Let’s Talk About Mossberg 90064 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
The Mossberg 90064 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel offers Mossberg 500 owners the versatility to transform their shotgun into a dedicated slug gun. This 24-inch barrel features a fully rifled bore, adjustable rifle sights, and a matte blued finish. It’s designed for accurate slug shooting, expanding the capabilities of the already adaptable Mossberg 500 platform.
My journey to find this barrel began with a desire to increase the effective range and accuracy of my Mossberg 500 for deer hunting in heavily wooded areas. I needed a solution that would provide tighter groupings at longer distances than a smooth bore barrel could offer. The Mossberg 90064 seemed like the perfect answer.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel and clean finish of the barrel. The bluing was consistent and the adjustable sights appeared robust and well-made. The weight felt balanced, suggesting a good fit with my existing receiver.
I considered other options, including aftermarket rifled barrels from different manufacturers. However, I ultimately chose the Mossberg barrel for its guaranteed compatibility with my Mossberg 500 and the confidence that comes with a Mossberg product. My initial impression was one of excitement – I was eager to see how this barrel would improve my shotgun’s performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90064 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Mossberg 90064 was at my local shooting range. I wanted to establish a baseline for accuracy before taking it into the field. I tested it at 50 and 100 yards using a variety of 20-gauge slugs.
The barrel performed exceptionally well, producing noticeably tighter groupings compared to my smooth bore barrel. The adjustable sights were easy to dial in, allowing for quick and accurate adjustments for windage and elevation. There were no initial issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Mossberg 90064 has proven to be both durable and reliable. I’ve used it in various weather conditions, including rain and snow, with no noticeable impact on performance or finish. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only standard gun cleaning solvents and tools.
The blued finish has held up well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion despite being exposed to moisture. Compared to my previous experiences with smooth bore barrels and sabots, the Mossberg 90064 dramatically improved my accuracy and confidence when taking longer shots on deer. It has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90064 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Specifications
The Mossberg 90064 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel boasts a 24-inch length, providing an optimal balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. Its 20-gauge caliber makes it suitable for a range of slug types and hunting scenarios. The fully rifled bore is crucial for imparting spin to the slug, significantly improving accuracy at longer ranges.
The adjustable rifle sights allow for precise aiming and compensation for bullet drop and windage. The matte blued finish provides corrosion resistance and reduces glare. The cylinder bore helps optimize slug performance in the rifled barrel. These specifications are critical for transforming a standard shotgun into a precision slug-shooting platform.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90064 excels at its primary task: delivering accurate and consistent slug placement at extended ranges. Its accuracy surpasses that of smooth bore barrels when used with slugs. The adjustability of the sights makes it easy to zero in on different ammunition types and distances.
A strength lies in its simple installation; it is a drop-in replacement for the standard barrel. A minor improvement could be a slightly more robust finish to further enhance durability in harsh environments. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Mossberg 90064 is excellent, with a solid and well-machined feel. The weight is balanced, contributing to comfortable handling when attached to the Mossberg 500 receiver. The design integrates seamlessly with the Mossberg 500 platform, maintaining its user-friendly nature.
There is virtually no learning curve. It’s intuitive for anyone familiar with the Mossberg 500 shotgun system.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Mossberg 90064 should last for many years of hunting and range use. The blued finish provides adequate corrosion resistance, and the barrel itself is constructed from durable steel. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent rust and maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 90064 itself does not come with any additional accessories beyond the adjustable sights. However, it is fully compatible with any Mossberg 500 receiver and can be further enhanced with aftermarket accessories like scope mounts or shell holders. The standard Mossberg 500 receiver allows for a wide range of stock and forend options.
Consider adding a quality scope mount for enhanced accuracy at longer distances. A cheek riser on the stock may also improve shooting comfort when using a scope. The compatibility with other aftermarket Mossberg 500 accessories greatly expands the customization potential.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90064 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Pros
- Significantly improved accuracy compared to smooth bore barrels.
- Easy installation – a direct replacement for the standard barrel.
- Adjustable rifle sights allow for precise aiming.
- Durable construction and reliable performance.
- Extends the versatility of the Mossberg 500 shotgun.
Cons
- Blued finish may require extra care to prevent rust in harsh environments.
- Adds weight to the front of the shotgun.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90064 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle?
Perfect for hunters seeking to improve the accuracy of their Mossberg 500 for deer or other game animals in areas where slugs are required. It’s also ideal for those who want to extend the effective range of their shotgun. Anyone who already owns a Mossberg 500 and wants a simple, effective way to increase its versatility will benefit from this barrel.
Those who primarily hunt small game or prefer buckshot should skip this product, as it’s specifically designed for slug shooting. Hunters in open areas who require longer-range capabilities may want to consider a dedicated rifle instead.
A must-have accessory is a quality scope mount for even greater accuracy potential. A comfortable cheek riser to improve sight alignment is recommended.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90064 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
The Mossberg 90064 500 20 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is an excellent addition to any Mossberg 500 shotgun for those looking to enhance their slug-shooting capabilities. It offers a significant improvement in accuracy over smooth bore barrels, making it a worthwhile investment for hunters and target shooters alike. The price is justified by the increased performance and versatility it provides.
I would definitely recommend the Mossberg 90064 to anyone who wants to transform their Mossberg 500 into a reliable and accurate slug gun. If you are looking to upgrade your hunting setup and achieve tighter groupings with slugs, this is the barrel for you. Upgrade your Mossberg 500 today and experience the difference!