I had a request for an update on how my new Mossberg JM Pro 22" Shotgun was treating me, so here goes.
I've had it for 5 months now, and learned a lot about competition shotgunning and why I'm still terrible, HINT, it's not the shotguns fault. I've run about 1,358 total rounds through the 930. It breaks down to 1,280 bird shot, 47 slugs, and 31 buck. The bird shot is mostly all Federal bulk pack, but some Winchester bulk, from Walmart. The slugs and buck have been the Fiocchi low recoil stuff. I have had a total of zero gun related malfunctions. It has cycled everything just fine. The only issues I've had are with about 5 rounds out of 1,000 or more Federal bulk shotshells. Every once and a while you will get a factory crimp that kinda protrudes or bulges out to one side. This was catching the chamber on the way in and jamming. I stuffed them back in the magazine tube and they fed on the second try. I don't think that is a gun issue, perhaps I could be mistaken. The only changes I've made to the gun are taking off the barrel clamp, adding an extended Briley LM choke, and putting in the large shim for the buttstock to drop it so I didn't see a giant landing strip of vent rib, only the FO front sight. I did have problems at first with the lifter biting my thumb. I was entirely new to this type of shotgun and loading. After 5 months of practice I am now at 7.5 to 8 seconds pretty consistently loading 8 shells weakhand, and not ever having my thumb bitten. Been a few months since it happened last. Not to say it can't, but decent fundamentals make it tough to screw up. I don't plan to have the lifter welded at this time. If it bites me at a match and I loose because of it I may change my mind. I have run this shotgun in several local matches, and used it for a class put on by Mr. Kurt Miller himself a few months back. I have been nothing but pleased with my purchase thus far. It seems to need cleaning every 300 or so rounds. It has never failed due to dirtiness, but the piston area gets pretty dirty and can be a pain to clean if you let it go much longer than that. If I keep her lubed she keeps shootin'.
I can't make any real comparisons to other shotguns like the Benelli, FN, VersaMax or the like. I don't have experience with those guns. I bought this one because it came mostly ready to run for $571.00 to my FFL. I did not have the funds for a more expensive shotgun. I know Kirk Smith has been playing with the CZ 712 for 3gun. It has an attractive price tag as well, but will require a bit of work and add ons to get it going. For someone looking to try 3gun like I was, and not wanting to break the bank on a shotgun to try the sport, I think this is a great "out of the box" gun to start on. Maybe Kirk has some experience with the JM Pro 930's and give a more head to head comparison on price and capability.
Thanks guys, Brandon.
Pic right after getting it home.
My first 3gun match with almost no experience with the gun, or how to load. Also I was running late for my own birthday, and trying to hurry and leave. Don't laugh. I've gotten better.
I've had it for 5 months now, and learned a lot about competition shotgunning and why I'm still terrible, HINT, it's not the shotguns fault. I've run about 1,358 total rounds through the 930. It breaks down to 1,280 bird shot, 47 slugs, and 31 buck. The bird shot is mostly all Federal bulk pack, but some Winchester bulk, from Walmart. The slugs and buck have been the Fiocchi low recoil stuff. I have had a total of zero gun related malfunctions. It has cycled everything just fine. The only issues I've had are with about 5 rounds out of 1,000 or more Federal bulk shotshells. Every once and a while you will get a factory crimp that kinda protrudes or bulges out to one side. This was catching the chamber on the way in and jamming. I stuffed them back in the magazine tube and they fed on the second try. I don't think that is a gun issue, perhaps I could be mistaken. The only changes I've made to the gun are taking off the barrel clamp, adding an extended Briley LM choke, and putting in the large shim for the buttstock to drop it so I didn't see a giant landing strip of vent rib, only the FO front sight. I did have problems at first with the lifter biting my thumb. I was entirely new to this type of shotgun and loading. After 5 months of practice I am now at 7.5 to 8 seconds pretty consistently loading 8 shells weakhand, and not ever having my thumb bitten. Been a few months since it happened last. Not to say it can't, but decent fundamentals make it tough to screw up. I don't plan to have the lifter welded at this time. If it bites me at a match and I loose because of it I may change my mind. I have run this shotgun in several local matches, and used it for a class put on by Mr. Kurt Miller himself a few months back. I have been nothing but pleased with my purchase thus far. It seems to need cleaning every 300 or so rounds. It has never failed due to dirtiness, but the piston area gets pretty dirty and can be a pain to clean if you let it go much longer than that. If I keep her lubed she keeps shootin'.
I can't make any real comparisons to other shotguns like the Benelli, FN, VersaMax or the like. I don't have experience with those guns. I bought this one because it came mostly ready to run for $571.00 to my FFL. I did not have the funds for a more expensive shotgun. I know Kirk Smith has been playing with the CZ 712 for 3gun. It has an attractive price tag as well, but will require a bit of work and add ons to get it going. For someone looking to try 3gun like I was, and not wanting to break the bank on a shotgun to try the sport, I think this is a great "out of the box" gun to start on. Maybe Kirk has some experience with the JM Pro 930's and give a more head to head comparison on price and capability.
Thanks guys, Brandon.
Pic right after getting it home.
My first 3gun match with almost no experience with the gun, or how to load. Also I was running late for my own birthday, and trying to hurry and leave. Don't laugh. I've gotten better.
