At the gunshop I work at, we got in more of the Mossberg 930 SPX tactical shotguns. Even though they have had a huge surge in popularity, they are the same price as they were before. About 600 bucks. They have improved the SPX slightly. For one, they gave the SPX a larger bolt handle, which is a large improvement. They they screwed in a Sling Swivel Stud so you can put on a sling. Thanks, that’s a nice touch… but it’s not enough. I have some complaints about the SPX that I’d like to see Mossberg take a good hard look.
I sell these things for a living, that’s what I do. And a lot of the serious shooters out there just can’t take Mossberg’s semi auto seriously, and will buy a gun that’s 400 bucks more money. Why is that and what can be done to fix it?
1. The forward handguard feels loose. It doesn’t feel solid and secure. This gives the whole gun a cheeper, lesser quality feeling. I know the gun is good, but when the handguard is shifting around, it’s hard to convince someone that’s it’s okay. A tactical shotgun should be as solid as a Louisville Slugger. Mossberg just hasn’t got this yet.
2. This new aftermarket sling swivel stud looks like someone just screwed it on before they took a lunch break. That just screams chinsey. A simple bracket like what Wilson Combat sells would work perfectly, look cool, and would be easier and better to use for those who use shotguns for serious purposes… like… who you’re selling the SPX to.
3. It doesn’t come with a mount for a pistol light. The addition of a simple bracket around the mag-tube and barrel that puts a short rail up front would go a long way. Instead you (Mossberg) are forcing your customers to go buy that part from someone else. You make that part and you sell that part.
4. No chokes. What makes a Shotgun so great is it’s versatility. With removable chokes, an operator can tune his gun and load in together for whatever situation. This is one of the main reasons I sell tactical shotguns that are 400 bucks more. Serious shooters want to be able to use the right shell for the job, and if they don’t have the ability to change out a choke tube, then that’s a handicap. A big one.
If Mossberg does these few things… the 930 SPX can be transformed from a “Great gun for The Money” into a World Class gun for Serious Shooters.
Ogre,
So there you have it. You have just defined a market opportunity for Crusader. The o our things at could be offered as part of one or two “upgrade” packages for that weapon. Add in a slipstream treatment, and the options to Duracoat or Cerakote.
Maybe you should pitch that one to Mossberg. Let them run their normal marketing for 95% of the 930 SPX production, turn 5% over to Crusader. 80% of that is “upgraded” to a Mossberg defined specification and returned to Mossberg for their marketing and sales teams to run with. The balance can be offered as either custom limited runs for Crusader (say one run annually). Maybe market that as The Ogre Limited. Or, you could offer it up like the Wraith, etc. as a standard set of enhancements.
Just a thought.
Hot debate. What do you think?
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Ogre,
As usual, you are right on the mark. I have, and really enjoy, my 930SPX. My TOTALLY AWESOME & TOTALLY BADASS WIFE, gave it to me for Christmas 2 years ago. I was attracted to the shotgun after I saw a friend’s 930SPX and was struck by how “handy” it felt. Lightweight and easy to get on target fast, I thought this would be a great platform to play with. Well, like you, my enthusiasm was tempered by the fact that I really did have to buy several accessories to get it where I wanted (sling adapter for the magazine, light adapter, shotshell carrier, etc.). No big deal; like an AR the 930SPX could be “barbie for boys”.
The other two aspects that were a bit of a disappointment were the finish, and the magazine dumping shells onto the feed tray 2 at a time. The finish issue? Well, it is a $590 gun so you can’t expect too much. Due to semi-regular range and IDPA use it will soon become a candidate for a “trunk gun”. Eventually, someone like ROBAR might get to re-finish it. The second issue is that feed “issue”. I’ve read the owner’s manual, and maybe I’m dim, but I can’t figure it out. I’ve just conditioned myself to put one in pipe first and then load the magazine.
I love the rail on top of the receiver and the ghost ring sites! The gun has been VERY reliable! I wouldn’t hesitate to reach for it when something goes “bump” at zero-dark-thirty, but, yes, Mossberg could have made this the poor man’s Benelli!!! Oh well, it’s a “work in progress” and I’ll enjoy my tactical barbie doll.
Oh, and you are right on the money about the chokes! Chokes on a “fighting” shotgun really help stretch it’s legs.
Keep up the good work.
W
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Whiskey1,
Have you resolved the issue with “magazine dumping shells onto the feed tray 2 at a time”?
If so, how did you fix it.
Thanks
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If you are having a problem with that… Send the gun back to Mossberg and let them tune it up. It’s their gun… Let them fix it. Mossberg stands behind their stuff.
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Thanks Ogre!
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