Mossberg 940 Pro Sporting 12ga 30in Walnut
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Expert review
About this product
The Mossberg 940 Pro Sporting 12ga 30in Walnut is a semi-automatic competition shotgun engineered for Sporting Clays, featuring a gas-operated system and an adjustable walnut stock for precise customization. Unlike inertia-driven models like the Benelli M2, its gas system manages felt recoil through mechanical regulation. This specific configuration includes a 30-inch vent-rib barrel and Briley extended chokes, making it a purpose-built tool for breaking 1-ounce target loads at 1250 fps with consistency.
What is the Mossberg 940 Pro Sporting used for?
The 940 Pro Sporting is designed for formal clay target disciplines like Sporting Clays and 5-Stand, where target presentations vary from 20 to 65 yards. Its 30-inch barrel provides a 54.5-inch overall length, which stabilizes swing and improves pointability for crossing and quartering targets. The adjustable comb and length-of-pull (13 to 14.25 inches) allow shooters to fine-tune eye alignment with the fiber-optic front sight for different shooting stations.
How does the Mossberg 940 Pro Sporting compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Mossberg 940 Pro Sporting offers faster follow-up shots than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in due to its semi-automatic action, but requires more frequent cleaning. The Stevens 555 is better for shooters who prefer the mechanical reliability and instant barrel selection of an over/under for around $250 less, while the Mossberg's gas system provides softer perceived recoil for high-volume practice sessions exceeding 200 rounds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the 940 Pro Sporting weighs 7.4 pounds, with an overall length of 54.5 inches and a barrel length of 30 inches. The walnut stock provides a length of pull adjustable from 13 inches to 14.25 inches in 0.25-inch increments, and the magazine tube holds a 4+1 capacity of standard 2.75-inch shells. The vent rib width is 0.25 inches, a common standard for target shotguns.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for hunters or those seeking a lightweight home-defense tool; its 7.4-pound weight and 54.5-inch length make it cumbersome in blinds or hallways. It's also a poor choice for shooters who primarily use 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl loads, as the gas system is tuned for lighter 1-ounce to 1.125-ounce target loads. For a versatile field gun, consider a shorter-barreled model like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga.
What's in the box?
The shotgun ships with one Briley extended choke tube (typically Improved Cylinder), sling swivel studs installed, and a standard owner's manual with Mossberg's warranty information. Notably, the complete Briley choke set (often including Skeet, Modified, and Full) is sometimes sold separately; verify the specific included choke markings, which should be laser-etched with constriction. You will need to supply your own chamber flag and a standard 12ga cleaning kit.
Is the Mossberg 940 Pro Sporting worth it at $1025.99?
At $1025.99, the 940 Pro Sporting is worth it for the dedicated Sporting Clays shooter who values a tunable gas system and stock adjustability over the simpler mechanics of an over/under. You are paying for competition-specific features like the enlarged loading port and extended chokes that a field-grade semi-auto lacks. For a budget-conscious entry into clays, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U provides reliable core functionality at a lower price point, sacrificing the recoil management and rapid follow-up capability.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Adjustable length of pull from 13" to 14.25" — allows precise fit for different arm lengths.
- Gas-operated system reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to inertia-driven models like the Benelli M2.
- 30-inch vent-rib barrel provides a 54.5" overall length for stable target swing.
- Includes Briley extended choke tubes — a $140+ value if purchased separately.
Trade-offs
- Weighs 7.4 lbs unloaded — 1.2 lbs heavier than the synthetic-stock version, noticeable during long practice sessions.
- Requires cleaning every 300-400 rounds to maintain gas system reliability — more frequent than an over/under.
- Walnut stock susceptible to dings and moisture — requires more care than a synthetic stock in field conditions.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813851473 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 85147 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 30" VR |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 46.375 |
| package height | 9.0 |
| package width | 3.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 11.45 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this come with a full set of Briley chokes?
- Mossberg typically ships this model with only one Briley extended choke tube installed, usually Improved Cylinder. The complete 5-tube competition set (Cylinder, Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full) is often a separate $140-$180 purchase from Briley or authorized dealers. Always check the product listing or invoice for the exact included choke count and markings.
- Is it compatible with 3-inch magnum shells?
- Yes, the chamber accepts both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells. However, the gas system is optimized for standard 1-ounce to 1.125-ounce target loads at 1200-1300 fps. Firing heavy 3-inch magnums (1.5 oz+) may require adjusting the gas piston or cause excessive bolt velocity and increased felt recoil, which is not ideal for competition use.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing time is 1-3 business days after order verification, followed by 3-7 business days for freight delivery to your chosen FFL dealer. The entire process from order to FFL notification typically takes 7-10 business days, excluding any state-mandated waiting periods. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide their license and arrange pickup.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. You can inspect the firearm at your FFL before completing the 4473 form; if you refuse transfer at that point, return shipping fees (approximately $75-$100) and a 15% restocking fee apply. Ensure the stock's 13 to 14.25-inch length of pull range suits you before purchasing.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Comp-N-Choke?
- Yes, it uses standard Invector-Plus choke threads, which are compatible with aftermarket tubes from Briley, Carlson's, and Tru-Choke. A Carlson's Comp-N-Choke in Modified constriction is a common $45 upgrade for Sporting Clays. Always confirm thread pattern (Mossberg 940 uses Invector-Plus, not Benelli Crio or Beretta Mobil) before purchasing any aftermarket choke.