View Full Version : Mossberg 930 autoloader
Wallyworld has these in the $540 range. Probably the cheapest autoloader I've seen locally, and this is the tactical/HD version with 18.5 inch barrel.
Not familiar with Mossberg's autoloaders, although I don't expect them to be in the class of a Benelli M2. Worth a look or pass on these?
Devildawg2531
11-05-14, 09:36
Wallyworld has these in the $540 range. Probably the cheapest autoloader I've seen locally, and this is the tactical/HD version with 18.5 inch barrel.
Not familiar with Mossberg's autoloaders, although I don't expect them to be in the class of a Benelli M2. Worth a look or pass on these?
I've had the Mossberg 930 JM Pro model for about 2 years. I just use it for gun games but it's been 100% with slugs, buck and bird shot. Fun to shoot.
Judging by reviews and other feedback a 930 would be the last gun a would consider for self defense and the first I would pick for malfunction drills.
Since this is M4C, I'll offer some actual experience:
I bought a 24" 930 JM Pro to play with. I regularly shoot a Benelli M2 and M4, and got it mostly to satisfy my curiosity about what such an inexpensive auto could do in a 3-gun capacity. My observations:
-Opened loading port, coupled with the mag spring that has a good amount of tension and a shell stop that isn't stupidly stiff, actually makes for a very nice loading stock gun for weakhand 'load 4' stuff. I can't comment on Twins or Quad loading as I don't do that. The fork on the lifter however is retardedly wide, and WILL injure your thumb doing fast weakhand loads. I always wear Mechanix gloves for shotgun use, so this isn't a huge issue for me. Getting the lifter welded and extended would be a good idea if you were planning on actually doing fast loads, though.
-It is definitely a subjectively softer-shooting gun than my M2.
-Overall build quality is rough. One look at the gas system, and you immediately know a Benelli ARGO system this AIN'T. You can buy TWO of these for the price of one M2, though (And THREE for the price of an M4 :cool:). Also note that this already comes with the very nice Nordic mag extension and a good charging handle. Coupled with the already-beveled loading port, I feel this gun is an excellent value.
-Mine now has just over 1,000 documented rounds through it, and it has had zero stoppages. I mostly use Federal 100-round Field and Target bulk pack 7 1/2 shot.
-I have kept my gas system clean. Overall data from people that actually use these guns indicate that they are sensitive to crudded up gas systems. Jerry Miculek has an excellent video on disassembly and cleaning, and he stresses how important it is to thoroughly clean both the gas piston AND the gas rings every 500-600 rounds if you want it to run right. He also mentions good indications the gun will show you when it's getting too dirty (like the operating rods becoming sluggish and getting stuck peeking through the ports in the receiver). Youtuber/ 3 gunner BullitMcQueen used one of these for a while, and indicates his was reliable, but also says he kept on top of maintenance.
-Mine shoots a little on the high side, most notable with slugs. Judging by feedback on BrianEnos.com, this isn't uncommon on these. Easily compensated for by knowing your holds, but I were to get serious about this gun, I'd probably bend the barrel.
-For a roughly $600 street price, I'm very satisfied with what it is, and am going to continue using it.
Since this is M4C, I'll offer some actual experience:
I bought a 24" 930 JM Pro to play with. I regularly shoot a Benelli M2 and M4, and got it mostly to satisfy my curiosity about what such an inexpensive auto could do in a 3-gun capacity. My observations:
-Opened loading port, coupled with the mag spring that has a good amount of tension and a shell stop that isn't stupidly stiff, actually makes for a very nice loading stock gun for weakhand 'load 4' stuff. I can't comment on Twins or Quad loading as I don't do that. The fork on the lifter however is retardedly wide, and WILL injure your thumb doing fast weakhand loads. I always wear Mechanix gloves for shotgun use, so this isn't a huge issue for me. Getting the lifter welded and extended would be a good idea if you were planning on actually doing fast loads, though.
-It is definitely a subjectively softer-shooting gun than my M2.
-Overall build quality is rough. One look at the gas system, and you immediately know a Benelli ARGO system this AIN'T. You can buy TWO of these for the price of one M2, though (And THREE for the price of an M4 :cool:). Also note that this already comes with the very nice Nordic mag extension and a good charging handle. Coupled with the already-beveled loading port, I feel this gun is an excellent value.
-Mine now has just over 1,000 documented rounds through it, and it has had zero stoppages. I mostly use Federal 100-round Field and Target bulk pack 7 1/2 shot.
-I have kept my gas system clean. Overall data from people that actually use these guns indicate that they are sensitive to crudded up gas systems. Jerry Miculek has an excellent video on disassembly and cleaning, and he stresses how important it is to thoroughly clean both the gas piston AND the gas rings every 500-600 rounds if you want it to run right. He also mentions good indications the gun will show you when it's getting too dirty (like the operating rods becoming sluggish and getting stuck peeking through the ports in the receiver). Youtuber/ 3 gunner BullitMcQueen used one of these for a while, and indicates his was reliable, but also says he kept on top of maintenance.
-Mine shoots a little on the high side, most notable with slugs. Judging by feedback on BrianEnos.com, this isn't uncommon on these. Easily compensated for by knowing your holds, but I were to get serious about this gun, I'd probably bend the barrel.
-For a roughly $600 street price, I'm very satisfied with what it is, and am going to continue using it.
Quick question... If given a choice to only have an M2, M4 or 930 for home defense which would you choose??
Quick question... If given a choice to only have an M2, M4 or 930 for home defense which would you choose??
Before we got the AVA tactical light mounts for the M4, I would have said M1/M2, based almost solely on the fact that you can get a proper Surefire forend for the inertia guns. With a good light mount though, I'd go M4 based on a little better shootability with buck and slugs, and better options for a tritium front sight. I would need to vet my 930 a lot more before I would consider using it, and even then, it's extremely unlikely I'd use one over a Benelli.
We can probably all agree that Benellis are unarguably the better shotgun, and are widely considered to be the standard for auto shotgun dependability. However, if one were limited to that low $600 price point, I do think the 930 is a viable option. I do concede that it's competing with the Stoeger M3000, though. Being a copy of the M2, the M3000 seems like it could be attractive, but I have no experience with one.
If I were limited to $600 and had to pick a shotgun for HD, I think a pump gun would be a safer option with less chance of having to potentially massage or tune a cheap auto auto gun. Though in my sample size of one, my 930 is doing fine thus far.
Before we got the AVA tactical light mounts for the M4, I would have said M1/M2, based almost solely on the fact that you can get a proper Surefire forend for the inertia guns. With a good light mount though, I'd go M4 based on a little better shootability with buck and slugs, and better options for a tritium front sight. I would need to vet my 930 a lot more before I would consider using it, and even then, it's extremely unlikely I'd use one over a Benelli.
We can probably all agree that Benellis are unarguably the better shotgun, and are widely considered to be the standard for auto shotgun dependability. However, if one were limited to that low $600 price point, I do think the 930 is a viable option. I do concede that it's competing with the Stoeger M3000, though. Being a copy of the M2, the M3000 seems like it could be attractive, but I have no experience with one.
If I were limited to $600 and had to pick a shotgun for HD, I think a pump gun would be a safer option with less chance of having to potentially massage or tune a cheap auto auto gun. Though in my sample size of one, my 930 is doing fine thus far.
I agree that a $300 pump gun would be a better option for HD than any auto. I guess you have to put a value on your well being.. If you invest $600 in a 930 for HD you are buying cheap insurance that may not pay off when you need it to.
SW-Shooter
11-05-14, 21:57
I disagree. In a home defense situation you might get the first round off with a pump, but have you tried loading the next round in the tight confines of a hallway or doorway, also there's the obvious chance of short stroking the action. I think a semi-auto that is reliable is a better alternative.
I bought one a while ago for a shotgun class that ended up not happening. I bought the one with the ghost ring sights. If I had to do it over again I would probably buy a tactical with the bead and put an XS dot on it later. As for reliability, I haven't had an issue with it to date skipping on anything. I put 150 rounds of the military 00 buck, 100 rounds of 3 inch black cloud, 25 rounds of 3 inch 00 buck, 200 rounds of estate buck, 100 rounds of number 6 bird shot, 100 rounds of number 7 bird shot, 10 rounds of Federal low recoil hydrashok LE slugs (that is what I used to sight it in with), 10 rounds of 8 pellet low recoil federal flight control and 25 rounds of 9 pellet low recoil federal flight control. Through all of that I had no issues what so ever. Maybe I just got a good one but this one works with everything.
I disagree. In a home defense situation you might get the first round off with a pump, but have you tried loading the next round in the tight confines of a hallway or doorway, also there's the obvious chance of short stroking the action. I think a semi-auto that is reliable is a better alternative.
I agree with this.
I've seen lots of people bring pump shotguns to compete in local fun/tactical 3-gun matches and short stroke or otherwise screw up the action. And nobody was shooting back at them.
I have the 930 Patrick Flanagan edition and it's been flawless after the initial break-in period.
Devildawg2531
11-06-14, 08:28
Judging by reviews and other feedback a 930 would be the last gun a would consider for self defense and the first I would pick for malfunction drills.
3 responses from people who actually own 1 disagree with your assessment. I wouldn't choose any SG as a 1st (or 2nd choice) for home defense
Averageman
11-06-14, 11:05
There is a Mossberg Owners board with a lot of good information, you might want to look that up.
I was looking at a 930 a month or so ago and after reading up a bit I'm a bit sorry I let someone talk me out of it.
TacticalSledgehammer
12-01-14, 04:00
Apparently they've got most of their bugs worked out on the newer models. From what I've read, they were hit with "the perfect storm". http://www.mossbergowners.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-troubled-history-but-bright-future-of-the-930-spx.291/
policetested
01-05-15, 14:26
my 930 is a Blawkwater model..now SPX, i installed a standard stock over the pistol grip, replaced the front sight with a Hi Viz fiber optic and had it threaded for tubes by AimPro Tactical, for 3Gun. This shotgun has fedand fire whatever shells I have from bulk pack Winchester to premiu trap, slugs, 00 buck. In the three years i have had it, the shotgun has NEVER been cleaned and it has 1000+ shells through it. Like the 500 series its a tank and runs.
Too many folks get fanboy fascination with Bennelli, Browning, etc. and relegate Mossberg to the cheap class. 500/590s will run forever just like an 870. The 930 is tough to beat for the price. Funny people said Stoeger 300s were crap until a few 3Gun Nation notables started running them.
I like Mossberg pumps but have experienced quality control issues with them also. Fortunately, the fix was easy and free. The 930 has had a spotty performance record, although your specific shotgun is an exception. Aim Pro specializes in Mossberg smithing, and I wonder if they enhanced yours. Frequently, professional shooters use donated freebies from makers and importers, and these guns are likely not off the rack weapons like a consumer would purchase.
You said that you have not cleaned your shotgun. Have you lubed it? When you do clean it, provide us with before pictures taken after disassembly and also point out any undue wear and tear.
I have the 930 SPX pistol grip version with LPA sights and fiber optic front sight. It's been perfectly fine since day one. The Mossberg 930s had issues early on, with three revisions to the barrel. Early ones had sights that were too low and made them shoot high. Later versions have thicker barrel and taller front sight. Other issue was the gas spring by the piston, which was also revised. Some of those springs were too stiffen and the corner edge scraped the mag tube and gouge it. Mine has the gouge, but has since been smoothed and cleaned up. The gas rings are standard on the normal 930 models, where the Miculek version has chrome rings and tube and believe. Trigger is also redone on the Miculek model also. I would have to say that almost any new production 930 should have all the issues worked out by now, but so haven't checked over on the Mossberg forums in a while now.
TacticalSledgehammer
01-10-15, 12:42
I bought 930 tactical locally used. So far its been about 98% reliable. I've had one malfunction due to a deformed rim on a shell. The other was due to the lifter (I need to see whats up with that) not properly loading another round. I think there will be lots of possibilities to come for this shotgun in the future. The price alone will sell it to consumers.
Quick question... If given a choice to only have an M2, M4 or 930 for home defense which would you choose??
I'd choose 3 930SPXs. Because assinine question, given prior comments.
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I agree that a $300 pump gun would be a better option for HD than any auto. I guess you have to put a value on your well being.. If you invest $600 in a 930 for HD you are buying cheap insurance that may not pay off when you need it to.
Strongly disagree. Mine and many, many other 930s run and run and run. As has been pointed out, they are not for the lazy owner.
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Right here is all that's needed to really improve a 930 or 935.
http://www.or3gun.com/index.htm
These guns are built to a low price point and with a few upgrades they are in a different league.
I bought my 935 Pro Water Fowl last year and it ran fine but dirt and moisture under the spacer tube was the weak link. After I got the OR3GUN Marine Spacer Tube, OR3GUN Competition Forearm Retainer, and OR3GUN Enhanced Competition Follower my shot gun has not been cleaned yet (1000 shells) and still runs strong.
My 935 would not eat weak 2 3/4'' target shells until I added the above parts as well. But I knew that it wouldn't going into the purchase, but it's great that it will now.
6920_enthusiast
09-01-16, 20:31
Just purchased a 930 jm pro 22 inch model. After 100 rounds today all low brass cheap no. 7-8 shot and no malfunctions I'm happy with it so far. Give it a couple hundred more rounds of testing and I may use it for hd.
Walmart in Central Texas is closing out the 930 hunting version for $299--that's right $299. They're worth that.
KeithTexas
09-02-16, 16:08
Walmart in Central Texas is closing out the 930 hunting version for $299--that's right $299. They're worth that.
I am in NW Houston but am really interested in where these are available ??
Thanks in advance.
Williejc, Can you please PM where me as well?
masenomics
09-03-16, 17:38
Just got a 930 field from my Walmart here in CO for $299 clearance.
Right here is all that's needed to really improve a 930 or 935.
http://www.or3gun.com/index.htm
These guns are built to a low price point and with a few upgrades they are in a different league.
I bought my 935 Pro Water Fowl last year and it ran fine but dirt and moisture under the spacer tube was the weak link. After I got the OR3GUN Marine Spacer Tube, OR3GUN Competition Forearm Retainer, and OR3GUN Enhanced Competition Follower my shot gun has not been cleaned yet (1000 shells) and still runs strong.
My 935 would not eat weak 2 3/4'' target shells until I added the above parts as well. But I knew that it wouldn't going into the purchase, but it's great that it will now.
Thanks a lot!
I was perfectly happy with my JM Pro until I visited that website.
All your fault man!
Glad to....help?
The parts they sell really do work as they advertise.
I've had mine(blackwater not for the logo but because I like the sites)for over 3 years and have well over 1,000 rounds through it with zero issues.
I use it mainly at the range for 3gun type stuff and it is 100% stock. I've probably cleaned it 3 or 4 times but I've shot EVERYTHING from bird shot to 00 to slugs.
The issues I remember hearing about were from people using low recoil loads so I've always stayed away from that...shoots great and honestly I can't even see the need for low recoil loads.
I do wish there was more available in the aftermarket segment but again, for $650 it's been great and 100% reliable.
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The rule of thumb is any shell that's 1200FPS or faster should work well.
The 935 is much more likely to have feeding problems with light loads over a 930.
KeithTexas
10-19-16, 22:52
I'm starting to look at these again. I've got 3 500s and would like to consider a semi-auto.
Plus the price on the tactical model (includes the Choate +2, front bead sight) has come down to the $465 range from a few vendors.
May pick one up and put a Mesa Tactical pistol grip stock with limbsaver on it ($150).
Will the pistol grip stock's interfering with easy access to the tang mounted safety be ok with you? Some say that it puts the shooter at disadvantage.
KeithTexas
10-19-16, 23:57
Will the pistol grip stock's interfering with easy access to the tang mounted safety be ok with you? Some say that it puts the shooter at disadvantage.
I don't know. I've never tried a pistol grip on a shotgun. I understand that some have expressed that concern. Truthfully, I don't think it would be a problem because if I'm "go" mode, the safety would be off; without too much off/on to worry about. I'm just thinking out loud; no experience with a PG shotgun.
m24shooter
11-06-16, 14:38
Apparently they've got most of their bugs worked out on the newer models. From what I've read, they were hit with "the perfect storm". http://www.mossbergowners.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-troubled-history-but-bright-future-of-the-930-spx.291/
Here's my original and updated (as of a few years ago) review on the 930 SPX:
http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?167-Mossberg-930-SPX-Review&p=25138#post25138
ShotgunMiddie
12-31-17, 15:59
I keep coming back to these posts on the 930 because I can't get to stopping mine from spitting out shells when I load it and fire. I've done all of the "polishing" fixes people talk about and even sent it back to Mossberg who I think just took it apart fired it and sent it back...
I like it but honestly would just save for a Benelli if I could do it all over again. I'm going to try some of the things posted here, but have already done all of the or3gun parts upgrades.
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