Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl 12Ga 28in Realtree Legacy 4rd
About this product
The Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl is a purpose-built 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, configured with corrosion-resistant components and a 28-inch vent-rib barrel for reliable performance in wet hunting environments. It's built to handle the specific demands of waterfowling, where cold, mud, and water are constant adversaries. Out of the box, it's an optic-ready field gun designed for quick target acquisition in a decoy spread.
What is the Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl used for?
This shotgun is designed for waterfowl hunting in marshes, flooded timber, and open water where exposure to moisture is unavoidable. The gas system is tuned to cycle a wide range of 2 ¾-inch to 3-inch loads reliably, from lighter target loads for pass-shooting to heavy steel for geese. The 28-inch barrel length provides the swing dynamics and dense shot patterns needed for pass-shooting ducks and geese at 40+ yards over decoys.
How does the Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Mossberg 940 Pro is better for fast, high-volume follow-up shots in a marsh, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is superior for controlled pairs and deliberate target shooting. The 940's semi-automatic action absorbs more recoil and offers a 4+1 capacity, whereas an over/under like the Stevens 555 is mechanically simpler but limited to two shots. For a waterfowler facing waves of birds, the magazine capacity and fast cycling of the 940 are a tangible advantage; for a clays shooter focused on form, the O/U’s balance and simplicity win.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this model weighs approximately 7.5 pounds, with an overall length of 48.5 inches. The barrel itself is a 28-inch long, steel vent-rib design with a chrome-lined bore, contributing roughly 3 pounds to the total weight. This provides a forward balance point that aids in maintaining consistent swing momentum, a critical factor for leading crossing birds at longer distances.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the gun for a hunter prioritizing ultralight gear for mountain upland hunts or someone seeking a purely defensive shotgun. Its 48.5-inch overall length makes it cumbersome for home-defense corners, and the specialized corrosion-resistant coatings add a small weight premium over basic blued models. It’s also a poor choice for the shooter who refuses to perform basic field maintenance, as even resistant parts need cleaning after saltwater exposure.
What's in the box?
The gun ships with three total internal components in the box: one firearm, one standard cylinder choke tube, and the necessary tools for attaching an optic to the Shield RMSc footprint. Unlike some competitors, Mossberg does not include spare choke tubes for different patterns or a padded soft case. You will need to source chokes and a case separately, adding to the initial setup cost if you require improved cylinder or full constrictions.
Is the Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl worth it at $923.99?
At $923.99, it is competitively priced for a dedicated, corrosion-focused semi-auto, but it demands that your primary use case is waterfowl. For that price, you get the coated action parts and optic-ready rail seen on guns costing $300 more, but you sacrifice the multi-choke versatility of a competition model. If your season involves wading in brackish water for 30+ days, the investment in corrosion protection is justified; if you hunt ducks once a year, a rifle like the Stevens 334 for big game might be a higher priority.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Optic-ready Shield RMSc cut — direct-mounts micro red dots like the Holosun 507K without plates.
- Chrome-lined 28-inch bore — cleans faster and resists corrosion better than plain steel.
- Boron-nitride coated gas piston — reduces carbon fouling build-up by roughly 40% compared to uncoated models.
- Total unloaded weight of 7.5 lbs — manageable for long carries through a marsh.
Trade-offs
- Includes only one choke tube (cylinder) — requires additional purchase for modified or full patterns.
- HiViz rear sight is a proprietary design — not easily swapped for a standard ghost ring without gunsmithing.
- No storage compartment in the synthetic stock — unlike some competing models from Beretta.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 015813851862 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 85186 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 |
| chokes included | X-Factor Modified |
| color | Realtree Camo |
| model | 940 Pro |
| shipping weight | 11.0 |
| sights | Fiber Optic |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the optic cut compatible with Trijicon RMR sights?
- No, the receiver is milled specifically for the Shield RMSc micro-red-dot footprint, which is a smaller pattern than the Trijicon RMR. An adapter plate from a supplier like CHPWS is required to mount an RMR, adding approximately 0.2 inches to the sight height and potentially interfering with the factory sight picture through the HiViz rear iron.
- Does it come with a case for transport?
- No, the manufacturer ships the shotgun in a cardboard box with minimal protective packaging. You will need to purchase a suitable hard or soft case separately; a Plano All Weather case or similar with a 50-inch interior length is required to accommodate the 48.5-inch overall length.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearm shipments from Ironclad Armory typically process within 3 business days, followed by ground transit to your selected FFL dealer. Total transit time averages 5-10 business days, depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Montana. You will receive tracking information once the item is scanned by the carrier.
- Can I use 3.5-inch magnum shells in this shotgun?
- No, the chamber and gas system are engineered for 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shells only. Attempting to cycle a 3.5-inch shell will result in a failure to feed and could damage the bolt or gas piston. For 3.5-inch capabilities, you would need a different model like the Mossberg 935.