Let’s Dive into Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead
The Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead offers shotgun owners a versatile option for home defense or tactical applications. This barrel is designed as a drop-in replacement for compatible shotguns, providing a shorter, more maneuverable configuration.
My shotgun primarily served a dual purpose: upland bird hunting and the occasional trip to the trap range. While proficient in these roles, its lengthy barrel felt cumbersome indoors, leaving me wanting a more compact option for home defense.
Unboxing the barrel, I immediately noticed its utilitarian aesthetic. The matte blued finish, while not particularly flashy, appeared robust. My initial handling revealed a solid weight and what seemed like a quality build – a stark contrast to some of the feedback I later encountered. I was eager to see how it would perform.
I considered a few other options, including similar barrels from Remington and aftermarket manufacturers. Ultimately, I chose the Mossberg barrel due to its direct compatibility with my Mossberg 500 and the perceived reliability of the Mossberg brand.
I was cautiously optimistic. I had hoped for a flawless finish, but more importantly, I wanted dependable performance. The compact length promised improved handling in tight spaces, something I was eager to test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead was at my local indoor shooting range. I primarily tested it with standard 2 3/4″ 00 buckshot and rifled slugs.
The shorter barrel noticeably improved maneuverability in the confined space of the shooting stall. Recoil felt slightly more pronounced than with the longer factory barrel, but still manageable.
The blue front bead sight proved adequate for quick target acquisition at close ranges, although some might prefer an upgraded sight system. After about 50 rounds, I noticed no immediate issues with the barrel’s performance or attachment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead has proven reliable, but not without some concerns. The bluing finish, unfortunately, started showing wear rather quickly.
Despite diligent cleaning and oiling, a few spots developed minor surface rust. The barrel itself, however, remains structurally sound, showing no signs of cracking or deformation.
Compared to my experience with other Mossberg products, this barrel’s finish is disappointing. My original barrel has held up far better over a longer period. Despite the cosmetic flaws, the 91335 barrel functions as intended, providing a shorter, more maneuverable option for my shotgun.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead
Specifications
The Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead is chambered for 12 Gauge shells. Its barrel length measures 18.5 inches, making it significantly shorter than standard field barrels.
The barrel features a matte blued finish and a fixed cylinder bore choke. It also includes a single front bead sight.
These specifications are critical for its intended purpose. The shorter length enhances maneuverability in tight spaces. The cylinder bore provides a wide shot pattern at close range, ideal for home defense scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead performs admirably as a close-quarters defense barrel. Its shorter length makes it much easier to swing and aim quickly in confined spaces.
The cylinder bore spreads the shot pattern rapidly, increasing the likelihood of hitting a target at close range. The blue front bead sight is sufficient for quick aiming, but upgrading to a fiber optic or ghost ring sight would improve accuracy further.
The barrel’s primary weakness lies in its finish quality, which is prone to wear and rust. Overall, it meets expectations as a functional, if not aesthetically perfect, upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead is straightforward and functional. The matte blued finish gives it a tactical appearance.
The barrel is relatively lightweight, adding minimal weight to the shotgun. Its short length drastically improves the shotgun’s balance and handling.
There is no learning curve involved; it is a simple barrel swap. The blue front bead is basic but effective.
Durability & Maintenance
The barrel itself is robust and should last for many years with proper care. However, the blued finish requires diligent maintenance to prevent rust.
Regular cleaning and oiling are essential, especially in humid environments. The barrel is easy to clean with standard shotgun cleaning tools.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead does not come with any additional accessories beyond the standard blue front bead. However, it’s highly customizable.
Users can easily add aftermarket sights, such as fiber optic beads or ghost ring sights, to improve accuracy. It’s also compatible with various shotgun accessories, including magazine extensions and tactical forends.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead
Pros
- Significantly improves maneuverability in tight spaces, making it ideal for home defense.
- Cylinder bore choke provides a wide shot pattern at close range.
- Easy to install as a drop-in replacement barrel.
- Relatively lightweight, adding minimal weight to the shotgun.
- Compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, allowing for customization.
Cons
- Matte blued finish is prone to wear and rust, requiring diligent maintenance.
- Blue front bead sight is basic and may not be ideal for all users.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead?
This barrel is perfect for shotgun owners seeking a more compact and maneuverable option for home defense. It’s also suitable for law enforcement or security personnel who require a shorter shotgun for tactical applications.
Those who prioritize a pristine finish and are unwilling to perform regular maintenance should skip this product. Similarly, competitive shooters requiring a more precise choke and sighting system might find it lacking.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality gun oil for rust prevention and an upgraded sighting system, such as a fiber optic bead or ghost ring sight.
Conclusion on Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead
The Mossberg 91335 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 18.5″ Blue Front Bead offers a functional and effective upgrade for Mossberg 500 and compatible shotgun owners. While the finish quality leaves something to be desired, its improved maneuverability and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for home defense.
The price is generally justified, considering the added versatility it brings to your shotgun. However, be prepared to invest in regular maintenance to prevent rust.
I would recommend this barrel to anyone looking for a shorter, more manageable shotgun for close-quarters situations, provided they are aware of the potential finish issues. Upgrade your home defense setup and enhance your shotgun’s versatility today!