cheap semi: Mossberg 930 or Weatherby SA-08?

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zeon

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With a wedding around the corner buying a Benelli Vinci ain't going to happen but I can't let the fun stop cause of that.

I am looking for an affordable 12 gauge semi. A 3 1/2 isn't needed as I have a Super Nova pump that takes care of that. I'm mainly into trap shooting with friends and some upland hunting so cycling light loads is a must.

The two guns I am considering are the Mossberg 930 and Weatherby SA-08.

Is the Mossberg 930 really manufactured in the USA? Or is it made it offshore then assembled in the states? The Weatherby interests me cause of the changeable piston but some people consider Turkish a bad thing. Also buying a Mossberg with the combo barrel is more appealing then the Weatherby..

There's no doubt that more aftermarket parts are available for the Mossberg but is the quality of the gun better than a Weatherby?

Keep in mind my main load will be target loads 2 3/4 1 1/8oz. When lucky they're 3 dram otherwise at times it's 2 3/4 dram..

I've thought about the Stoeger M3500 but Cabelas and Wholesale never have it in stock. Also I'm concerned it won't cycle target loads and that's a must. Buying a Stoeger keeps me in the Beretta family but at this point I don't care about that..

Comments?
 
If it was me I get the mossy 930. Alot of after market stuff for it, two barrel guns for under $540 in ontario and made in the USA. If something goes wrong with the Weatherby SA-08 then you are out of luck. I pretty sure the mossberg 930 will cycle light loads with 1 1/8 oz. That would be my next gun. Shot a buddy`s 935 and they are heavy and suck up the recoil and was he was using 1 1/8 oz no problem.
 
I have a Stoeger 2000, I do not have experience with the other two models mentioned. I have a buddy with a Mossberg 500 that has had several recurring problems regarding the forearm; however, the 930 may be a different story. I would recommend the Stoeger for your price range from personal experience. I have hundreds of rounds through mine, only one FTF with cheap Federal trap loads, no problem with bulk Winchester trap loads. The Stoeger is also really easy to disassemble and clean as it is not a gas operated gun.
 
no first hand knowledge of the weatherby but i can say the mossberg 930 has been one my favorite shotgun purchases. I shoot it almost every weekend. Ive never had a problem with it and i shoot everything from cheap target loads for clays to slugs and heavy buck shot. Grab the field/security combo with both barrels and the interchangable chokes and your laughing.
 
Having used both side by side i would wholeheartedly recommend the sa-08. it makes the 930 seem like a 2x4 when comparing handling. Both are good reliable guns. Now that i read you want it for upland i would recomend it even more strongly. Mossberg series are definatly designed to be a duck gun.
 
If you happen to be a lefty you're not gonna want the weatherby as its cast for a right handed shooter. Either way after reasearching the two I'd be going with the mossberg myself.
 
"Yo Weatherby! I'm really happy for you and I'mma let you finish but the Mossberg 930 is the the all around best and most cost effective semi auto of all time."

Kidding aside, I don't know much about either shotgun but what I do know from my own research of the 930 (since I am in the market for one) is you can buy any barrel for them regardless of the type of hunting (duck, grouse, etc) you will be doing or sport shooting (clays, skeet, etc) you will be doing. You can also buy a multitude of chokes too.

This means flexibility regardless of the shooting I am doing at a great price.

http://www.mossberg.com/products/access.asp?type=chokes&section=access

http://www.mossberg.com/products/access.asp?type=barrels&section=access
 
So I decided to go with the 930 combo. Called up Cabelas and they had two in the warehouse and two in the local store. Awesome! I head over and wait my turn. Check out the 930 one last time and decide to buy it. Ask for one from the back that's never been touched. Not a problem. Wait a few minutes and then came the bad news. The only one in the back is on hold. So they ordered me a new one from the warehouse that will come in on Tuesday. I guess a few more days to make a final decision! I was really hoping to have it for Saturday..

Regardless I hope the 930 lasts as I see myself putting at least 2500 rounds a year through it. In the last four months I've put 1400 on my Benelli..
 
Very interesting thread, I am very interested in getting a 930 and am looking for reviews of the 930. This has helped confirm the positive impression I have seen on the 930.

Thanks
 
I have had my 930 for just over a year now. The recoil pad didn't fit properly out of the box. It ended up peeling off the plastic which holds it to the stock from catching on my shoulder. I called up Gretch Outdoors, who does the warranty work, and had a replacement in a week! This new one fits much better.

Also, remember to clean the mag tube regularly, every 150 rounds I'd say. Mine would drop a shell out the bottom from the magazine when I fired. I pondered why it may be doing this and remembered I hadn't cleaned the tube. After a thorough cleaning, never misses a beat.

Great gun and if you keep it clean, will preform as well or better than a gun priced at double which the 930 is
 
pbonura said:
If it was me I get the mossy 930. Alot of after market stuff for it, two barrel guns for under $540 in ontario and made in the USA. If something goes wrong with the Weatherby SA-08 then you are out of luck. I pretty sure the mossberg 930 will cycle light loads with 1 1/8 oz. That would be my next gun. Shot a buddy`s 935 and they are heavy and suck up the recoil and was he was using 1 1/8 oz no problem.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, I've always found Wetherby to have excellent service -- had a broken stock on a 6 year old Athena 12ga O/U and they replaced both stocks so they would match under warranty -- good service I'd say. I have shot both the Mossberg 930 and the Weatherby SA-08 ---- The both worked good. What you have to decide as to whether you want to carry a 7.5 lb gun or a 6.5 for upland hunting & casual clays -- my choice (If the gun fit me!) the 6.5 gun wins hands down. BTW, Weatherby may be bringing the SA-08 in 28ga -- they started to last year but withdrew it to work out kinks.
OMHO.
 
I ordered a 930 SP - Home Security version from No-Sale Sports. They have one on their site that is miscategorized as a pump. I hope there is no mis-print or mistake with the order.
 
Cabelas ended calling me on Friday that a new 930 combo became available. I picked it up. The factory grease was everywhere and way too much of it. So I ended up stripping the gun and cleaning it as much as I thought was necessary. Oiled it lightly and then immediately went at it. I put 175 rounds of 2 3/4 federal target load #8 - 1 1/8oz 3dram through the gun without a single FTE or issue. I also put 7 3" federal black cloud through it.

This gun kicks a lot more than my Benelli Super Nova and is so much louder! Everyone around me was making comments on how loud this gun is. With 3" shells I barely feel them on my Benelli but this gun really makes sure you know what you're shooting.

For my first semi I am happy. The fact it cycles 2 3/4 immediately without issue makes me even happier.

Thank you to everyone for the feedback it helped me make my decision.
 
The ported barrel is definitely loud when shooting clays or in the blind. Great gun otherwise, and the porting does have a purpose for some.
 
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