Mossberg 930 combo 18.5" and 28" - good first shotgun?

[zip22]

I'm interested in a shotgun for both HD as well as my first foray into skeet / trap / and or sporting clays. I don't really have an interest in hunting at this point. Would this be a good entry into the shotgun world for $475 + transfer fees? I was looking at pumps, but why not go auto for this price?

[Wait, I'm Reloadin']

I would look for something used but in good condition. don't have any experience with this gun but at that price there has to be more options. Autos are nice but have to be kept clean, I would check out local pawn shops, mine are always fully loaded with shotguns. Look at Remington 1100/1187 that and browning or beneli. I have a Mossberg 500 12ga and Ithaca 37 featherweight 20ga. I like the Ithaca better for skeet because it is lighter and feels smoother, but the mossberg is all-purpose built to take abuse from slugs, buckshot, and has removable chokes.

corey

[hogdogs]

Zip, That sounds like just what i wish I had the cash for... Can't beat that price for a new American built auto loader combo set up! If it has the accu-choke threads you have a gun for all seasons and reasons...
Being a gas gun, you will need to know the maintenance but I bet you learn it easily... Awesome price IMHO.
I did not see the combo with that barrel combo. If it has an 18.5 smooth bore it will be cyl bore I am guessing for HD, but the combos on their site are slugsters... I did see they have a "security barrel"... which one is it? Do you have the stock number?
Brent

[hogdogs]

OOPS seen your pic late... cool setup! I would feed it!
Brent

[zip22]

Its listed on the Mossberg site under the 930 Special Purpose, item number 85325 - the field / security combo.

18.5" is cylinder bore, 28" is ported and comes with accu set chokes

http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=32&display=specs
(this site doesn't list the accu set, but the catalog does)

[zombieslayer]

Havent shot one, but i love mossbergs, and that is a versatile package. A huntin barrel and a hd barrel. If i didnt have my shotguns and needed one for versatility, i'd try it

[hogdogs]

Zip, What will be the primary use of this gun? Reason i ask is that the 930 in a different combo may cost a bit less as the tactical market right now is hotter than a 2 dollar pistol. You may get the wooden gun with 26 field and 24 slugster for the same price... not telling you what to get just pointing that out about the tactical market. The 85120 is sharp looking and the 85125 is the combo.
Brent

[Lee Lapin]

Hope yours doesn't kick as hard as mine does... even with light bulk pack loads it's pretty brutal.

lpl

[hoytinak]

I like that 930 combo set. I currently use a 500 with both a 18.5" & 28" barrel for my HD/trap/hunting, very versatile setup....might have to look into the semi version myself. :cool:

[zip22]

Zip, What will be the primary use of this gun?

Home defense, and I am also looking into trying trap or skeet or sporting clays.

[hogdogs]

In that case it is the ideal combo!:)
Best of luck and be sure to let us know how you like it...:D
Brent

[pinetree]

Seems like a sweet combo to me. I see no reason for pumps except affordability. I have been shooting the same semi Beretta for over a decade. From duck blind to millet field to clays, no big deal. The comment about making sure they are clean isn't true in my case. 2 weeks ago, I shot 12 boxes in the field and range. I did a routine 10 minute wipe-down and am headed to Canada in 2 weeks where I'll probably shoot a case without a thorough cleaning. I can only remember to FTF's and that was due to cheap Winchester shells with the nickle/steel rather than brass. I stick with Fiocchi when I can.

tjg

[zip22]

So, buds has the 930 combo (85325 (http://www.mossberg.com/images/Mossberg_Guns/930/NEW/85325.jpg)) for $474 and the similar 500 pump combo (54169 (http://www.mossberg.com/images/Mossberg_Guns/930/NEW/54169.jpg) - same two barrel options, but wood instead of synthetic stock) for $294. Is semi-automatic worth $180? This is my first shotgun so I'm looking for a good bang for the buck that I won't feel bad about if I decide to move on to something else in the future. Also, will these come with some sort of a case, or is that a separate purchase?

[hoytinak]

I've had my 500 for several years and I'd take it over the 930. Just cause there's fewer parts to mess with and on the average pumps are more reliable and durable than semis.

[.351winchester]

IMO yeah it's worth it as far as autos go the 930 is a solid, reliable, fast gun for a very reasonable price. Then again...a 500 is a staple. I'll flip a coin and say go with the 930 and all its possibilities, but realize at some point you may have to actually clean it. Good call on Mossberg. And on going with a combo (particularly useful 18/28, I had 24 rifle sighted smoothbore/28 vent rib later chopped at 19" once filed flat and level No way to make a clean looking cut thru the rib though, with hand tools). If i wanted just one shotty for sport (the sports of 3 gun and pickup games of clay targets with buddies) and home, would blend the options and go a Remington 1100 Tac 4 (or the FN SLP eqivalent). If I were to own a 28" 930 barrell, it damn sure would have a full length extension (10+1) to clamp on to. Because it exists.

Before i fell in love with the SPX or it was concieved, the 18.5" bead sight HS model really turned me on. First semi auto shotgun to do so. Previously would never have considered an auto for HD (even a Benelli), but research found an unusually robust and reliable model. traditionally had prefer the inherent trustworthiness of a pump and a large frame wheelgun over a 1911 for castle duty, and disregard gas impingement AR's entirely. Of all places, defending yourself in your own home is no time for dealing with a malfunction

Really AFAIK the 930 is Mossberg's first auto series to really catch on. Wish I would have went with a SPX instead of Saiga, and even the butter smoothness and Comforttech of a similarly configured M2 Tactical doesn't begin to justify costing twice as much. The SPX might be the best all around tactical shotty out there all factors considered

For home defense, the plain HS model/configuration is better than the SPX. KISS whenever possible. The SPX is a 100 yard, ammo depending, weapon system. You're better off with a bead for real life, adrenaline pumping/state of shock, indruder in your home, fall back autopilot onto your weakest level of training, kill or be killed, life altering action. And lack of mag extension...whatever. I think all mag tubes ought to go flush with muzzle (at least in 18-20" range, defense and combat oriented variants) not just for using capacity potential which is always 'why not', but they balance nicely muzzle heavy IMO. I would probably not bother to add one to the HS or Combo model so configured. Plenty to do a shotgun's indoor job.

between the the 500 combo or 930 combo, congratulations on a choice you'll be satisfied with and not look back either way. The 930 is a lot of auto for the money though, well worth 180 more than a pump.
Once you use a tang safety, you're a Mossberg guy for life. As a 500 and later 590 owner often thought the 870 superior and is in some ways, but both great guns the best is probably whichever you get used to first. Just like 10/22 vs. Marlin, AR vs. AK. If a large portion of the shooting public own a model, chances are you're going to be alright. Cleaning the 500 can suck re:small parts around the loading port (thankfully no 870 thumbreaker lever) and action bar attachment. Over the course of 10 years, annual at minimum stripdown cleanings...every time was like the first time. Deficiency in mechanical inclination for sure, but a somewhat delicate procedure for anyone it would appear, gravity working against ya. Had a 1300 Mariner too that I hated for punishing recoil and that was with low brass 7.5 (and ugly black parkerizing on reciever of mirror shine chrome everything else gun, not to mention the slide's pushstart unlocking coupled with too pronounced grooves in the forearm leading to pinkie dislocation... all the time), but for whatever it's worth there's a Glock simple pumpgun to take apart to clean after the first akward experience my one compliment to the 1300

Plus if you watch sunday ads, sometime you may be able to get the 500 combo for 100 less than even that, at which point, you should. but if this is not a question of auto or pump, the choice seems so obvious. The only other auto you could probably get for under 5 tag price was made in turkey, this is mossberg and ya get the 2 barrels to cover anything suitable for flying pellet clusters
Just one drunk mossberg fan's opinion. You went with a winner either way
Peace
gnite

[oneounceload]

Make sure the gun FITS, else it will beat you up - that's true of ANY gun, not just this model. Depending on how well it fits, you may find that a better recoil pad is in order, or an adjustment to the various stock dimensions - make the stock fit you, not the other way around

[zippy13]

HD guns are like air bags in cars/trucks, you hope you won't use it; but, you still want to know it will work when needed. Since you'll probably be actually firing it at clays, perhaps you'd be better served with a wood target stock.

A BIG +1:
Make sure the gun FITS, else it will beat you up - that's true of ANY gun, not just this model. Depending on how well it fits, you may find that a better recoil pad is in order, or an adjustment to the various stock dimensions - make the stock fit you, not the other way around

[oneounceload]

Sure seeing a lot of "little zips" around here Zippy - are these your kids??? :D:D:D;):p

Zippy13 is absolutely right - I have a 500 somewhere around here - I might need to use it someday, so I need to practice more for that.....but I shoot at clays a lot and just prefer those wood and blued guns with 30" barrels......

[zip22]

is a target stock something special? or are you guys saying I should go with the wood 500 combo for $294?

[oneounceload]

A target stock can be beneficial from a target shooting perspective. BigJimP likes his Brownings to have that parallel comb type stock - would also work well in other situations. But FIT is critical, no matter the stock type - not just for comfort, but also for your ability to point properly and hit your target

[zip22]

Is there much fit variation in the sub $500 semi-auto (or the sub $300 pump) markets? Seems like the mossberg 500 and the remington 870 are the main contenders. This will really be an introduction gun - I'm sure if I enjoy shooting clay, I will move up to something nicer down the road.

Also, I am still wondering about a case. Does the gun come with one?

[zippy13]

1-oz
Zip22's not one of mine. But, he could be related: he's paying attention and asks questions when he's uncertain.

I got the stock dimensions from the Mossberg site's Special Purpose section for what seems to be the combo in question (#85325, MSRP $604). My eyes must be getting old, the gun in the pic seems to have a lot more drop that the standard Mossberg specs of: LOP of 14", DOC of 1-1/4" and DAH of 2"

I forgot to mention earlier: For target work with the VR barrel, adding a mid-rib bead is a worthwhile investment.

[oneounceload]

Also, I am still wondering about a case. Does the gun come with one?

Unless the store is having some form of promotional deal, no. A soft case, good enough to go in the truck cab or trunk, will only be about $10.

A pump will work for clay games. It will beat its finest with trap singles from the 16 yard line since you only shoot one shell at a time and you won't have to try and work the pump while swinging on a second target. Skeet has 4 stations where you will need to work that pump smoothly for a second shot on the second target. Sporting clays with have 50 pairs of targets spread over (typically) 15 station in groups of 3 or 4 pairs. Personally, I would make sure I was well-versed at operating that pump smoothly before trying that game. It CAN be done with a pump, it just isn't the BEST choice for that - a semi or over/under fit the bill better for that game

[LanceOregon]

I was looking at pumps, but why not go auto for this price?

That is what I keep telling folks. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get a good functional autoloading shotgun.

The CZ Model 712 utility shotgun is another such gun, which can be purchased for under $400. See:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_588/products_id/59707


You could order an extra hunting barrel from CZ USA, and basically end up with a package for close to the same money.



--

[LanceOregon]

Autos are nice but have to be kept clean,

Yea, it is definitely a good idea to not bother to clean your shotgun.

Who wants to waste their time maintaining their gun with a cleaning, when they could instead be doing other more fun things??

Better to just keep the gun dirty.

--

[jgcoastie]

Hope yours doesn't kick as hard as mine does... even with light bulk pack loads it's pretty brutal.

Really? Mine has been a kitty-cat to shoot... Even with Black Cloud pouring out of the muzzle for hours on end...

[colostomyclown]

if you can get it for that price, go for it. Mossberg has awesome customer service should anything ever go wrong with it. If the deal is no longer on the table at the time of decision, I suggest a Mossberg 500a combo with 18.5" barrel and 28" barrel. I own a 590A1 and I STILL want a "cheap" blued 500 as my go to gun, mostly in this case because my 590a1 is a safe queen. The 500's like abuse. They come out of the box feeling cheap and rough and they only get better the more you work them. They end up being smoothe as glass. My shotgun of choice overall is a simple, blued 500a. It's the sweet spot of pump shotguns - rugged, ridiculous dependability, simple easy to maintain design and low price.

[LanceOregon]

Really? Mine has been a kitty-cat to shoot... Even with Black Cloud pouring out of the muzzle for hours on end...

You have rather peculiar kitty cats.

A light 12 gauge target load has more recoil energy than a rifle in .270 Winchester. And a magnum load of Buckshot? Heck, it easily outclasses the .375 H&H Magnum.

You are talking recoil equal to a powerful magnum class rifle when using any standard or magnum Buckshot loads.

--

[hogdogs]

A light 12 gauge target load has more recoil energy than a rifle in .270 Winchester. And a magnum load of Buckshot? Heck, it easily outclasses the .375 H&H Magnum.
I am not scientific enuff to dispute this but I will say that in equal weight guns, I would much rather light off 2 3/4 slugs by the dozen from a pump than a .300 win mag once... Might be less "force" but sure has a lot more "sharpness" to the recoil... There is simply no possible way a semi isn't going to soak up a little of this recoil compared to a "solid action" design...
Brent

[oneounceload]

Here's a recoil comparison chart I found. According to this, a 270 has approximately 16-17 ft/lbs, while a 12 gauge, 1-1/4 oz load of shot has 32, basically double, and that 300 WM?? almost 26.

Might want to rethink that idea hogdogs.....

http://survivalmonkey.com/forum/showthread.php?p=44085

[hogdogs]

OOL, I don't dispute the numbers... It is how it puts it to my shoulder... Basically we can agree that a 34 ton yacht would have more inertia force than a 23 foot boat... that yacht at 6 knots is gonna "thump the dock if out of control but that little boat will whack it at 12 knots... both are doing damage but the slower boat feels like you can grab the bow rail and stop it by hand...:D
Heck them .30-30 lever revolution have a sharper report and a "crispier" recoil compared to a cheap winchester with equal weight bullet... I am guessing a hotter or faster burn powder is the reason...
Brent

[oneounceload]

OR the stock on one of those guns fits you better.....

[LanceOregon]

oneounce:

Chuckhawks has some similar recoil tables available on his website too, where one can easily compare different recoil figures for both typical rifle and shotgun ammo. This has been clearly documented many, many times.

Anyone who claims that shotguns don't recoil more has not shot that many different calibers of guns. For the difference is most readily apparent.

And that is the #1 reason why I only shoot gas operated autoloading shotguns. The difference in felt recoil for them compared to over-under or pump shotguns is also easily apparent.

I used to own a Winchester Defender pump action shotgun. But recoil from that gun was so extremely fierce when using either standard or magnum buckshot loads, that it was literally a pain to shoot.

My FN SLP police autoloader that I got to replace it, though, is both a heavier gun with a longer barrel, and it has the great Browning Gas system to help absorb some of the harshness of the recoil.

It is still quite a bit to handle, but it is not as punishing to the shoulder.

--

[oneounceload]

Lance - not going to dispute that an auto will shoot softer than a pump - generally the pump is lighter and doesn't have the benefit of spreading the recoil over a period of milliseconds. HOWEVER, that being said.....compared to an O/U, it really depends on the weight of the gun.....If you are shooting a 7# semi, and I'm shooting a 8-1/2 or 9# O/U, then I win the recoil absorption game, especially because my O/U will also shoot 7/8 or 3/4 oz 2-3/4 DE 12 gauge loads, while semis won't cycle them.

Now, if you're talking identical weight guns, identical weight shells, then YES, a semi will seem softer

[zippy13]

Oneounceload, my friend, again the topic turns to comparing rifle and shotgun recoil in ft/lbs of energy while neglecting the time factor. The shotgun distributes its recoil energy roughly two to three times slower than a rifle. Recoil starts with ignition and ends with last of the ejecta. High velocity rifles do it much faster than shotguns, so the felt recoil is transferred over a shorter period (rifles punch and shotguns push).
Numbers don't lie, but they can be ignored. Omitting a critical dimension (time) gives an erroneous view.

[jgcoastie]

You have rather peculiar kitty cats.

Nope, I do however have a rather peculiar Limbsaver though... ;) I will add to Brent's statement of "fit". A rifle or shotgun that fits the shooter will have less felt recoil than one that does not particularly fit the shooter... Rather common actually, especially among shotgunners... Some guns don't "kick" as hard as others, even with identical loads. Why? Because some guns fit some shooters better than others, decreasing the amount of felt recoil to one particular spot on the shoulder by distributing the energy to the entire shoulder... Which mitigates the sharp pain incurred when shooting a gun that doesn't fit you well.