Tristar Setter S/T O/U vs Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical: Which is Better?

Tristar Setter S/T O/U vs Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical: Which is Better?

When you're out in the field and it's time to choose between a 28-gauge and a 12-gauge, the decision comes down to a few things: how you're hunting, what you're hunting, and how much you're willing to spend. That's why I’m comparing two very different shotguns here — the Tristar Setter S/T O/U 28ga 2.75" Chamber 28" Barrel 2Rd and the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX w/ Holosun 12ga 18.5" 7+1. These are two very different beasts, and both have their place in a hunter’s arsenal.

Let’s be honest — most of us don’t need to be shooting 12-gauge slugs at 100 yards, and we don’t need a 12-gauge for all our upland bird hunting. But if you're doing a lot of deer hunting or need a shotgun that can handle everything from waterfowl to turkey, a 12-gauge makes more sense. And if you're a traditionalist or just want a lighter, more manageable option for smaller game, a 28-gauge could be your best bet. So what does that really mean in the field?

I’ve been around shotguns since I was a kid, and I’ve seen a lot of them come and go. But the ones that stick around are the ones that work in the field, and that’s what we’re going to talk about today — not just specs, but how these guns perform when you're out there in the cold, in the rain, or on a long hike.

Specifications Comparison

Feature	Tristar Setter S/T O/U	Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX
Caliber/Gauge	28 Gauge	12 Gauge
Barrel Length	28"	18.5"
Capacity	Not specified	9+1
Weight	Not specified	7.25 lbs
Overall Length	Not specified	37"
Finish	Not specified	Matte Blue
Sights	Not specified	Front HiViz CompSight Fiber Optic; Optic-Ready; Holosun 407K X2 Installed
Price	$644.51	$1,113.99

Accuracy/Performance

Accuracy in the field is what matters — not how many MOA you can shoot off a bench. And when I say “in the field,” I mean when it’s 40 below and you’re wearing a heavy coat, or when you’re trying to hit a bird at 30 yards that’s flying at 15 mph.

The Tristar Setter is a 28-gauge. That means it’s lighter, and it’s got less recoil — which is a big deal when you’re hunting birds or doing a lot of small game. I remember once, I was out in a field with my son, and he was trying to get his first shot at a grouse. The 28-gauge didn’t kick like a mule, and he got a clean shot. That’s what a 28-gauge does — it makes it easier for young hunters to learn, and it’s not going to scare them off.

The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical is a 12-gauge. That’s a different story. It’s got more stopping power, and it’s a little heavier, but it's also more versatile. I’ve used a 12-gauge on a few black bear hunts, and it’s a beast. But when you’re out there on a long hike with a 12-gauge, it’s going to be a bit more of a burden. That’s not to say it’s bad — it’s just different.

When it comes to performance, both guns are going to shoot well — if you’re using quality shells. The Mossberg is built for more serious hunting, and it’s going to be more accurate at longer distances. But the Tristar, when you're hunting birds or smaller game, is going to feel more manageable and easier to shoot. The Tristar’s lighter weight means you’re less likely to fatigue on a long day in the field, and it's easier to carry around. That’s a big win.

Ergonomics/Handling

Handling is where it all comes down. If a gun doesn’t feel right in your hands, it doesn’t matter how good it is. I’ve seen hunters spend hundreds of dollars on a gun only to walk away from it because it didn’t feel right. That’s why I always test a gun in the field before I buy it.

The Tristar Setter is a 28-gauge, and it’s lighter. I’ve had a few of these over the years, and the weight is a big deal. It’s not going to feel like a ton of lead in your hands, and it’s easier to carry. I remember once, I was hiking for hours with my son, and he was carrying his Tristar. It felt light, and he didn’t complain. That’s the kind of thing that makes a difference on a long hunt.

The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical is a 12-gauge. It’s a bit heavier — 7.25 lbs — and it’s a bit longer. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s something to consider. I’ve had a few of these, and they’re solid, but they’re not light. If you're hiking all day, you’re going to feel it. That said, the adjustable stock is a big plus. It can be adjusted for different users, and it’s a great feature for families.

Both guns are built to last — that’s not up for debate. But when it comes to handling, the Tristar feels more like a tool for the field — a lightweight, easy-to-carry shotgun that’s perfect for smaller game. The Mossberg is a bit more of a workhorse — a 12-gauge that you can count on for anything from turkey to deer, but it’s not going to be as easy to carry around.

Features

When you’re looking at features, it’s about what you need — not what you want. The Tristar Setter has a 28-gauge chamber, which means it’s built for smaller game. It’s not going to be the best for big game, but it’s perfect for birds, small mammals, and anything where you don’t need a lot of power.

The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical comes with a Holosun 407K optic installed. That’s a big deal. It’s a real upgrade from a traditional iron sight, and it’s a great way to get started with optics. I’ve seen a lot of hunters use this setup and love it. It’s not just about the optics — it’s also about the integrated forend design with heat shield, QD cups, and mounting slots. That’s a feature that makes a difference if you’re planning to customize your gun later.

Both guns come with a few key features, but the Mossberg is more of a complete package. It’s got the adjustable stock, the integrated heat shield, and the Holosun optic — all of which make it a more complete hunting shotgun. The Tristar, on the other hand, is a more basic offering, but it’s still a solid choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money.

So, if you’re looking for a shotgun that’s going to be easy to carry, and you’re hunting smaller game, the Tristar is the way to go. If you’re looking for something that’s going to handle everything from turkey to deer, and you want to get into optics early, the Mossberg is the better choice.

Build Quality

When it comes to build quality, both of these shotguns are solid. They’re built to last — that’s a given. But the Mossberg has a few more features that really help it stand out in the field.

The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical has a durable gas system with corrosion-resistant internal parts and nickel boron coating on the gas piston, mag tube, hammer, and sear. That’s a big deal — it means you’re not going to have to worry about rust or wear. I’ve had a few Mossbergs over the years, and they’ve all held up well in the field, even in harsh conditions. I remember one winter, I was out hunting in freezing rain, and I didn’t have to worry about the gun freezing up or jamming. That’s the kind of reliability that matters.

The Tristar Setter is a 28-gauge, so it’s not going to be the most rugged. But it’s still built well, and it’s not going to break on you. It’s not going to be the kind of gun you’re going to carry around in the mud and snow and expect it to last forever, but it’s going to hold up in typical hunting conditions.

Both guns are built with quality materials, but the Mossberg has a few more features that make it more durable in the field. It’s a bit more of a workhorse, and it’s going to handle more abuse than the Tristar. That said, if you’re not planning on using it in harsh conditions, the Tristar is perfectly fine.

Value for Money

Let’s talk about value — because that’s what most of us care about. The Tristar Setter is $644.51. That’s a solid price for a 28-gauge shotgun. It’s not going to be the most expensive, but it’s not the cheapest either. It’s a good value for what you’re getting — a lightweight, easy-to-carry shotgun for smaller game.

The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical is $1,113.99. That’s a bit more, but you’re getting a lot more for your money. It’s got a 12-gauge, it’s got a Holosun optic, it’s got an adjustable stock, and it’s built to last. It’s a premium option, but it’s also a very good value for the price. You’re getting a lot of features for the cost.

So, if you’re on a budget and you’re hunting small game, the Tristar is the better value. If you’re looking for something that’s going to handle everything and you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Mossberg is the better choice. It’s not just about the price — it’s about what you’re going to use it for.

Summary Comparison

• Tristar Setter S/T O/U: Best for hunters who want a lightweight, affordable 28-gauge shotgun for small game and birds. Great for families or those just starting out.
• Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX: Best for hunters who want a versatile, feature-rich 12-gauge shotgun with optics, adjustable stock, and durability for all-around hunting.