Hey guys! Let's dive into the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical, a shotgun known for its reliability and performance. However, like any firearm, it can experience issues. This article will explore common problems encountered with the 940 Pro Tactical and provide potential solutions to keep your shotgun running smoothly. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to the platform, understanding these issues and their fixes can enhance your shooting experience.

Common Issues with the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical

Failure to Feed

Failure to feed issues with your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical can be frustrating, but let’s troubleshoot them methodically. Failure to feed occurs when a round fails to properly move from the magazine tube into the chamber. Start by examining the magazine tube itself. Ensure it is free from any dents, bends, or obstructions. Even minor imperfections can impede the smooth movement of shells. Next, check the magazine spring. Over time, magazine springs can weaken, reducing their ability to push shells forward with sufficient force. Replacing a worn magazine spring is a straightforward process and can often resolve feeding issues. Ammunition also plays a crucial role. The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical is designed to handle a variety of loads, but using the correct shell length and power is essential. Ensure you are using ammunition that is compatible with the shotgun’s specifications, typically 2 ¾" or 3" shells. Low-power or under-sized shells may not cycle the action reliably. The loading gate is another critical component. Inspect the loading gate for any damage or excessive wear. A damaged or worn loading gate can interfere with the proper alignment of shells as they enter the chamber. Replacing the loading gate might be necessary if it shows signs of wear or damage. Keep your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical clean! A dirty chamber can cause friction and prevent smooth feeding. Regularly clean the chamber and ensure it is free from debris and residue. Proper lubrication is also vital. Apply a light coat of gun oil to the action bars, bolt, and other moving parts to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and lubrication to maintain optimal performance.

Failure to Eject

Failure to eject can halt your shooting session, but with a systematic approach, it’s often easily resolved. Failure to eject happens when a spent shell casing isn't fully ejected from the shotgun after firing. The extractor is the primary component responsible for removing the shell from the chamber. Check the extractor for signs of damage, such as chips, cracks, or excessive wear. A damaged extractor may not grip the shell casing firmly enough, leading to ejection failures. Replacing the extractor is a relatively simple repair that can significantly improve ejection reliability. The ejector, which is responsible for kicking the spent shell out of the shotgun, should also be inspected. Ensure the ejector is properly positioned and free from any damage. A bent or broken ejector will not function correctly, causing ejection problems. If the ejector is damaged, replacement is necessary. The ammunition being used can also contribute to failure to eject. Some ammunition may produce excessive residue or have inconsistent shell dimensions, leading to ejection issues. Try different brands or types of ammunition to see if the problem persists. If the shotgun is dirty, it can cause friction and impede the ejection process. Regularly clean the chamber, bore, and other critical components to ensure smooth operation. Pay particular attention to the area around the extractor and ejector, removing any buildup of carbon or debris. Proper lubrication is essential for the smooth functioning of the action. Apply a light coat of gun oil to the moving parts, including the extractor, ejector, and action bars. This will reduce friction and ensure the shotgun cycles reliably. Check the gas system on your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. A dirty or improperly adjusted gas system can affect the shotgun’s cycling speed, leading to ejection problems. Clean the gas ports and piston regularly to ensure they are free from obstructions. Adjust the gas system according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of ammunition you are using.

Cycling Issues

Cycling issues in your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical can affect your shooting rhythm, but they’re usually fixable with some attention to detail. Cycling issues refer to problems with the shotgun’s action failing to cycle properly, such as not fully chambering a round or not locking the bolt completely. Begin by examining the gas system. The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical relies on a gas system to cycle the action. Ensure the gas ports are clean and free from obstructions. Carbon buildup in the gas ports can significantly reduce the shotgun's ability to cycle properly. Regularly clean these ports with a specialized gas port cleaning tool. The piston is another critical component of the gas system. Inspect the piston for wear, damage, or excessive carbon buildup. A worn or dirty piston can impede the smooth cycling of the action. Clean the piston thoroughly and replace it if necessary. Ammunition selection plays a vital role in cycling performance. Ensure you are using ammunition that is compatible with the shotgun's gas system. Lighter loads may not provide enough gas pressure to cycle the action reliably, while heavier loads may cause excessive recoil and cycling issues. Try different types of ammunition to find what works best for your shotgun. A dirty shotgun can experience cycling issues due to increased friction and resistance. Regularly clean the chamber, bore, action bars, and other moving parts to ensure smooth operation. Pay attention to areas where carbon and debris tend to accumulate. Proper lubrication reduces friction and ensures the action cycles smoothly. Apply a light coat of gun oil to the action bars, bolt, and other moving parts. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for lubrication to avoid over-lubrication, which can attract dirt and debris. Check the recoil spring, which is responsible for returning the bolt to its forward position after firing. A weak or worn recoil spring can cause cycling issues, such as failure to fully chamber a round. Replace the recoil spring if it shows signs of wear or fatigue.

Light Primer Strikes

Light primer strikes with your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical can be frustrating, but diagnosing the cause is the first step to resolving them. Light primer strikes occur when the firing pin doesn’t hit the primer with enough force to ignite the ammunition. The firing pin is the component that strikes the primer. Check the firing pin for damage, such as bending or breakage. Ensure the firing pin channel is clean and free from debris, which can impede the firing pin's movement. A damaged or obstructed firing pin can cause light primer strikes. Replace the firing pin if necessary and clean the firing pin channel regularly. The hammer spring provides the force needed to drive the firing pin forward. A weak or worn hammer spring may not deliver enough energy to reliably ignite the primer. Replacing the hammer spring can often resolve light primer strike issues. Ensure that the ammunition you are using is in good condition and properly stored. Old or improperly stored ammunition may have degraded primers that are less sensitive to ignition. Try using fresh ammunition from a reputable manufacturer to see if the problem persists. A dirty or poorly maintained chamber can sometimes cause light primer strikes. Carbon buildup or debris in the chamber can prevent the cartridge from fully seating, leading to inconsistent primer strikes. Clean the chamber thoroughly and ensure it is free from any obstructions. Inspect the headspace of your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. Headspace refers to the distance between the breech face and the cartridge when the action is closed. Excessive headspace can cause inconsistent primer strikes. If you suspect headspace issues, consult a qualified gunsmith for inspection and repair.

Magazine Tube Issues

Magazine tube issues in your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical can lead to feeding problems, but they are often straightforward to address. The magazine tube holds the ammunition before it is fed into the chamber. Check the magazine tube for any dents, bends, or obstructions that could impede the smooth movement of shells. Even minor imperfections can cause feeding issues. If you find any damage, consider replacing the magazine tube. The magazine spring pushes the shells towards the action. Over time, the magazine spring can weaken, reducing its ability to feed shells reliably. A weak magazine spring is a common cause of feeding problems. Replacing the magazine spring is a simple and inexpensive solution. The follower is the component that sits inside the magazine tube and pushes the shells forward. Inspect the follower for damage, wear, or deformation. A damaged follower can cause shells to bind or fail to feed properly. Replace the follower if it shows signs of wear or damage. Ensure the magazine tube is properly assembled. Check that all components, including the spring retainer and end cap, are correctly installed and tightened. Loose or improperly assembled components can cause feeding issues. The ammunition being used can also affect magazine tube performance. Ensure you are using ammunition that is compatible with the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. Shells that are too long or have inconsistent dimensions can cause feeding problems. Try different brands or types of ammunition to see if the issue resolves.

Maintenance Tips for Your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is paramount for maintaining the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical and ensuring its reliable performance. After each shooting session, disassemble the shotgun and clean all critical components, including the barrel, chamber, gas system, bolt, and trigger assembly. Use a high-quality gun cleaning solvent to remove carbon buildup, powder residue, and fouling. Pay special attention to the gas ports and piston in the gas system, as these areas tend to accumulate a significant amount of carbon. A clean gas system is essential for proper cycling. Use a bore brush and solvent to scrub the inside of the barrel, removing any lead or copper fouling. Follow up with patches until they come out clean. A clean bore improves accuracy and prevents corrosion. Inspect all parts for wear, damage, or excessive buildup. Replace any worn or damaged parts promptly to prevent further issues. Keep an eye on springs, such as the magazine spring and recoil spring, as these can weaken over time and affect performance. Proper lubrication is crucial for smooth operation and protection against corrosion. Apply a light coat of gun oil to all moving parts, including the action bars, bolt, trigger components, and gas system. Avoid over-lubrication, as this can attract dirt and debris. Use a quality gun grease on areas that experience heavy friction, such as the action bar rails. After cleaning and lubricating, reassemble the shotgun and perform a function check to ensure everything is working correctly. Verify that the action cycles smoothly, the trigger functions properly, and the safety engages correctly. Store your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical in a safe, dry place. Use a gun case or cabinet to protect it from dust, moisture, and physical damage. Consider using a dehumidifier in your storage area to prevent rust and corrosion, especially in humid climates.

Proper Lubrication

Proper lubrication is essential for the smooth operation and longevity of your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. Lubrication reduces friction between moving parts, prevents wear, and protects against corrosion. Before lubricating, ensure the shotgun is clean. Remove any dirt, carbon buildup, and old lubricant from all components. Use a quality gun cleaning solvent and brushes to thoroughly clean the action, bolt, trigger assembly, and gas system. Apply a light coat of gun oil to all moving parts. Focus on areas where metal-to-metal contact occurs, such as the action bars, bolt carrier, trigger components, and gas piston. Avoid over-lubrication, as this can attract dirt and debris, leading to malfunctions. Use a quality gun grease on parts that experience heavy friction or high stress. Apply grease to the action bar rails, locking lugs, and any other areas where significant wear is likely to occur. Gun grease provides a longer-lasting layer of protection compared to gun oil. The gas system requires special attention. After cleaning the gas ports and piston, apply a thin layer of gun oil to the piston and gas cylinder. This will help ensure smooth cycling and prevent carbon buildup from causing issues. Inspect the magazine tube and follower. Apply a light coat of gun oil to the inside of the magazine tube and the follower to ensure smooth feeding of shells. Avoid using excessive lubricant, as this can attract dirt and debris. After lubricating, cycle the action several times to distribute the lubricant evenly. Check for any signs of binding or resistance. If you encounter any issues, disassemble the shotgun and re-lubricate the affected areas. Periodically inspect the lubrication on your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical, especially after extended use or exposure to harsh conditions. Re-lubricate as needed to maintain optimal performance.

Ammunition Selection

Ammunition selection plays a critical role in the performance and reliability of your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical is designed to handle a variety of 12-gauge ammunition, but it’s essential to choose the right type for your specific needs and the shotgun’s capabilities. Ensure that the ammunition you select is compatible with the shotgun’s chamber length. The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical typically chambers both 2 ¾" and 3" shells. Using the correct shell length ensures proper feeding and ejection. Select ammunition that matches the intended use. For home defense, consider using buckshot or defensive slugs. For target shooting, birdshot or target loads are appropriate. For hunting, choose ammunition that is suitable for the game you are pursuing. Consider the power and recoil of the ammunition. Lighter loads are easier to control and produce less recoil, while heavier loads offer more stopping power but can be more challenging to manage. Choose a load that you can comfortably and accurately shoot. Test different brands and types of ammunition to find what works best in your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. Some shotguns may perform better with certain brands or loads. Pay attention to factors such as cycling reliability, recoil, and accuracy. Store ammunition properly in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity, as this can degrade the powder and primers. Use a dedicated ammunition storage container to protect the rounds from damage and moisture. Regularly inspect your ammunition for signs of damage or corrosion. Discard any rounds that appear to be compromised. Damaged ammunition can be unsafe to use and may cause malfunctions in your shotgun. Keep your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical clean. A dirty chamber can cause friction and prevent smooth feeding. Regularly clean the chamber and ensure it is free from debris and residue. Proper lubrication is also vital. Apply a light coat of gun oil to the action bars, bolt, and other moving parts to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and lubrication to maintain optimal performance.

Conclusion

Addressing common issues and maintaining your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical will ensure it remains a reliable firearm. Remember to regularly clean and lubricate your shotgun, select appropriate ammunition, and promptly address any problems that arise. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy years of dependable performance from your Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. Happy shooting, guys!