Mossberg 930 Watch Dog versus the 930 SPX

[C0untZer0]

The 930 Watchdog model 85321 is basically the same gun as the 930 SPX 8-Shot (no pistol grip) model 85360. The difference is that the 930 Watchdog has a bead sight and the 930 SPX 8-Shot has a picatiny rail, LPA ghost ring rear sights and fiber optic front sight. The other difference is the price, the Watchdog goes for around $425.00 but the 930 SPX 8-Shot goes for around $635.00

I think with the plain receiver I can switch out the 18.5 for a slug barrel or a GP 28" barrel, but with the picatiny rail, I think its pretty much stuck in that configuration - tactical / home defense - whatever you want to call it.

Is there a disadvantage to going with a bead sight for HD versus an LPA?

 

[Virginian]

I hope not because every shotgun I own has a bead on it.

 

[oneounceload]

No disadvantage; more like a better advantage as your eyes should be on your intended target, not some bead.

 

[William McGregor]

For HD I feel that a semi automatic with more shells would be better.What if there is more than one intruder?

 

[kozak6]

The ghost ring sights are mostly for slug use. A bead should be good enough for buckshot, and especially inside a house.

 

[PabloJ]

The best option would be to have plain tapped receiver standard magazine tube and 22" to 24" plain barrel with choke tubes. That would make very good all around shotgun. I bought shotgun with 24" smoothbore choke tubed barrel and rifle sights plus standard magazine. That gun with right choke tube in place can be used for just about everything. The barrel is fixed to the receiver which is fine with me because it never needs to be changed.

 

[Choctaw]

A pump is absolutely an appropriate fighting shotgun. How many instances do homeowners, in real life, have to fight off hoards of attackers? The pump shotgun will do nicely in a HD situation.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I had an in depth conversation with Louis Awerbuck about bead vs Ghost rings on home defense shotguns. The gist of it was that I shoot around 5000 shells a year with a beaded shotgun in trap a year, should I stick with ghost rings on the home defense shot gun or put on a beaded barrel (which I already owned). He reccomended I stick with ghost rings for home defense so I have.

Don't get me wrong, I think if you are looking for a true multipurpose shotgun that also doubles as a home defense weapon, then a bead is just fine. If given a choice for a dedicated home defense shotgun, Yoda prefered ghost rings.

Also, I asked about shotgun vs rifle vs pistol for defense as I have all three handy to choose from. Again, Louis preferd a shotgun (and a pistol as a backup) for home defense. He felt it had the best power delivery.

 

[Murphys Law]

Is there a disadvantage to going with a bead sight for HD versus an LPA?

Not in my opinion. With the caveat that you already know how to use a bead and how to properly mount a shotgun to your face so that your master eye is centered behind the receiver, and looking down the barrel to the bead.

The advantage for the ghost ring is it will sort of force or steer you to center your eye behind it before you can get the sight picture and if your new to shotguns that may be an advantage for you. FWIW, I use bead on all of mine.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

A buddy of mine and I took several shotgun classes together at ITTS tactical with Scott Reitz. I ran a ghost ring and he ran a bead. Almost no difference in performance between us. The only are I had a bit of an advantage was shooting slugs at steel at 100 yards. It was a little easier for me but he still got this hits.

Mostly, it comes down to practice with your equipment.

 

[PabloJ]

LPA or large aperture rear sight is highly over-rated and total waste of money when bought as aftermarket part to be installed. I much prefer standard rear blade filed to a shallow V like those found on old English elephant guns.