Let’s Dive into Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope
The Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope is a barrel upgrade designed specifically for the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun. This fully rifled, 24-inch barrel transforms your 835 into a dedicated slug gun, capable of handling 2.75″, 3″, and even the potent 3.5″ shotshells. The included scope base and scope are intended to provide immediate and improved accuracy for those wanting to make the most of their slug shooting.
I’ve spent years chasing whitetails in dense brush and open fields, always searching for that perfect balance of power and precision. My old smoothbore barrel just wasn’t cutting it anymore when it came to consistent, long-range accuracy with slugs. I needed a solution to extend my effective range and improve my confidence in making ethical shots.
Upon unboxing, the blued finish immediately impressed me with its deep, rich color and even application. The barrel felt solid and well-made, conveying a sense of quality that I expect from Mossberg. The included scope was a basic model, but I appreciated its inclusion as it allowed me to get shooting right away.
I considered other rifled slug barrels, like those from Hastings and Remington, but the Mossberg offered a compelling combination of value and 3.5″ chamber capability, which was important to me for maximum knockdown power. I ultimately chose the Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope for its reputation, compatibility with my existing 835 receiver, and the convenience of the scope package. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism about the quality of the included scope, but I was eager to see what this upgrade could do for my slug gun.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope was at my local shooting range, where I could safely test its accuracy at various distances. The weather was slightly overcast with a light drizzle, which provided a good test for the scope’s visibility in less-than-ideal conditions. I tested a variety of slug loads, including Federal Premium Trophy Copper and Winchester Super-X slugs.
The rifled barrel immediately made a noticeable difference. My groups at 50 yards shrunk significantly compared to my old smoothbore, and I felt much more confident pushing out to 100 yards. The provided scope, while not high-end, proved to be adequate for initial zeroing and target acquisition. Recoil was stout, especially with the 3″ and 3.5″ loads, but that’s to be expected with a lightweight shotgun and powerful slugs.
Initially, I had some trouble achieving a perfect zero with the included scope, as the adjustments felt a bit mushy. However, with some patience and careful adjustments, I managed to get it dialed in reasonably well. I was genuinely surprised by the improved accuracy and the overall experience of shooting slugs through a dedicated rifled barrel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope continues to perform reliably. I’ve taken it on several hunting trips in varying weather conditions, from dry and dusty early season hunts to cold and wet late season hunts. The blued finish has held up well with proper cleaning and oiling, showing only minor signs of wear around the muzzle.
The rifling remains sharp and clean, ensuring consistent slug stabilization. I’ve found that cleaning the barrel after each range session or hunting trip is crucial to maintaining accuracy and preventing fouling. I use a standard shotgun cleaning kit with a bore brush and solvent designed for removing lead and copper fouling. Compared to my previous smoothbore barrel, the Mossberg rifled barrel has significantly improved my effective range and confidence in the field. I’m now comfortable taking shots at deer out to 125 yards, something I wouldn’t have considered with my old setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope
Specifications
- Mfg Item Num: 90835
- Supplier SKU: 21584
- Category: EXTRA BARRELS
- Caliber or Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Length: 24″
- Model: 835 Ulti-Mag Slug
- Sights: Scope Base with Scope
- Bore Type: Fully Rifled
- Finish: Blued
These specifications are important for several reasons. The 12-gauge chambering provides ample stopping power for deer and other large game. The 24-inch barrel offers a good balance of maneuverability and ballistic performance. The fully rifled bore is essential for stabilizing slugs and achieving accuracy. The included scope base and scope provide an immediate sighting solution.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope performs exceptionally well as a dedicated slug barrel. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to a smoothbore, allowing for tighter groupings and longer effective ranges. The ability to handle 2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ shells provides versatility in terms of ammunition selection.
The main strength is the accuracy improvement, allowing for confident shots at longer ranges. One weakness is the included scope. While functional, it may be considered a low-end optic by experienced shooters. It certainly encourages an upgrade down the line. Overall, the Mossberg barrel meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated slug barrel.
Design & Ergonomics
The blued finish is aesthetically pleasing and provides adequate corrosion resistance with proper care. The weight of the barrel is reasonable and doesn’t significantly affect the balance of the shotgun. Installing the barrel is straightforward and requires no gunsmithing.
The Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope is user-friendly. You can easily swap it with the original barrel using basic tools. There is no learning curve to the barrel itself, but you may need time to dial in the scope and find the optimal slug load for your specific setup.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope should last for many years of reliable service. Regular cleaning and oiling are essential to prevent rust and corrosion. The rifling should be inspected periodically for wear and tear.
Maintenance is straightforward. Cleaning the barrel after each use will maintain its accuracy and prevent fouling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope comes with a scope base and a basic scope. The scope base is compatible with most Weaver-style scope rings, allowing for easy upgrades to higher-quality optics. The barrel is compatible with all Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag receivers.
Upgrading the scope is the most common and beneficial customization. A higher-quality scope with better glass, more precise adjustments, and a wider field of view can further enhance accuracy and low-light performance.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope
Pros
- Significantly improved accuracy compared to smoothbore barrels.
- Handles 2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ shotshells for versatility.
- Easy to install and requires no gunsmithing.
- Comes with a scope base and scope for immediate use.
- Durable blued finish.
Cons
- The included scope is a basic model and may need to be upgraded.
- Recoil can be stout, especially with 3″ and 3.5″ loads.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope?
The Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope is perfect for hunters who want to convert their Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag into a dedicated slug gun for deer hunting. It’s also a good choice for those who want to extend their effective range and improve their accuracy with slugs. This barrel is an excellent option for anyone who hunts in areas where rifles are not permitted.
Those who prioritize long-range precision and are willing to invest in a higher-quality optic should skip the included scope and purchase a higher-end model separately. Those who are sensitive to recoil may want to consider using 2.75″ or 3″ loads to mitigate the effects of the heavier 3.5″ shells.
A high-quality scope is a must-have accessory to maximize the accuracy potential of this barrel. A cheek riser or adjustable stock can also improve comfort and consistency by ensuring proper eye alignment with the scope.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope
The Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope is a worthwhile upgrade for Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag owners looking to enhance their slug-shooting capabilities. The improved accuracy and versatility of handling different shell lengths make it a valuable addition to any hunter’s arsenal. The inclusion of a scope and base is a nice touch, but the scope itself may warrant an upgrade for serious shooters.
The price is justified by the significant improvement in performance and the convenience of the included scope package. I would personally recommend the Mossberg 90835 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Scope Base W/Scope to anyone looking to convert their Mossberg 835 into a dedicated slug gun. Upgrade your Mossberg 835 today and experience the difference that a rifled slug barrel can make!