MOSSBERG 930 SPX 12GA 18.5” BRL BLU/SYN PISTL GRP

A shotgun makes such a thoroughly awesome home-defense weapon. I learned the full truth of that statement during my first defensive-shotgun course. My love and respect for my Remington 870 and Mossberg 590 pump guns grew, but there were a couple of students using way cool tactical autoloaders . . . Although I tried not to let it show, I suffered from a bad case of scattergun envy.  For years afterward I looked for a suitable self-defense semi-auto shotgun. I just couldn’t bring myself to spend roughly twice to three times what I’d paid for a good pump-action shotgun. Turns out I just was waiting for Mossberg to release the 930 SPX (for Special Purpose) Tactical shotgun . . .

The Mossberg 930 SPX Tactical has an aluminum receiver, a tactically sound 18.5-inch steel barrel, an extended magazine tube and a tough but lightweight synthetic stock. The gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun is a direct descendant of the excellent Mossberg 930 hunting guns. The shared self-regulating gas system reduces recoil and eases stress on its components by venting whatever excess gas isn’t required to cycle the action.

The system uses two gas ports in the barrel to power a piston that surrounds the magazine tube under the barrel. The set-up gives the Mossberg a bit of a chunky forend (to accommodate the moving parts), but nothing that looks out of place. The 930 SPX functions smoothly and reliably without a gas seal ring. An added bonus: The 930 SPX also field strips without a lot of drama.