A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of being part of a group of writers who got an early look at the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. Over several days, we test-drove the new 940 and put it through its paces. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. Fast forward a couple of years, and my phone rings again. Mossberg invited me to Gunsite Academy because they have something special to show me. That “something special” became the next evolution of the 940. This is the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX.

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX – Evolution of an Excellent Shotgun

The media events at Gunsite are unlike most events I attend each year. The Gunsite cadre runs a course for the writers and staff during which we shoot the gun of the day. This is a spectacular way to get time on a new gun and do it at pace. After a welcome from Gunsite CEO Ken Campbell, we went to work. During the presentation from the Mossberg team, it became apparent that they had been busy improving the 940.

The 940 Pro Tactical SPX is a 12-gauge gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun available in 8-shot or 5-shot versions. The 18.5-inch AccuChoke-compatible barrel is topped off with a green fiber-optic front sight with steel “wings” to protect the sight from damage. Directly under the barrel is where some of the Mossberg magic happens. To get the gun to run everything from super light birdshot to three-inch magnum slugs, some serious engineering had to occur in the gas system. It has been completely redesigned for fast-paced and reliable cycling in all environmental conditions.

Advanced Gas System

The 940 Pro Tactical SPX accomplishes this with a redesigned, essentially self-regulating piston. This piston vents excess gas out the front, and a separate spring-loaded valve in the gas block works together to trap just enough propellant to cycle the action. The gas that flows under the forend meets a pusher tube connecting the piston to the twin operating rods. This lightweight aluminum component features holes, vents, ridges, and ribs that reduce friction and give carbon and debris somewhere besides the mag tube’s outside. This new design is robust and focused on durability and reliability. All the critical components are nickel boron coated, adding life and making cleaning easy. Mossberg tells us this new design will allow the gun to run 1500 rounds before cleaning.

The forend on the new 940 Pro Tactical SPX got a facelift. The 940s forend, like its stock, is injection molded from glass-filled nylon with good checkering. It has a slim, ergonomic design with a new integrated heat shield. It has M-Lok slots at 3,6 and 9 o’clock and includes QD cups on both the right and left sides.

Optics Ready

Moving down to the receiver, you see one of the most notable features of the gun. The 940 Pro Tactical SPX come optic-ready. It has receiver cuts that accept low-profile direct mounting of Shield RMSc-pattern micro dot sights. When they say low profile, they mean low. For the class, Mossberg installed Holosun HSS507K optics on the guns, and they worked well. The gun comes with a ghost ring sight system and is optics-ready with the ghost ring plate removed. The fixed low-profile rear sight has been pre-calibrated for 75 Yards using Federal 00 Buck Flight Control. Mossberg will also offer a model that comes pre-set up with an optic.

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX Solid Design

The receiver is made from aircraft-grade lightweight aluminum and provides steel-to-steel bolt-to-barrel lockup. The receiver, trigger, bolt release, and charging handle are all anodized for durability. The internal components are nickel-boron coated for smooth operation. The gun has a very ergonomic and durable fire control system. It includes a redesigned oversized safety and a metal trigger guard. The knurled charging handle and ergonomic bolt release offer tactical functionality and durability.

When you flip the gun over, you see it is built for easy loading. An enlarged and beveled loading port was specifically configured for quad loading. This feature is at the forefront of all the 940 guns. While you may be unable to accomplish the hand gymnastics to pull off a quad load, the gun is easy to feed in the old-school way. Something I appreciated was the inclusion of an anodized bright orange follower. This makes both visual and tactile inspection easier. The gun also has an elongated, pinch-free elevator, which will be a source of joy for those bitten while loading.

Adjustable Fit

Mossberg spent quite a bit of time on the stock. Few guns require as much fitting as shotguns. An incorrect length of pull can make shooting a miserable experience. The gun has multiple adjustments available. The length of pull can be set anywhere from 12.5 inches to 14.25 inches. Rise and cast can also be adjusted by means of shims at the rear of the receiver. The grip has the signature Mossberg texturing, and they have added QD cups on both the right and left sides.

Another upgrade in the 940 Pro Tactical SPX is the magazine tube. It now uses a single-piece design to eliminate failure points from loosening magazine extensions. It is nickel-boron coated for enhanced operation and has an aluminum external sleeve for enhanced durability. The final “new and improved” part of this gun is the inclusion of a 6-shotshell carrier. Made by Vang Comp Systems, it comes with a removable aluminum mounting plate and hook-and-loop card attachment system.

Professional Series and Thunder Ranch Models

While this was enough to make me love the 940 Pro Tactical SPX even more, the team at Mossberg wasn’t done. They said, “But wait, there’s more!” Mossberg is also releasing the new 940 in their “Professional” series. These guns are optimized for use by military and law enforcement agencies. Guns in this category are hand-built to the same rigorous specifications held only for military and government contracts. While standard quality control is great at Mossberg, these guns will be scrutinized even more. Guns in their new category will also get some special love before heading out the door.

Test Time

While my previous experience on the 940 was good, I also wanted time on the 940 Pro Tactical SPX. We were soon on the range and burning through ammo. While we did the standard square range training with the guns, we shot them on unique ranges. For those familiar with Gunsite, we used the Urban Scrambler as one of the test ranges. This range requires shooters to engage steel targets from specific shooting points at various distances. These points include a minivan, a doorway, a window, and more. It is dynamic and will test a gun’s ability to be used in a real-world setting.

The final stop in the scrambler requires you to take a hostage rescue headshot on a steel target using a slug. This proved to be almost child’s play. The gun’s ease of function and oversized loading post made switching to a slug very fast. Then, the good trigger and inclusion of an optic allowed me to drill the plate as if I were shooting a rifle. It was very impressive, and I found the 940 Pro Tactical SPX to be a fighting shotgun.

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX – Excellent Performance

The 940 Pro Tactical SPX is a shooter – plain and simple. I found it to be reliable and fast to run. The inclusion of an optic is a game-changer, to say the least. The entire event was one of the most educational and enjoyable events I have attended in a long time. Gunsite shined as always. They quietly continue to produce quality classes and create gunfighters. As for the 940 Pro Tactical SPX, it has moved to the top of my list of boomsticks. Mossberg will have five versions of the shotgun and the Thunder Ranch and Professional Series guns. If you get a chance to run one, don’t let it slip by. You will be hooked.

For more information, visit:https://www.mossberg.com/