My big regret with the Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey is not getting one sooner. This shotgun won the Caliber Award for “Best New Shotgun” of the year and sold out. Mossberg could not make them fast enough. I’ll go into detail about why it was such a hit in this review, along with the advantages and disadvantages from my field testing and pattern trials, but in summary, this shotgun is the ideal blend of functionality, features, dependability, and affordability.
Is the 940 Pro Turkey the greatest turkey hunting shotgun ever made? No. But I think it is the best gun you can get for the money. Because different people value different features, it won’t be the best fit for all turkey hunters, and it definitely has some drawbacks. However, Mossberg designed this shotgun to be a tough workhorse that you can drag into the woods in any weather condition in search of spring gobblers, not to compete with upscale European sporting guns.
The Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey, a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed specifically for turkey hunting, has garnered significant attention since its release. However, as with any firearm, there have been reports of issues and concerns among users. This comprehensive guide delves into the performance of the 940 Pro Turkey, addressing its strengths, weaknesses, and potential problems to help you make an informed decision.
Strengths of the Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey
- Reliability: The gas-operated system ensures smooth and reliable cycling, even with heavy turkey loads.
- Speed: The semi-automatic action allows for quick follow-up shots, crucial in fast-paced turkey hunting situations.
- Versatility: The 940 Pro Turkey can handle a variety of loads, from 2 ¾-inch to 3 ½-inch shells, providing flexibility for different hunting scenarios.
- Ergonomics: The adjustable stock and comfortable grip enhance handling and shooting comfort.
- Features: The fiber optic sights, Picatinny rail for optics mounting, and extended magazine tube add to the shotgun’s functionality.
Potential Problems with the Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey
- Cycling Issues: Some users have reported cycling problems, particularly with lighter loads. This could be due to insufficient gas pressure or ammunition incompatibility.
- Ejection Issues: Occasional ejection failures have been reported, which can be frustrating in the field.
- Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on some models has been described as heavy or inconsistent.
- Safety Concerns: A few instances of the safety disengaging unintentionally have been reported, highlighting the importance of proper handling and safety precautions.
- Customer Service: Some users have expressed concerns about the responsiveness and helpfulness of Mossberg’s customer service.
Addressing the Problems
- Cycling Issues: Ensure you’re using the correct ammunition for the gas system. Cleaning and lubrication can also help improve cycling reliability.
- Ejection Issues: Check for any obstructions in the ejection port and ensure the extractor is functioning properly.
- Trigger Pull: A gunsmith can adjust the trigger pull to your preference.
- Safety Concerns: Always handle firearms safely and double-check the safety before and after use.
- Customer Service: If you encounter issues, document them and contact Mossberg customer service for assistance.
The Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey is a capable and feature-rich shotgun for turkey hunting However, like any firearm, it’s essential to be aware of potential problems and take steps to address them. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the 940 Pro Turkey, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your turkey hunting needs
Remember, safety is paramount when handling firearms. Always follow proper safety procedures and consult a qualified gunsmith for any adjustments or repairs.
Why This Turkey Hunting Shotgun?
Choosing to purchase the Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl was the first step in my path to the Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey. I had been hunting everything under the sun with a Mossberg 930 for years, including pheasants, turkeys, ducks, crows, and more. But eventually, I got to the point where I was dying to have a gun setup for wing shooting and another for hunting turkeys. When the 940 Pro line was launched, the path forward was obvious.
In order to shoot the guns interchangeably and have the older 930 as a backup, I wanted an upgrade from the 930 but with the same controls, mechanism, and feel. Mossberg read my mind. I looked everywhere, and the 940 was the best option for the money and my tastes. I initially purchased the 940 Pro Waterfowl and later authored this review: Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl Review | Tested vs 930. I knew instantly I needed to get the 940 Pro Turkey also.
Although I don’t own a safe full of Mossberg weapons, I am a major enthusiast of the 930 and, more recently, the 940. I am unable to identify a strong rival in the same price range when people inquire about the 940 Pro Turkey’s main rival. I am not aware of anyone that gives you the same features and performance for the money.
940 Pro Turkey Features
The required features that I am required by the unwritten rules of reviews to include are listed below. However, the dependability, the optical choices, the turkey choke, and finally the creature comforts and aesthetics are the main narratives here.
Reliability: To enable the 940 Pro to fire 1,500 shells between cleanings, Mossberg redesigned the gas system. Gunking up should never be an issue because the majority of turkey hunters will never fire that many shells in the lifetime of any dedicated turkey gun. Thus far, this gun has fired everything I’ve put in it, cycled perfectly and without one malfunction. Its reliability is excellent.
Optics: The stock fiber optic front bead works great, its perfect for turkey hunting. But this gun stands out because it comes with a removable plate that enables you to mount a recessed Shield RMSc-pattern micro dot sight with two screws. You could add a rail and use a scope, but the red dot just drops in, the gun is made for it. The sight sits down inside of the receiver which keeps it low profile, close to the gun, and still enables you to use the stock sights if needed. I’ll share more about the Holosun 507k X2 Red Dot that I mounted on the gun shortly.
Choke: Mossberg equips this shotgun with their X-Factor XX-Full Turkey Choke, which is a serious choke tube. This is not just any old factory choke. It competes with the best chokes in the industry, including those with tighter constriction and fancier marketing. You will see the specifics in a later section when I talk about my test data. But don’t think that in order to get the most out of this gun, you’ll need to purchase another choke. The X-Factor may be all you need.
Full Features List
- 12 Gauge 2 ¾” & 3”
- Optic-Ready
- Drilled and Tapped Receiver
- Clean-running Gas-vent System
- Quick-empty Magazine Release
- Adjustable Length of Pull
- Self-Draining Stock
- Oversized Charging Handle
- Cut Out Loading Port
- HIVIZ CompSight Fiber Optic Sight
- Barrel Length 24″ or 18.5″
- Mossy Oak – Greenleaf Camo Finish
- X-Factor XX-Full Turkey Choke Tube, Constriction: 0.670
- 4+1 Capacity, comes with a removable plug to 2+1
- Synthetic Stock with Adjustable Length of Pull, Cast, and Drop
- Weighs 7.5 lbs.
patterning the mossberg 940 pro turkey with stock choke and lbxr’s | bco review |
FAQ
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