Mossberg 9200 Viking autoloader
Question:
Just soliciting opinions on the Mossberg 9200 Viking autoloader shotgun. I’m thinking about purchasing one for waterfowl hunting. I like the green synthetic stock and black matte finish on the metal. Is this a dependable gun that will last a good long while in waterfowl hunting conditions? I don’t mind cleaning & maintaining it well. The price sure is right. I can afford a more expensive gun, but hate the thoughts of abusing a top of the line firearm in these conditions. But I also don’t want to have it constantly jamming or malfunctioning on me at just the wrong moment either. Your thoughts? Mike Maurer
Response:
Mike, I didn’t like the green finish so I purchased a Crown Grade 9200. I am shooting a lot of trap lately and wanted an inexpensive soft shooter. I was also planning some duck hunting. I sold my 835 and bought the 9200. Well yesterday I bought a 500 so that I could have something to shoot while the 9200 starts what I feel will be many returns to the factory. 3 in shells don’t always clear the ejection port. 2 3/4 shells will double feed into the chamber. On closing the bolt the shell will no feed into the barrel and jam against the receiver. With no shells loaded, on closing the bolt the extractor will enter the chamber or stick out of the receiver. This jamming is on the order of every 3-4 shots. The action bar has poor heat treating and show excessive wear for a gun 2-3 weeks old. (about .04 where the bar hits the shell release) There is an o-ring in the gas assembly that erodes quickly and can only be purchased from Mossberg(at least in Northern Nevada) I have cleaned and lubed this gun after every outting. I bought this shotgun Nov 5 ‘96 and have been using Federal trap loads ans AA trap load. Winchester game loads stayed in the chamber and failed to extract. This shell has a very thin plastic hull.(cheep) I have talked to Mossberg and they say to ship it in and they will fix it, but I haven’t had the chance. After Thankgiving I will ship it in for repair, but I really wanted a refund. The first week I shot only single shots for trap and the gun works fine. Only when you load the magazine do the problems show up. I hope they get it right as the gun is very easy on your shoulder and looks good. Wish me luck, Brian Doyle
