Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle Review

Let’s Talk About Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

The Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is a dedicated slug barrel designed to enhance the versatility of the already ubiquitous Mossberg 500 shotgun platform. With its fully rifled bore and adjustable rifle sights, this barrel transforms your shotgun into a capable and accurate slug gun, ideal for deer hunting or other applications where precision is paramount. This review aims to provide an in-depth look at this barrel, based on my decade-plus of experience with firearms and tactical equipment.

I was seeking a way to improve the accuracy of my Mossberg 500 for deer hunting in areas where rifles are prohibited. The limitations of smoothbore barrels with bead sights became increasingly frustrating; I wanted a reliable way to consistently place accurate shots at longer ranges. The promise of rifle-like accuracy from a shotgun platform was the main appeal.

Upon unboxing the Mossberg 90059, I immediately noticed the solid construction and the deep, blued finish. The weight felt substantial, suggesting a robust build capable of withstanding repeated use. The adjustable rifle sights appeared well-made and provided a clear sight picture.

Compared to other slug barrels on the market, such as those from Remington or aftermarket manufacturers like Hastings, the Mossberg barrel stood out due to its integrated adjustable sights and factory-direct compatibility. While some aftermarket options offered similar features, the Mossberg barrel promised a seamless fit and reliable performance at a reasonable price point. I chose this barrel over a fully new slug gun or other conversion kits because it maximized the utility of my existing Mossberg 500.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed excellent, and the features were promising. However, real-world performance would be the ultimate test.


Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, focusing on accuracy at 50 and 100 yards. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal conditions for sighting in the barrel. I used a variety of 20-gauge sabot slugs from different manufacturers to evaluate performance.

The barrel performed admirably, allowing me to achieve significantly tighter groupings compared to my previous smoothbore setup. At 50 yards, I was consistently hitting within a 3-inch circle. The adjustable sights were easy to use and allowed for precise zeroing.

The only initial issue was the increased recoil compared to birdshot loads. This was expected, but required some adjustment in shooting technique. There were no surprises in terms of functionality.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunting trip, the Mossberg 90059 barrel has proven to be both durable and reliable. There are no signs of significant wear or tear despite consistent use. The blued finish has held up well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion.

Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving cleaning the bore after each use with standard shotgun cleaning equipment. I have also applied a light coat of oil to the exterior to protect the finish. The Mossberg barrel has exceeded my expectations in terms of both accuracy and reliability compared to prior use with simple bead-sighted barrels.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

Specifications

  • The Mossberg 90059 is a 20-gauge slug barrel designed for use with Mossberg 500 shotguns. Its 24-inch length strikes a balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
  • It features a fully rifled bore for enhanced accuracy with sabot slugs. The rifling imparts a spin to the projectile, stabilizing it in flight and improving precision.
  • The barrel comes equipped with adjustable rifle sights, allowing for precise zeroing at various distances. These sights offer a much more refined aiming system compared to traditional bead sights.
  • The finish is a matte blued, providing corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface. This finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, protecting the steel from the elements.
  • It’s classified as a “Slug” type barrel. This confirms it’s designed specifically for heavier projectiles and not birdshot or buckshot.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the barrel’s accuracy, range, and overall effectiveness as a hunting or target shooting tool. The rifled bore and adjustable sights are the primary factors contributing to its improved accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel significantly enhances the accuracy and effective range of the Mossberg 500 shotgun. It transforms the shotgun from a close-range weapon into a capable medium-range slug gun. The barrel functions perfectly as a drop-in replacement for the factory barrel.

Its strengths include its excellent accuracy with sabot slugs, its ease of installation, and its robust construction. The primary weakness is the increased recoil compared to lighter shotgun loads, which may be a concern for some shooters. Overall, the barrel exceeds expectations, delivering consistent and reliable performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Mossberg 90059 is excellent, with a solid steel construction and a durable blued finish. The weight is noticeable but manageable, contributing to improved stability when aiming. The barrel integrates seamlessly with the Mossberg 500 receiver, maintaining the shotgun’s overall balance.

The design is user-friendly, with the adjustable sights being intuitive to use. There is minimal learning curve for experienced shooters familiar with rifle sights.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mossberg 90059 barrel is built to last, with a robust steel construction and a protective blued finish. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple, primarily involving cleaning the bore after each use.

Repair should be minimal. Replacement of worn parts such as the sights would be relatively simple.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg 90059 barrel itself does not come with additional accessories beyond the adjustable sights. However, it is compatible with any Mossberg 500 shotgun accessories, such as slings, shell holders, and aftermarket recoil pads. The integrated adjustable sights cannot be readily replaced, but aftermarket sight options can be added via gunsmithing.

Compatibility with other brands is limited to accessories that fit the Mossberg 500 platform. Optics can be mounted using aftermarket saddle mounts designed for the Mossberg 500 receiver.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

Pros

  • Dramatically improved accuracy compared to smoothbore barrels.
  • Easy to install as a drop-in replacement.
  • Adjustable rifle sights allow for precise zeroing.
  • Durable construction and a corrosion-resistant blued finish.
  • Reasonably priced for the performance gains it offers.

Cons

  • Increased recoil compared to lighter shotgun loads.
  • Blued finish can be scratched if not handled carefully.


Who Should Buy Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle?

The Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is perfect for hunters seeking to improve the accuracy of their Mossberg 500 for deer or other game in areas where rifles are restricted. It is also suitable for target shooters looking for a more challenging and rewarding shotgun experience. The Mossberg 90059 is a great option for tactical shooters wanting to use slugs for breaching or specialized scenarios.

Those who are recoil-sensitive or primarily use their shotgun for bird hunting may want to skip this product. Shooters expecting rifle-like accuracy at extreme ranges may be disappointed, as the 20-gauge slug is still limited in its ballistic capabilities.

A must-have accessory would be a quality recoil pad to mitigate the increased recoil. A cheek riser may also improve the sight picture for some shooters.

Conclusion on Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

The Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is a worthwhile investment for Mossberg 500 owners looking to enhance the versatility and accuracy of their shotgun. The price is justified by the significant improvement in performance it delivers. The Mossberg 90059 is an excellent value, costing less than a new slug gun and maximizing the use of an existing shotgun platform.

I would personally recommend this barrel to anyone seeking a reliable and accurate slug gun conversion for their Mossberg 500. It is a well-made, easy-to-install, and effective upgrade that will significantly improve your shooting experience. Upgrade your Mossberg 500 today and experience the enhanced accuracy and versatility of the Mossberg 90059 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel!

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