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.