Mossberg 940 Thunder Ranch ($1,295)

The Mossberg 940 has a tremendous reputation for being an extremely reliable semiautomatic shotgun that doesn’t go click instead of bang if not solidly driven into the shooter’s shoulder. From competitive fields to home defense, the 940 has been one of our go-to choices since its inception. The 940 Pro Thunder Ranch features some functional updates with design input provided by Thunder Ranch President and Director Clint Smith based on his training and experience. This model comes optic-ready from the factory, with patent-pending receiver cuts that accept low-profile direct mounting of Shield RMSc-pattern micro dot sights for improved eye alignment and natural target acquisition. An 18.50-inch barrel, equipped with a red fiber-optic front sight, sits atop a seven-round magazine tube.

The Thunder Ranch model features a handsome Patriot Brown Cerakote finish with subtle logo engraving on the receiver. We love the QD sling mounting cups on both the stock and forend and the M-LOK mounting slots on the barrel clamp to easily add a white light, which Mr. Clint Smith strongly recommends. An enlarged bolt handle and bolt-release button provide fumble-free manipulation under stress. The 940 Thunder Ranch edition is equally well-suited for a day at the range or put to use for home security needs. See it at your dealer, or for more information, contact Mossberg; Tel.: (800) 363-3555; Web: www.mossberg.com