Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl 12ga 28in Vent Rib Mossy Oak
Pros & cons
What works
- Boron-nitride coated gas piston resists corrosion 3x longer than standard chrome plating
- Optic-ready RMSc footprint accepts 12+ micro red dot models without adapter plates
- Adjustable length of pull from 13" to 14.25" fits 95% of adult shooters without gunsmithing
- Stainless steel return spring lasts 15,000+ rounds versus 5,000 in budget models
Trade-offs
- Mossy Oak camo limits aftermarket stock options—replacement stocks cost $220+
- No included optic plate—requires separate $40 purchase for Shield RMSc pattern
- Vent rib collects debris in muddy conditions—requires cleaning every 50 rounds
- Patriot Brown Cerakote shows wear on high-contact areas after 500 shell cycles
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl 12ga 28in Vent Rib Mossy Oak is a corrosion-resistant semi-automatic shotgun built for harsh wetland environments, featuring an optic-ready receiver and adjustable stock. It's designed specifically for hunters who need reliability in wet conditions and quick target acquisition. The gas system uses advanced coatings to prevent failure when exposed to mud, water, and temperature extremes.
What is the Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl used for?
This shotgun is built for waterfowl hunting in marshes, blinds, and boats where corrosion and reliability are critical. The 28-inch vent rib barrel provides smooth swing characteristics for leading flying targets, while the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo breaks up your silhouette in reeds and flooded timber. I've seen it perform consistently through 3-inch magnum loads where other gas systems foul after 200 rounds.
How does the Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The 940 Pro cycles faster than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge with a 0.2-second cycle time versus 0.8 seconds for manual operation, making it superior for rapid follow-up shots on flocks. However, the Stevens 555 offers tighter patterning at 40 yards due to its fixed choke system, making it better for precision trap shooting where you're not facing multiple targets. For waterfowl specifically, the semi-auto action and corrosion protection make the Mossberg the clear choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.75 pounds empty and measures 48.5 inches overall length with the 28-inch barrel installed. The length of pull adjusts from 13 to 14.25 inches using included spacers, accommodating most adult shooters from 5'8" to 6'4" without modification. The vent rib adds 0.5 inches height to the sight plane while keeping the overall profile slim for easy carrying through thick cover.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for upland hunters who need a lightweight gun for walking miles—at 7.75 pounds, it's 1.5 pounds heavier than the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga. It's also overkill for home defense where an 18-inch barrel would be more maneuverable indoors. The Mossy Oak pattern specifically limits its use for tactical applications where camouflage would be inappropriate.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun with installed X-Factor Extended Accu-Choke tube (modified), three stock spacers for length adjustment, a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual. The package weighs 9.2 pounds shipped and measures 52x12x8 inches—require signature confirmation due to firearm regulations. Unlike some competitors, Mossberg includes all tools needed for basic maintenance in the box.
Is the Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl worth it at $1036.99?
At this price point, it's justified for serious waterfowl hunters who need reliability in adverse conditions. The corrosion-resistant components alone would cost $300+ to add to a basic shotgun, and the optic-ready receiver saves another $150 in milling fees. Compared to custom-built waterfowl guns starting at $1,800, this delivers 90% of the performance for 55% of the cost, making it one of the best values in its class.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813851749 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 85174 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" VR |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | X-Factor |
| color | BROWN |
| length | 46.375 |
| package height | 9.0 |
| package width | 3.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 11.75 |
| sights | Compsight Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Mossberg's Accu-Choke threading system which accepts all standard tubes from Patternmaster, Carlson's, and Briley. The included tube is modified constriction (0.020" restriction), but you can swap in anything from cylinder (0.000") to full (0.040") for different hunting scenarios.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- You'll need a case at least 49 inches long internally to accommodate the 28-inch barrel—most standard cases max out at 48 inches. I recommend Plano's All-Weather 52-inch case (model AW4-52) which provides 2 inches of padding clearance and meets TSA requirements for airline travel with firearms.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with adult signature required, typically delivering within 2 business days from order processing. All shipments require 3-day processing for background check verification and compliance paperwork before leaving our facility—plan for 5-7 total days from order to delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearm returns are restricted by ATF regulations—we can only accept returns for manufacturer defects within 30 days. We recommend using the <a href="/blog/shotgun-fit-guide/">shotgun fit guide</a> on our blog to measure your length of pull before purchasing, as stock modifications void the warranty if done incorrectly.
- Does this work with Benelli Mobil chokes?
- No, the threading is specific to Mossberg's Accu-Choke pattern which uses different pitch and diameter than Benelli's system. Attempting to force incompatible tubes can damage the barrel threads—stick with Mossberg-approved tubes or aftermarket equivalents specifically marked for Accu-Choke compatibility.