Mossberg makes some outstanding firearms — beyond what we know them for, which is, of course, shotguns.
Though they are the other American shotgun company, they do make more than just shotguns.
Did you know Mossberg has produced firearms for over a century now? And the company is still a family-owned business – something Oscar Mossberg would likely be proud to hear.
He’d be even prouder to know that Mossberg still makes some of the best firearms on the market that don’t typically break the bank.
What are some other Mossberg firearms, you ask? Well, we’ve gathered a handful of models worthy of your attention.
While, of course, this list features shotguns…c’mon, it is Mossberg, after all…we did list guns that don’t fall into shotgun territory.
So, we encourage you to dive deep into this roundup and take a look at the diversity Mossberg offers.
Without further ado, here are the best Mossberg firearms.
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best Pump-Action ShotgunThis pump-gun blends cool factor and functionality into a single slick package.
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Best Semi-Auto ShotgunThis shotgun can hold its own against the competition when it comes to shooting matches.
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Best RifleThis rifle combines a proven action with some awesome features to make an affordable entry-level long-range rifle.
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Best Fun GunWhile it may not be the most practical gun on the list, it’s definitely fun (and legal) to shoot.
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Best PistolThe MC2c is areliable and durable striker-fired handgun at a very reasonable price.
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Best Mossberg Models
1. Brownie
We all know Mossberg mostly from their shotguns, so some may be surprised that a 4-barreled .22 LR pistol kicked things off for this legendary company in 1920.
Designed for trappers, it was meant to finish off animals stuck in traps.
As such, the Brownie wasn’t quite a pepperbox nor a derringer — it sat somewhere in between with its four non-rotating barrels.
A rotating firing pin and double-action trigger operated the weapon.
The Brownie was a small, cheap, and reliable handgun with a long trigger and simplistic sights. But all that meant it wasn’t very handy beyond near point-blank ranges.
This little niche handgun used a striker-fired system back when hammer-fired was all the rage.
Mossberg sold the Brownie from 1920 to 1932 before calling it quits on the design.
Oddly enough, Mossberg didn’t produce another handgun until the launch of the MC1sc in 2019.
2. Mossberg 500
Mossberg became Mossberg when they brought the 500 to market in 1960.
Though the company made various shotguns before the 500 series, the Mossberg 500 cemented them as one of America’s premier shotgun manufacturers.
Using a pump-action system and tubular magazine, this shotgun does it all.
If you need a deer gun, a slug gun, a bird gun, and a home defense gun, the Mossberg 500 has you covered.
Heck, they even make barrels to convert 500 series guns to muzzleloaders.
Additionally, the 500 Series helped bring dual-action bars to mainstream popularity with its reliable design – though the original Mossberg 500 series utilized a single-action bar. (Mossberg later changed it to a dual-action bar system.)
Dual-action bars help improve reliability and the control of your action and increase durability nearly tenfold.
Mossberg designed the 500 series to be superbly reliable in foul conditions, and clearances are rather loose.
Loose clearances allow the gun to be full of dirt, mud, and gunk and still function.
User-level maintenance allows the end-user to easily fix broken parts without needing to ship them back to Mossberg.
The Mossberg 500 offers shooters an affordable but extremely reliable platform found in nearly any configuration.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Mossberg 500 series guns also bring with them the ability to upgrade. Make sure to check out the Best Mossberg 500 and 590 Upgrades for some ideas.
3. 590A1
Building on the Mossberg 500 series was easy for Mossberg.
The 590A1 took the basic Mossberg 500 and purpose-built it into a tactical pump-action.
When the military wanted a pump-action shotgun, they put out a specific series of guidelines for manufacturers. Most notably, they wanted a heavy-walled barrel, a metal trigger grip, a bayonet lug, and the ability to pass a 3,000-round test.
Mossberg used those guidelines to produce one of the best shotguns on the market.
The 590A1’s design allows for a very tight shot group due to its unique barrel harmonics.
Even the cheapest buckshot patterns nice and tight compared to other cylinder-bore guns. A hefty and thick barrel also means it takes serious abuse without issue.
590A1s come in various configurations, and most offer proper ghost ring sights, 9-round capacity, and all the tactical trimmings a fighting shotgun needs.
The Mossberg 590A1 is my very favorite pump-action tactical shotgun.
I’ve put thousands of rounds through my 590A1s, and they still function like brand new. You can’t beat ’em.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want to dive deeper into the 590A1? Check out my full review.
4. 940 JM Pro
Mossberg’s 930 semi-auto shotgun is a lot like the Mossberg 500 series. Mossberg designed the 930 as a do-it-all shotgun for the semi-auto world.
Over time it became a favorite for budget shooters looking for an American-made but affordable semi-auto.
Mossberg introduced the 940 JM Pro to address issues with the Mossberg 930 and give 3-Gunners a plug-and-play, out-of-the-box option for 3-Gun and similar shooting sports.
One of the biggest changes? The advent of a gas system capable of firing 1,500 rounds before it needs cleaning.
Before that, you were lucky to get 1,000 rounds out of the 930 before it needed cleaning.
On top of that, the 940 JM Pro fixed two major issues I had with the 930 SPX — enlarging both the charging handle and bolt release.
Gone are the tiny stock options, and now we have properly enlarged controls for improved ergonomics.
Mossberg wisely gave the gun a stock with an adjustable length of pull. LOPs are always too long on shotguns, and being able to adjust is a godsend.
The soft-shooting, fast-cycling 940 JM Pro provides shooters with an awesome experience.
You can drop half a dozen shells in what seems like the blink of an eye without losing control.
It’s a sweet-shooting shotgun, and I hope Mossberg expands into the tactical realm with the 940.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical
PPT’s editors wanted to mention another model 940 that we think deserves your attention…that’s the 940 Pro Tactical.
It’s quite similar to the 940 JM model, but with a few features we think warrant a spot on our list.
The Pro Tactical sports similar ergos as the JM Pro – they’re all in the 940 family, after all – but the Pro Tactical really aims for that tactical aesthetic.
Namely, it comes optics-ready with the Shield RMSc footprint, so you can add your favorite red dot. Not to mention, it sports some M-LOK slots to add other accessories as well.
Like its sibling, it is a reliable workhorse that feeds, fires, and cycles flawlessly, though it offers a slightly smaller capacity at just 7+1.
Where this gun shines is in the home…as a defense weapon, of course. It’s great for those looking for a high-quality shottie to address anything that goes bump in the night.
It is a little pricier than other 940 models, but if you’re looking for a pure tactical Mossberg shotgun, this is it.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want to learn more about the 940 Pro Tactical? See the full written review or check out the video review below.
6. Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical
Who doesn’t love a good precision rifle? The feeling of hitting your target at a crazy distance delivers a pleasure I’ve yet to replicate.
And the Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical aims to deliver by combining the budget-friendly Patriot rifle with a few other upgrades.
A good stock is a must when it comes to precision rifles, and the Patriot LR comes equipped with an excellent adjustable MDT stock that sports aluminum V-Block bedding and has M-LOK compatibility.
The gun features a 22-inch threaded barrel, a 2-7 pound adjustable trigger, a 20 MOA top Picatinny rail, and uses standard AICS pattern magazines.
Admittedly, it is a bit heavy at 9.4 pounds, and even more so when fully kitted, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. All of that weight makes for a stable platform with relatively low recoil, meaning you can squeeze some solid accuracy out of this guy.
The Patriot LR comes in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and .308 Winchester.
Overall, this rifle makes for a great entry point for those looking to get into long-range shooting without breaking the bank.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Take a peek at our complete review of the Patriot LR Tactical and our video below!
7. Shockwave
We can’t ignore the fact that a major firearm manufacturer helped propel a firearm that maliciously compliances its way off of an NFA category.
Normally, if you want a 12-gauge, pump-action Mossberg 590 with a 14-inch barrel, you need an NFA tax stamp.
With the Shockwave, no such stamp is needed…but you still get a 14-inch barrel.
The Shockwave’s features place it in the firearm category and not shotgun territory. It uses a bird’s head grip and a 14-inch barrel to keep its total length over 26 inches.
By doing so, it avoids being either a short-barreled shotgun or AOW.
Instead, we have a Title 1 firearm that’s a ton of fun to shoot.
Honestly, it’s not super handy, but man, is it a ton of fun.
The Shockwave series comes in 12- and 20-gauge as well as .410.
Offering a super compact build, it provides users with a short but powerful firearm. I guarantee you’ll get a smile when firing one.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Read our full review of the Mossberg Shockwave!
8. MC2c
Mossberg’s latest entry into the handgun realm is the MC2c.
The MC1sc premiered a year or so before the MC2c model, and predictably the C means compact.
Slightly smaller than something like the Glock 19, this 9mm comes with a flush-fitting 13-round magazine and an extended 15-round magazine.
The Mossberg MC2c delivers an excellent striker-fired trigger that’s surprisingly smooth.
Shooters can also choose between a standard model and one outfitted with a cross-bolt manual safety. Mossberg famously uses a tang safety on their shotguns but a cross-bolt on their handguns.
Ergonomics are dead-on, and the MC2c is a surprising contender for a solid little carry gun.
It’s affordable, and even the proprietary magazines are relatively cheap.
Mossberg’s little pistol delivers in every way possible — capable, reliable, and offers shooters an American-made, polymer frame, striker-fired pistol.
Mossberg started with the Brownie but came full circle with the latest lineup of handguns.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want to know more? Check out our full hands-on review of the Mossberg MC2c!
Final Thoughts
You might know Mossberg for their shotguns, but I encourage you to get to know them for their entire family of firearms.
From pistols to AR-15s, this company has proven why it has staying power.
What’s your favorite Mossberg? Heck, even throw in your favorite out-of-production guns and let us know below. While we’re talking Mossberg, check out the Best Mossberg 500 and 590 Upgrades, or see my Ultimate Mossberg Shockwave Build.
The post Best Mossberg Models of 2023: Handguns, Rifles & Shotguns appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.