Mossberg has released a slew of new shotguns for 2024 but two that caught my eye are the Thunder Ranch editions designed in conjunction with Clint Smith, from Thunder Ranch, the famed firearms training facility in Southern Oregon. The Mossberg 590 and 940 Pro Thunder Ranch Shotguns build on the proven Mossberg platform and add features with input from Clint and his staff. Notable things are the Patriot Brown Cerakote finishes, optics-ready receivers, fiber-optic front sights and reduced length of pull stocks.
Here’s some info from Mossberg on the introductions:
Thunder Ranch Director, Clint Smith, along with the Thunder Ranch staff, have teamed up with Mossberg engineers to create the Mossberg 590 Thunder Ranch pump-action and 940 Pro Thunder Ranch autoloader shotguns with the goal of creating the ultimate personal defense shotguns. Both 12-gauge guns are full of features including a patent-pending optic-cut receiver for the direct mounting of low-profile microdot sights, Cerakote finishes, and are emblazoned with the Thunder Ranch logo.
590 Thunder Ranch Pump-Action Shotgun (50781) – The 590 model is based upon Mossberg’s legendary 500 pump-action shotgun and features non-binding twin action bars; positive steel-to-steel lock-up and anti-jam elevator; dual extractors; drilled and tapped receivers; and an ambidextrous top-mounted safety. Enhancing the platform is a convenient clean-out magazine tube with cap for ease of maintenance. Equipped with a black synthetic stock and corncob-style forend, this 12-gauge Thunder Ranch edition features a distinctive Patriot Brown Cerakote finish on the barrel and receiver; 18.5-inch cylinder bore barrel topped with a front fiber-optic sight for low-light conditions; seven-shot total capacity; compact 13-inch length-of-pull; and convenient optic-cut receiver for the direct mounting of microdot sights (Shield RMSc-footprint). A cover plate is included when an optic is not in use. Completing the package is the Thunder Ranch logo laser-engraved on the receiver. MSRP: $662
940 Pro Thunder Ranch Autoloading Shotgun (85171) – This autoloader utilizes Mossberg’s redesigned gas-operating system that may run up to 1,500 rounds between cleaning. Adding to this shotgun’s need for reduced maintenance and delivery of reliable performance, the internal parts have corrosion-resistant finishes including a nickel-boron coated gas piston, magazine tube, hammer and sear. Key features include an enlarged and beveled loading port for rapid reloads; elongated, pinch-free elevator; bright orange anodized follower; an extended knurled charging handle; a paddle-style bolt release; a front fiber-optic sight; an eight-round total capacity; and a barrel clamp with dual-sided M-LOK-compatible slots to make adding accessories easier. The Thunder Ranch edition has a user-adjustable length-of-pull (range of 12.5 – 14.25 inches) plus adjustability for the drop at comb and cast. A slim-profile synthetic forend make for ease of handling. Both the stock and frond are protected with a Cerakote Patriot Brown finish. The receiver and 18.5-inch cylinder bore barrel wear the same Patriot Brown Cerakote coating. With the convenient optic-cut receiver, you have the option of directly mounting a microdot optic (Shield RMSc-footprint). A cover plate is included when an optic is not in use. QD sling mounting ports make attachment of a sling quick and easy. The shotgun also has the Thunder Ranch logo lasered on the receiver. MSRP: $1,295
“We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Mossberg. They have continuously provided quality shotguns for our clients and shooting community at affordable prices,” commented Clint Smith, Thunder Ranch director. “Say whatever you want about shotguns being archaic, they have proven themselves over and over to be very capable in defense of the individual, military member and law enforcement officer for many years previous and for many more years to come.”
Visit www.mossberg.com for more on these and their other new firearms for 2024.