FN SLP vs. Mossberg 930 SPX?

[Dudeman]

So, I'm looking for a semi-auto primarily for home defense, but I also like shooting lots of rounds for fun and practice. (Blasting whole watermelons with 00 buck is a helluva fun time!)

Anyway, I'm looking at the FN SLP and Mossy 930 SPX mostly, but I'm sorta interested in the Benelli M4 Tactical, too.

It looks like the FN and Mossberg are similar in terms of looks and operation, and I have no doubt that the FN is a higher quality firearm, but is it that much nicer than the 930 SPX?

Understanding that this is a forum dedicated to FN firearms, would any of you guys trust your lives to a Mossberg 930 SPX?

The price difference is considerable for me, and I'm a relatively new shooter..........especially when it comes to shotguns, but I'm a firm believer in getting the most for my money.

I have been extremely satisfied with my FNAR, so I figure FN is worth considering for a shotgun, too.

Any thoughts?

[FN4EVER]

Buy the very best firearm you can afford and you will only cry once. The FN SLP is based on the same action as the Winchester Super X2, which is a proven design (and I have both a FN SLP and a Winchester SX2). Go on YouTube, there are a lot of videos about them.

I don't know much about the Benelli M4, but if it's good enough for the USMC (and LAPD for that matter) it's GTG too.

[djv38]

I don't know much about the Benelli M4, but if it's good enough for the USMC (and LAPD for that matter) it's GTG too.

Although you are round limited with it due to importation crap. You'll have to try and find an extended tube for it, adding more cost (heard they're hard to come by).

I don't think you can really go wrong with either the SLP or the 930 SPX, but I'd take the SLP first if money weren't an issue

[joshua79109]

I shoot a buddies 930 spx fairly often and it's a great shooter.

My FN SLP MK I has been excellent for me.

You might spend a little time at brianenos.com. It's where the 3 gun folks post up. The reason I suggest that site is because the folks there are heavy users and you will see what holds up to heavy use if that matters to you.

Some of my opinions...

The SLP will outlast/outperform the 930 if each is to be used heavily.

I'd stick with either a Benelli or the FN SLP if they fit the budget.

If I were to get the Benelli I'd get an M2 as opposed to the M4.

[mrcharlie]

My two cents is I prefer a pump for home defense. I would choose the SLP or Benelli any day, and the mag extensions for the Benelli are not hard to find. Several people make them.

[djv38]

and the mag extensions for the Benelli are not hard to find. Several people make them.

Maybe I was thinking of the collapsible stock

Thanks for the correction

[Dudeman]

Thanks for the input, everyone.

I went to my local shop and had them look up prices for me.

Mossberg 930 SPX: $599.00 US

FN SLP: $1,050.00 US

Benelli M4: $1,599.00 US

The Benelli is out of the question due to cost and the FN is right at the very limit of what I could spend.

Since I already have a Benelli Nova Tactical that I tricked out with a recoil reducer, magazine tube extension, side-saddle shell holder and tac-light that I use for home defense, I don't need a new shotgun, but I really want one.

Part of me feels like the FN is the way to go, but I can't help but wonder if the extra $450.00 over the cost of the Mossberg is a case of diminishing returns.

I guess I'll have to start saving my pennies and doing more research.

I will certainly check out the brianenos.com site, too.

Oh yeah, I like the idea of a semi-auto because it would be easier for my wife to handle, and it could be used one-handed if necessary.

[txcas]

I have a Mossberg 930 SPX that I bought for 3-gun competition. It is ok, but it is not a Benelli or a FN. Mossberg shipped the first 930s with a defective barrel. The front sight was canted to the left and it was too short. I shot a 3-gun match with that barrel knowing that my slug shots would be high. I then got a replacement barrel from Mossberg. They fixed the canted sight and put a spacer between the barrel and the front sight. I had no problems adjusting the sights for slugs with the second barrel, but I found at the worst moment (in the middle of a 3-gun match) that the barrel was defective and the shotgun would not cycle properly using anything but slugs. So I am on my 3rd barrel from Mossberg, this one is different than first two and the one currently shipping with the 930 SPX. They are no longer using a spacer between the barrel and the front sight, they made the front sight taller. I tested the barrel with cheap shot from Wal-Mart and the shotgun cycles. I will be using the 930 on another match this September, but after that match I am selling it. I will replace it with a FN SLP MK1. The defective barrels left a bad taste. Even though everything is now working fine, I no longer trust my 930.

[jasestrong]

They are all nice guns and good shooters.

For 15 years as a cop i carried a Mossberg pump and a Remmy here and their and never had a problem.

I own a 930SPX and for the money it can be beat. I put a Mesa Tactical Side saddle on it for 6 extra rounds/they make an 8 round too, a nice sling, and an oversized bolt handle from Choate. Bolt handle sold for $11 bucks, http://riflestock.com/ Also Choate makes the Pistol grip stocks for Mossberg, So i am going to add one to my SPX.

http://www.riflestock.com/catalog_pa..._index=search2

I bought my 930 at dicks sporting goods about 2 to 3 years for $569 sticker, they are now $100 more, still a good price.

the 930 SPX was the NRA's 2009 shotgun of the year.

I have put all types of ammo through it and not had a problem, except for less than leathal Bean Bags. It fired but did not cycle, But that is not uncommon for those types of rounds and we did it to see if it worked. As a cop we had dedicated Less than Leathal guns.

I taught at a recent police academy firearm's class and i let 3 cadets use it and they had no problems.

Now the Mossy kicks more than the FN or the Bennie.

I think you would be happy with the Mossy. It gives you a lot out of the box!

[mrcharlie]

and the mag extensions for the Benelli are not hard to find. Several people make them.

Maybe I was thinking of the collapsible stock

Thanks for the correction

A collapsible stock would be nice, I would like a little more length of pull on my Supernova. Dudeman, a double barrel 20 gauge can't be beat for the wife. I'm pondering the Stoeger coach gun for just that reason. For those looking for an SLP on the cheap, gunbroker.com has some nice used models from time to time. Keep an eye on this forum's listings as well, saw one a while back for 700ish.