Mossberg 90820 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base Review

Let’s Dive into Mossberg 90820 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base

The Mossberg 90820 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base barrel is a specialized component designed to transform your Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun into a dedicated slug gun. It features a fully rifled bore for improved accuracy with sabot slugs and an integral scope base for easy optic mounting. For hunters looking to maximize the long-range potential of their Mossberg 835, this barrel offers a compelling upgrade.

My need for this barrel arose from a desire to extend my effective hunting range in areas where shot was prohibited. I needed a setup that could deliver consistent accuracy at 100 yards or more, something my standard smooth-bore barrel simply couldn’t achieve. This Mossberg barrel promised a solution with its rifled bore and scope mounting capabilities.

Upon unboxing, the barrel felt solid and well-made, exhibiting the typical robust construction I’ve come to expect from Mossberg. The blued finish was evenly applied and the integral scope base looked precisely machined. The weight felt appropriate for a 24-inch barrel, giving a sense of balance without being excessively heavy.

Compared to aftermarket rifled slug barrels from other manufacturers, the integrated scope base of the Mossberg barrel immediately stood out. Competitors often require separate scope mounts, adding to the overall cost and complexity. I also considered a cantilever scope mount, but preferred the cleaner look and potentially more solid mounting offered by an integral base.

My first impression was positive; the Mossberg 90820 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base barrel seemed like a well-engineered solution for my slug hunting needs. I was eager to get it mounted and see how it performed at the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90820 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mossberg 90820 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base at my local shooting range, using a variety of sabot slugs from different manufacturers. The initial sight-in process was straightforward thanks to the integral scope base. The rifled barrel clearly stabilized the slugs, evidenced by the tight groupings I was able to achieve at 50 and 100 yards.

The weather was clear and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing. The barrel performed flawlessly, exhibiting no feeding or extraction issues. The recoil was significant, as expected with 12-gauge slugs, but manageable with proper technique.

There were no surprises, the barrel performed exactly as advertised. The rifling effectively stabilized the slugs and the integral scope base provided a secure mounting platform for my optic.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a whitetail deer season, the Mossberg 90820 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scratches from handling in the field. The blued finish has proven to be durable and resistant to rust.

Maintaining the barrel is simple; a quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient. The integral scope base remains securely attached and has not required any tightening. This barrel definitely outperforms my old smooth-bore barrel in terms of accuracy and effective range.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90820 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base

Specifications

• Caliber or Gauge: 12 Gauge – Designed specifically for the powerful 12-gauge cartridge. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of commercially available sabot slugs.

• Length: 24″ – The 24-inch barrel length provides a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. It’s long enough to maximize slug velocity but not so long as to be unwieldy in dense cover.

• Model: 835 Ulti-Mag Slug – Specifically designed for the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun. Direct compatibility ensures a proper fit and reliable function.

• Sights: Integral Scope Base – The integral scope base offers a solid and stable platform for mounting optics. This eliminates the need for aftermarket mounts, simplifying the setup and potentially improving accuracy.

• Bore Type: Fully Rifled – The fully rifled bore is crucial for stabilizing sabot slugs. The rifling imparts a spin on the slug, greatly improving its accuracy and extending its effective range.

• Finish: Blued – The blued finish provides a degree of corrosion resistance. This helps to protect the barrel from the elements and maintain its appearance over time.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 90820 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base excels at its primary function: delivering accurate and consistent slug performance. At 100 yards, I consistently achieve groupings of 3-4 inches with premium sabot slugs. The integral scope base provides a rock-solid platform for my optic, eliminating any concerns about movement or shifting zero.

The main strength is undoubtedly the enhanced accuracy and extended range compared to a smooth-bore barrel. The only weakness might be the increased recoil, which is inherent to 12-gauge slugs. It definitely meets my expectations, transforming my Mossberg 835 into a capable deer hunting tool.

Design & Ergonomics

The barrel’s design is simple and functional, prioritizing performance over aesthetics. The blued finish is well-applied and provides adequate corrosion protection. The integral scope base is cleanly integrated and doesn’t detract from the overall appearance.

The weight of the barrel is well-balanced and doesn’t make the shotgun feel overly front-heavy. There’s virtually no learning curve, simply install the barrel, mount your scope, and head to the range.

Durability & Maintenance

The barrel is constructed from high-quality steel and seems built to last. With proper care and maintenance, I expect it to provide many years of reliable service.

Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a bore brush, solvent, and a bit of elbow grease. The blued finish is relatively easy to maintain and resistant to rust.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory for this barrel is a suitable optic. I paired mine with a variable-power scope designed for shotgun hunting. There are no other readily apparent customization options for the barrel itself, the focus is on mounting an optic.

It is compatible with any scope rings or bases designed to fit a standard Weaver-style rail. This allows for a wide range of optic choices from different manufacturers.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90820 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base