The Mossberg 930 is a relative newcomer when it comes to semi- automatic tactical shotguns. Nevertheless, in its short time on the scene, the gun has established itself as an incredibly reliable performer.

A the heart of the design is a gas driven system that is self- adjusting when firing either 2-3/4" or 3" magnums. The gun uses two ports in the barrel to bleed off gas to cycle the shotgun, and the high pressure is directed toward the annular gas piston.

The gas forces then drive the piston rearward, which in turn pushes against the action bars. The action bars unlock the single lug and force the bolt rearward out of battery.

As the bolt moves rearward, it compresses a heavy mainspring within the buttstock. The empty shell is ejected, and the mainspring returns the bolt forward to chamber the next shell.

Mossberg, like most auto loading shotguns, carries its main recoil spring in a very strong fixed tube located inside the buttstock. This means the 930 Tactical's shoulder stock cannot fold or collapse.

The buttstock has a nicely textured grip with a non- slip recoil pad for positive shoulder engagement. An elongated textured forend provides solid traction while accommodating different stature shooters.

Recoil is mild when compared to a pump action shotgun. The venting gas, compression of the mainspring and muzzle ports all combine to make 2-3/4" buckshot feel like light dove loads.

Machined from aluminum alloy, the Mossberg 930 Tactical's receiver is engineered to save on weight. Proponents of steel receivers like the Remington 1187 often incorrectly assume their shotgun holds up longer than a Mossberg.

What they fail to take into account is that the 930 Tactical actually has a steel bolt that attaches directly to a steel lug inside the barrel, which alleviates any stress or strain on the alloy receiver. Regardless, either shotgun would make an excellent choice for a home defense weapon.

The receiver is also drilled and tapped to enable the shooter to add optics. In addition, the receiver's loading port has been beveled and relieved to prevent the shooter's thumb from getting caught in the extended tubular magazine while loading.

An ambidextrous two position top- tang safety is much easier to disengage than competing crossbolt designs.

The 18.5" barrel and assembly are machined from steel, then drawn down to a fixed cylinder bore for strategic accuracy at self- defense operating distances. Should the Mossberg 930 Tactical ever require service, it is backed by a 10- year manufacturer's warranty.

The ghost ring sights are reported to be as fast at target acquisition as either bead or rifle sights, almost as accurate as rifle sights when firing slugs, and provides a highly visible sight picture that is easier to acquire for many shooters. All metal parts wear a Parkerized finish.

There is often wide criticism about gas driven shotguns fouling and jamming during prolonged shooting. If you stay on top of cleaning the gas piston, this should not be a issue.

For thorough takedown and cleaning, the trigger assembly can be removed by pushing out one retaining pin, and pulling down on the guard. Similarly, the barrel quickly unscrews from the magazine tube.

The shotgun has an eight shot capacity, weighs in at 7.75 pounds. and enjoys one of the best trigger pulls of any factory shotgun on the market -- 4.5 pounds. Overall, the Mossberg 930 Tactical is ultra reliable, extremely affordable, user friendly and is made in the U.S.A.