Mossberg launched its Model 940 series of scatterguns back in 2020 with the competition-themed—and Jerry Miculek-endorsed—JM Pro, and the company has been steadily expanding the line ever since with new versions built to accommodate other shotgunning specializations. Early in 2022 came the 940 Pro Turkey, not only the first model designed around the harvesting of gobblers, but also the first extension of the new line to feature an optics-ready receiver. Both 18.5"- and 24"-barreled versions are being offered, and our test gun for the following evaluation was an example of the former.
The 940s are semi-automatic, gas-operated, 12-ga. shotguns developed to be an upgrade to Mossberg’s 930 series, offering a radically re-designed gas system, among other features. When fired, gas is directed through the port located on the bottom of the barrel that, in turn, forces a piston rearward. Unlike most gas-operated shotguns, the gas piston travels only about 3/4" before it impacts the 940’s signature spacer. This spacer is ribbed and ventilated to minimize tube contact, reducing one of the largest and most troublesome friction points. The ventilation holes also serve as an escape route for the condensation that is generated when hot lead is sent down a cool barrel. Toward the rear of the gas system is the pusher that cycles the action to facilitate the feeding and ejecting of either 2¾" or 3" shells from the tubular, four-round magazine.
As it is intended for field use, Mossberg kept the 940 Pro Turkey’s weight down with an aluminum receiver that is not only light but inherently corrosion-resistant. This quality is further enhanced by the Mossy Oak Greenleaf finish, which is also applied to the synthetic furniture and the barrel. At the very end of the barrel’s ventilated rib is a HIVIZ CompSight that presents a triangular aiming point. The shotgun’s muzzle is threaded for Accu-Choke-compatible choke tubes, and it comes with an XX-Full ported choke—helping to produce some of the tightest patterns possible while also reducing recoil a bit.
As hunters often like to wear gloves for both concealment and comfort, Mossberg’s latest turkey gun is built with an oversized bolt release and charging handle, and the loading port has been enlarged and beveled for the same reason. The fore-end and buttstock both bear diamond checkering on each side to facilitate secure purchase. The shotgun’s buttpad has a coarse groove pattern that is best likened to boot tread.
While the Pro Turkey exhibits many of the same features as the other members of the 940 line, its handgun-style optics cut helps set it apart. Mounting to a Picatinny rail can result in an optic that is set a bit too high for a comfortable cheekweld. By drilling and tapping the shotgun’s receiver so that Shield-footprint micro red-dots can be mounted directly atop the gun, Mossberg has created an extremely low-profile sighting solution that perfectly aligns the reticle with the shooter’s eye line.
Our range day consisted of pattern-testing heavy 3" No. 5 Grand Slam Turkey loads from Federal Ammunition, followed by some clays practice with the company’s light 2¾" No. 7½ Top Gun Target load. We conducted pattern testing at 40 yards using the gun’s fiber-optic sight and found that it shot relatively close to the point of aim, with the center of the average pattern landing 6" high and about 2" left. This put plenty of pellets into our intended target.
With the removal and re-installation of just two screws, we mounted a RAD Micro from Crimson Trace atop the 940 Turkey in only a minute. After quickly zeroing the optic, the testers each fired several boxes of Top Gun shells at straightaway clay pigeons. All testers had great success all the way out to 40 yards, which was undoubtedly helped by the shotgun’s highly constricted (0.668") choke.
During use, each of us appreciated the oversized controls and loading port, and both left- and right-handed evaluators found the two-position, tang-mounted safety to be instinctual and familiar. All shooters found that the 940 Pro Turkey fit them relatively well from the box, but some did experiment with the provided spacers to adjust length of pull, drop and cast. All were impressed by the crisp 4-lb., 7-oz., single-stage trigger, with some comparing it to top-quality rifles.
The firing of our 220th shell marked the end of our range day with the Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey. Before packing up, we removed the barrel and fore-end by unscrewing the end cap and sliding the assembly off the front of the magazine tube. This exposed a remarkably clean gas system, considering the amount of use that it had just seen. Mossberg claims this gun needs to be cleaned only in 1,500-round intervals. Given how well it performed for us, we can certainly see that as a plausible claim. We can also envision that 1,500-round mark creeping up pretty quickly, as the 940 Turkey Pro was a load of fun to shoot.
