When I started out as a cop, there were only two names we took seriously for tactical shotguns: Remington and Mossberg.
Both of these brands make shotguns with undeniable reliability. Today, that list has grown and there are other noteworthy makes and models in the tactical shotgun realm. Nonetheless, Mossberg and its products remain strong as ever. I first started out solely shooting pump-action shotguns, but today I am completely onboard with semi-automatic models. Today’s semi-auto designs offer increased reliability, speed, and ease of use.
Mossberg’s new 940 Pro Tactical SPX with Holosun red-dot sight is about as dependable and feature-rich as they come.
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Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX In A Nutshell
The Mossberg 940 was introduced in 2020. It is based on the old Mossberg 930 system, but it also includes an upgraded and more reliable gas system, better materials, and more ergonomic controls.
Part of the gun’s fame comes from the fact that Jerry Miculek shoots one. Miculek isa famed competitive shooter and world record holder, and Mossberg sells a competition Model 940 that bears his initials. Beyond competition, Mossberg also has a tactical shotgun product line. The new 940 Pro Tactical SPX is the latest member of this branch of the Mossberg 940 family tree.
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This shotgun comes optics-ready, with its receiver pre-cut for any Shield RMSc footprint. It can also use an adapter plate for other footprints as well. I’m writing about the version with the Holosun Micro Dot combo-package. It comes with a pre-mounted Holosun HS407K red-dot sight.
Optics-Ready Shotguns
Mossberg is one of the few major shotgun manufacturers that cuts their receivers for micro red-dot sights. It’s a big deal because it allows red-dot sights to be mounted lower to the metal in order to co-witness with iron sights. It is important on a tactical shotgun because we always want a backup in case Plan A fails, so to speak.
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Another huge reason this optics-ready receiver is important is that it allows the red-dot sight to be mounted farther back along the receiver. Normally, red-dot sights tend to sit on a Picatinny base located directly above the ejection port. The port and the area around it should always be clear. That’s because if you need to emergency-reload the shotgun and try to come over the top of the receiver, that sight and mount and get in your way.
Third, having a sight installed directly onto the gun means there’s one less part that fail– the adapter optics-plate. Either way, it pays to mount both the sight and / or plates with thread-locker and to the correct torque values.
Other Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX Features
The 940 Pro Tactical SPX is chock full of other features: oversize charging handle, oversize bolt release, Mossberg’s famous tang-mounted ambidextrous safety (also oversized), multiple QD sling mount spots, extended 7+1 capacity tube mag, a spacer-adjustable stock, multiple M-LOK flashlight mount locations, forend that also serves as an integrated heat shield and backup iron sights. Finally, as an added touch, the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX includes a Vang Comp 6-shell shell carrier that attaches via hook-and-loop to the other side of the receiver.
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This variant uses the same Mossberg gas-vent system that’s present across the entire 940 shotgun family. It’s designed to be cleaned out on a 1,500 round interval. And yes, this shotgun is drilled and tapped in the traditional spot in addition to the aforementioned RMSc optic cut. I like the Holosun that’s already on there, but at least you get options.
Slugs, Accuracy & Testing
The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX shot well. I had no problems cycling ammunition through it right out of the box.
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I fired three different kinds of slugs, two from Federal (Classic and Truball) and one load from Remington. The accuracy for all three different types of slugs resulted virtually identical. Thanks to the 940 Pro Tactical SPX’s sighting system with the Holosun 407K, I was able to easily pull off head shots at 25 yards. I even enjoyed shooting some drills with the shotgun. In addition to the various slugs I tested for accuracy, I also loaded and fired a hodge podge of old mixed leftover shells (funny how they always accumulate) without any malfunctions. The Mossberg had no issues and its action is fast-cycling. This shotgun also effortlessly pointed naturally and felt comfortable from the start.
While this isn’t listed as an official feature, the 940 Pro Tactical SPX’s shell lifter has a squared off front edge. Thanks to this design, you cannot pinch your thumb when loading, no matter how hard you try. Pinching and loading shotguns quickly under duress has led me to nearly lose the nail on my thumb more times than I can count.
The issue is severe enough that there’s a couple of shotgun brands I don’t shoot or own because of their shell-lifter designs. I am relieved that this is not the case with the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX.
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Working on this write-up led me to a little jaunt down memory lane, back to the days when tactical shotguns weren’t ready to rock out of the box.
Closing Thoughts
I remember buying a shotgun, and installing an 18.5-inch barrel on it. Then I’d have to elongate the forcing cone in order to get decent buckshot patterns. After that came having to go out of your way to drill and tap the receiver for optics. Of course, you’d have to source the Picatinny base too.
There was also the matter of swapping out all the small bits: oversize safety, sidesaddle, extended magazine tube, Don’t forget about adding a stock with a riser in order to see the red-dot sight either. And the Surefire forend with a tactical light.
I’d still need to report to work and qualify with it before being cleared to carry it on the street.
The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX saves me the headache of having to do all that extra work. (The sole exception is having to add your own tactical light).
With an MSRP of $1,371.00, this Mossberg is literally is cheaper today than what my duty shotgun cost me 20 years ago. I say it all the time, “The quality and features available on firearms today are so much better than they were 10 years and even 5 years ago.”
If you are looking for a quality tactical shotgun, the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX – Holosun Micro Dot Combo should definitely be on your short list.
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX Specifications
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Overall Length: 37 inches
- Weight 7.25 pounds
- Action: Semi-auto
- LOP: 12.5 – 14.25 inches
- Sights: Front Fiber Optic; Holosun HS407K
- Chamber: 3 inch
- Choke: Accu-Choke System
- Capacity: 7+1
- Gauge: 12 ga
- Receiver: Aluminum
- MSRP: $1,371.00
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX 12 Gauge Performance
| Remington 1 oz Slugger | |
| Average Velocity | 1414 FPS |
| Best Group | 1.98 inches |
| Average Group | 2.25 inches |
| Federal 1 oz Classic | |
| Average Velocity | 1494 FPS |
| Best Group | 2.10 inches |
| Average Group | 2.43 inches |
| Federal 1 oz Truball | |
| Average Velocity | 1256 FPS |
| Best Group | 2.38 inches |
| Average Group | 2.74 inches |
Slug weight measured in ounces, velocity in feet per second 15 feet from the muzzle by a chronograph, and accuracy in inches for 3, five shot groups at 25 yards.
