The Ultimate Versatile Shotgun: Mossberg 930 Combo 12 Gauge (Model 85238)

Are you searching for a single shotgun that can seamlessly transition from the duck blind to the deer stand, and then stand ready for home protection? Do you need a reliable semi-automatic shotgun that offers exceptional value and adaptability for various shooting disciplines? The Mossberg 930 Combo 12 Gauge (Model 85238) is engineered precisely for these diverse demands, offering a two-in-one solution that eliminates the need for multiple specialized firearms. This comprehensive package is a favorite among shotgun enthusiasts who prioritize performance, durability, and multi-purpose functionality.

Why Choose a Semi-Automatic Shotgun Like the Mossberg 930?

Many shooters ask, "What's the best type of shotgun for all-around use?" For many, the answer lies in a gas-operated semi-automatic like the Mossberg 930. Unlike pump-action shotguns, semi-automatics harness the energy from firing a shell to automatically cycle the next round, providing faster follow-up shots with significantly reduced felt recoil. This makes them ideal for high-volume shooting activities such as waterfowl hunting or sporting clays, where rapid target acquisition and comfort are paramount. The reduced recoil also contributes to better accuracy and less shooter fatigue, allowing for more enjoyable and productive time at the range or in the field.

Furthermore, for home defense scenarios, the ability to quickly deliver multiple rounds without breaking your sight picture is a critical advantage. The Mossberg 930's reliable gas system ensures consistent performance across a wide range of ammunition, from light target loads to heavy magnum shells, a testament to its robust engineering.

Unpacking the Versatility: Field and Security in One Package

The core appeal of the Mossberg 930 Combo (UPC 85238) lies in its ingenious dual-barrel system. This package typically includes two interchangeable barrels, transforming the shotgun from a dedicated hunting companion to a formidable home defense tool in minutes.

For the Hunter and Sport Shooter:
The 28-inch vent rib field barrel is the primary choice for wingshooting, clay sports, and general hunting. Its length provides an excellent sight radius for consistent aiming, and the ventilated rib helps dissipate heat, preventing mirage effects that can distort your sight picture during rapid firing. This barrel is typically equipped with Mossberg's Accu-Set choke tube system, allowing you to quickly adapt your shot pattern to different game birds, distances, and shooting situations. Common choke tubes included are Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder, providing patterns suitable for everything from tight patterns on distant turkeys or geese to wider spreads for close-flushing quail.

For Home Defense and Tactical Readiness:
The secondary barrel, commonly an 18.5-inch security barrel, transforms the 930 into a compact and maneuverable firearm ideal for personal and home protection. This shorter barrel length makes the shotgun much easier to handle in confined spaces, such as inside a home, and facilitates quicker target acquisition. While the 28-inch barrel is excellent for outdoor use, the 18.5-inch barrel ensures optimal performance for close-quarters engagements, providing both stopping power and ease of movement within a residential environment. This barrel often features a simple bead sight, optimized for rapid, instinctive aiming in high-stress situations. The shorter barrel also typically allows for a higher magazine capacity, providing more rounds on board for critical defensive situations.

This dual-barrel configuration directly answers the question, "Can one shotgun do it all?" With the Mossberg 930 Combo, the answer is a resounding yes. It's an intelligent investment for anyone seeking maximum utility from a single firearm, saving both money and space compared to purchasing two separate shotguns.

Core Features and Engineering Excellence of the Mossberg 930

The Mossberg 930 platform is celebrated for its blend of robust construction, user-friendly features, and reliable performance. Here’s a closer look at what makes this model a standout choice:

• Reliable Gas-Operated System: The heart of the 930 is its dual gas-vent system. This design effectively vents excess gas pressure, reducing felt recoil and ensuring smooth, reliable cycling with a wide range of ammunition, from light target loads to powerful 3-inch magnum shells. This reliability is crucial whether you're breaking clays, bringing down ducks, or relying on it for personal safety.
• 3-inch Chamber: The 930 is chambered to accept both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch 12 Gauge shotshells, giving shooters maximum flexibility in ammunition choice. This means you can use standard target loads for practice, birdshot for upland game, buckshot for deer, or slugs for big game, all from the same shotgun.
• Durable Blued Finish: Both barrels and the receiver typically feature a classic blued finish, which provides a traditional aesthetic while also offering good resistance to corrosion and wear under normal conditions. This finish is a hallmark of many reliable firearms and contributes to the shotgun's longevity.
• Synthetic Stock and Forend: The Mossberg 930 Combo generally comes with a durable black synthetic stock and forend. This material is lightweight, weather-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for hunting in adverse conditions or for tactical applications where resilience is key. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable and secure grip, even when wearing gloves or in wet conditions.
• Vented Recoil Pad: To further mitigate recoil and enhance shooting comfort, the 930 features a thick, vented recoil pad. This is particularly beneficial during extended shooting sessions or when firing heavier magnum loads, ensuring less shoulder fatigue and more consistent shooting.
• Drilled and Tapped Receiver: The receiver of the Mossberg 930 is drilled and tapped, allowing for easy mounting of optics, such as red dot sights or scope bases. This feature is invaluable for turkey hunting with specialized loads, deer hunting with slugs, or for tactical applications where quick target acquisition with an optic can be a significant advantage.
• Top-Mounted Safety: Mossberg's signature tang-mounted safety is ambidextrous and easily accessible, even with gloves. Located conveniently on top of the receiver, it allows for quick and intuitive manipulation, enhancing both safety and readiness.

Who Benefits Most from the Mossberg 930 Combo?

This shotgun is an excellent fit for a diverse group of shooters, including:

• The Avid Hunter: Whether you chase waterfowl, upland birds, or deer, the 930 Combo provides the versatility needed to succeed in various environments and against different game. Its reliability in diverse weather conditions makes it a solid choice for any hunting season.
• The Homeowner Seeking Protection: For those prioritizing personal and home defense, the 18.5-inch barrel offers a potent and reliable defensive tool that is easy to maneuver indoors.
• The Sport Shooting Enthusiast: For participants in trap, skeet, or sporting clays, the 28-inch barrel delivers the accuracy and smooth cycling needed for breaking clays consistently, while the reduced recoil allows for longer, more enjoyable sessions.
• The First-Time Shotgun Buyer: If you're new to shotguns and want a single, versatile firearm that can serve multiple purposes without breaking the bank, the 930 Combo represents exceptional value and ease of use.
• The Prepared Individual: For those who believe in having adaptable tools for various situations, the 930 Combo’s ability to switch roles quickly makes it a cornerstone of any comprehensive firearm collection.

This shotgun helps answer common questions like: "What's a good all-around 12 gauge?", "Which semi-auto shotgun is reliable for hunting and defense?", or "How can I get the most value from a single shotgun purchase?" The Mossberg 930 Combo (UPC 85238) consistently delivers.

Maintaining Your Mossberg 930: Tips for Longevity

To ensure your Mossberg 930 Combo (Model 85238) continues to perform flawlessly for years, proper maintenance is essential. While the 930 is known for its ruggedness, a clean and well-lubricated firearm is always a reliable one.

1. Regular Cleaning: After each range session or hunting trip, especially in wet or dirty conditions, field strip your shotgun and clean the barrel, chamber, and gas system components. Pay particular attention to the gas piston and cylinder, as carbon buildup here can affect cycling reliability. Use appropriate cleaning solvents and brushes.
2. Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of gun oil to all moving parts, including the bolt, bolt carrier, and action bars. Do not over-lubricate, as excess oil can attract dirt and grime.
3. Choke Tube Care: Regularly remove and clean your choke tubes. Apply anti-seize compound to the threads before re-installing them to prevent them from seizing in the barrel.
4. Ammunition Selection: While the 930 is versatile, using quality ammunition from reputable manufacturers helps maintain consistent performance and reduces wear.
5. Storage: Store your shotgun in a clean, dry environment, preferably in a padded gun case or cabinet, to protect it from dust, moisture, and accidental damage.

By following these simple maintenance practices, your Mossberg 930 Combo will remain a dependable and high-performing firearm, ready for any challenge you throw at it.

Why the Mossberg 930 Combo Stands Out in the Market

When considering semi-automatic shotguns, the Mossberg 930 series, especially the versatile Combo model (UPC 85238), consistently garners high praise for its blend of performance, affordability, and practical features. Unlike some high-end alternatives, the 930 doesn't compromise on reliability or user experience, making it an accessible entry point for new shooters and a trusted workhorse for experienced enthusiasts. Its ability to quickly switch between a long-barreled field gun and a compact defensive tool offers unparalleled utility, proving that you don't need to sacrifice quality for versatility. This shotgun is a testament to Mossberg's commitment to producing firearms that meet real-world needs, embodying the spirit of a do-it-all firearm for the modern shooter.

The Mossberg 930 Combo 12 Gauge (Model 85238) offers exceptional value and performance, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone seeking a single shotgun solution for multiple applications. These dependable Mossberg products are available at DEGuns and deguns.com, where you can explore their full range of firearms and accessories.

Key Specifications of the Mossberg 930 Combo (UPC 85238)

Feature	Field Barrel (Typical)	Security Barrel (Typical)
Gauge	12 Gauge	12 Gauge
Chamber	3-inch	3-inch
Barrel Length	28 inches	18.5 inches
Finish	Blued	Blued
Capacity	5+1 (2.75" shells)	7+1 (2.75" shells)
Sights	Front Bead	Front Bead
Choke System	Accu-Set	Fixed Cylinder
Stock	Synthetic	Synthetic