I believe Mossberg did it. How?
Basically the 940’s internals were redesigned to run more efficiently with a wider range of ammo. The gas delivery system features two oversized ports in the barrel assembly that operate a short-stroke piston assembly that is regulated to cycle the action at similar speeds regardless of the load. Another key is its innovative spacer tube that features grooves to reduce surface area and to allow carbon fouling and moisture from condensation a place to go rather than just building friction under it. All critical internal parts are boron-nitride-coated to further reduce friction. Translated, the 940 is touted to run 1500 rounds without cleaning compared to (maybe) 500 of the 930.
That’s just what’s under the forearm. Externally, the geeks thought of everything.
All controls—i.e., bolt handle, safety and bolt release button—are knurled and huge so even the most ham-handed, hopped-up and hopelessly blind home defender could operate this thing in a half-lit hallway. The loading gate has been modified so you can shove shells into the tube without fear of your thumb being eaten. The top of the receiver is cut out for an optic if you so choose, but comes with a cover if you don’t. (I prefer its simple fiber-optic front bead because in my view, if you need an optic on your shotgun, you also need a rifle.) It comes standard with a 7-round mag that extends to the end of its 18.5-inch barrel. An accessory clamp provides two M-LOK slots for a flashlight and traditional sling studs if the four QD mounts aren’t enough. The whole thing is just 37-inches long, plus or minus, depending on the shooter’s LOP adjustments to the stock. Its recoil pad is no-bullshit, and it’s finished in brown Cerakote.
In practice, its gas system, customizable fit, median weight of 7.5 lb and quality recoil pad all combine for a shotty that’s easy on the shoulder. (I shot heavy target loads and 00 Buck.) Having learned my lesson in the past when testing new shotguns, I drenched its action and undercarriage in Ballistol and didn’t have a hiccup in 200 rounds. If you’re going to have a jam, typically it’s in that 200-round break-in period. Mainly, this 940 Thunder Ranch handles, feels and points instinctively, like a shotgun should.
Certainly Beretta and Benelli make great guns that have sexy names, but this new Mossberg will surprise you, and for $500 less than the 1301 and M4, it might even surprise them.
Cost: $1,295
Pros: It has every feature a tactical shotgun should have, plus some. Optics ready, renovated gas system, mild recoil, handles well
Cons: Cheapish-feeling stock material
