Thunder Ranch 930® Semi-Automatic Shotgun

In the competitive world of gas-powered shotguns, MOSSBERG makes a particularly attractive proposal, where functionality stands out at a particularly contained price. It is a Spartan weapon, devoid of luxuries, which is committed to reliability, balance and economical price, therefore having a magnificent quality-price ratio. These features make this one of the best-selling shotguns of its class in the US.

Before entering into the details of operation and technical aspects, we will point out its construction characteristics. Given that in North America, the country of origin of this shotgun, duck hunting in wetlands is almost a religion, it is not surprising that it has improved characteristics aimed against corrosion. We can say that it is literally designed to live in a swamp with it, therefore assuming that it will get wet and hit regularly.

For all these reasons, the receiver is made of an aluminum alloy, the return spring is made of stainless steel and the bolt is nitrided with boron. This last treatment is extended to other parts: piston rings, sear, hammer, recoil spring plunger and recoil spring tube, for deep corrosion resistance. Note that boron nitride also adds lubricity to the set of components, something important in a gas-powered shotgun, which always requires shorter cleaning cycles to ensure its perfect functioning.

Regarding the dimensions of this model, the Mossberg 930 Thunder Ranch, these are very compact thanks to its 18.5” (469 mm) barrel made of carbon steel, which gives a total length of 990 mm. It is a well-balanced weapon, with a relatively light weight, since it is 3,400 g, a characteristic that allows us to take quick shots and quick follow-up shots. The latter is something we can see by watching videos of Jerry Miculek with this 930. The quality of the trigger also helps, which, without being competitive, is one of the lightest in its category, only 2.40 Kg.

The MOSSBERG 930 Thunder Ranch is a gas-operated shotgun, equipped with a self-regulation and dual evacuation system for excess gases. The gases left over from the operating cycle exit through two windows, formed by two rows of “V”-shaped perforations on the barrel, without interfering in any case with the shooter. The aforementioned two windows help reduce recoil and muzzle relief, especially in powerful cartridges. Such is the attenuation achieved, that it is very easy to spend the day shooting with it, without experiencing excessive recoil knocking. The consequence of all this is that we will have unprecedented smoothness of operation, as well as outstanding reliability. All this will allow us to repeat the shots very quickly. An especially valuable feature if we use 76 mm or magnum cartridges, since the chamber is prepared for this type of ammunition.

The safety of the 930 is another of its notable aspects, while most of the competing shotguns in this segment have the safety on the trigger guard or nearby, on the Mossberg it does so on the spine of the handle. This allows it to be naturally ambidextrous in use. If we think that there will be times when we use this shotgun with gloves or simply in situations where adrenaline flows in quantity, we will appreciate the advantage that this location represents.

Speaking of the trigger guard, we will point out another unusual feature in this type of shotgun, a small metal pin located on the inside of the trigger guard in front of the trigger. This will project towards the trigger finger when the gun is cocked and therefore ready to fire.

The trigger assembly is very easy to access, the trigger cassette can be released by simply removing two black pins on the outside of the action walls. Something important, taking into account that this weapon can be used for hunting waterfowl, where the characteristics of the hunting environment mean that the shotgun requires deep cleaning after use, for example, when it takes place in areas of marshes.

Speaking of extras or accessories added to the weapon, note the existence of a very useful padlock with a steel cable, to secure the weapon by passing it through its loading and ejection window. An element that I usually use in each of them, both when I transport my weapons in the car, and when they are stored in the box at home. Something that, from my point of view, is a very interesting security plus.

As for the stock, it is made of polymer, a straight pistol grip type without a cheek piece, with a contained vertical curvature. This configuration is the most rational and suitable for semi-automatic weapons like this one. Look for a firm grip, preventing the hand from moving and allowing any possibility of movement for the index finger. It allows certain parameterization to adapt to different morphologies, since it has eight wedges that allow the drop of the stock to be adjusted.

Finally, it should be noted that the tubular ammunition tank has a capacity of seven cartridges and has a very good loading window, it is fast, simple and does not pinch your fingers. It has a quick release button for emptying the magazine to easily unload the weapon.

Characteristics:

• 18.5" (47 cm.) cylindrical barrel in blued finish with fixed muzzle brake.
• Dual rapid cycle gas ventilation system.
• Synthetic stock and handguard in Kuiu camo color.
• Red fiber optic sight.
• Quick release magazine emptying button for easy unloading.
• Safety mounted on top of housing providing ambidextrous operation.
• Capacity of 4+1 cartridges. (limited to 2+1)
• It allows you to shoot 70 and 76 cm cartridges interchangeably.
• Reliability, smooth operation and low recoil operation.