Let’s Talk About Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is a dedicated slug barrel designed to enhance the versatility of the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun. Featuring a 24-inch length, fully rifled bore, adjustable rifle sights, and a matte blued finish, this barrel promises improved accuracy and consistent performance when using slug ammunition. It aims to transform your 835 from a general-purpose shotgun into a specialized slug-shooting platform for deer hunting or other applications requiring precision at longer ranges.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a truly accurate slug setup for my Mossberg 835. The standard smoothbore barrels just didn’t cut it when trying to achieve tight groupings beyond 50 yards. I was looking for a barrel that would provide the necessary stability and sighting system to make ethical and effective shots on deer at extended distances.
Upon unboxing the Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel, I was immediately impressed with the solid feel and quality of the blued finish. The adjustable rifle sights seemed robust and well-placed, suggesting a thoughtful design focused on accuracy. The weight felt substantial, hinting at a durable build capable of handling the pressures of 12 gauge slugs.
I considered other options like cantilever scope mount barrels, but I wanted to keep the shotgun as streamlined and lightweight as possible. I also looked at similar rifled slug barrels from Remington and Savage, but the Mossberg barrel seemed to offer a better balance of features and affordability. The integral adjustable sights were a significant factor in my decision.
My first impression was definitely excitement. The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel seemed like the perfect solution to my slug accuracy problem, promising to unlock the full potential of my Mossberg 835 for deer hunting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel at my local shooting range, setting up targets at 50, 75, and 100 yards. The weather was slightly overcast with a light drizzle, which could have impacted visibility through the iron sights. Initial shots were encouraging, with noticeable improvement in accuracy compared to my smoothbore barrel.
The barrel performed consistently well despite the damp conditions, maintaining a tight grouping at 50 yards after making sight adjustments. Getting used to the sight picture took a bit of time, especially aligning the front and rear sights in the low light. The recoil was substantial, as expected with 12 gauge slugs, but manageable thanks to the weight of the barrel and my Mossberg 835 receiver.
One initial issue I noticed was the tendency for the rear sight to slightly loosen after several shots, requiring occasional re-tightening. This was a minor annoyance, but something I’ll need to keep an eye on.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular range sessions and a deer hunting trip, the Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel has proven to be a reliable and accurate performer. The blued finish has held up well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to varying weather conditions. The rifling continues to provide consistent stability, resulting in tight groupings at reasonable distances.
Durability-wise, the barrel seems built to last, showing only minor wear marks on the exterior finish. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, requiring standard shotgun cleaning solvents and a bore brush to remove lead and powder residue. Compared to my previous experiences with smoothbore slug barrels, the Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel significantly outperforms them in terms of accuracy and range.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Specifications
The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel boasts several key specifications. It is chambered for 12 gauge ammunition, specifically designed for 2 3/4″ and 3″ slugs. The barrel length is 24 inches, which provides a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
The bore type is fully rifled, crucial for imparting spin on slugs for improved accuracy. The barrel features adjustable rifle sights, allowing for precise zeroing and adjustments based on the slug type and distance. The finish is a matte blued, which offers corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface for hunting situations. It’s specifically designed for the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun.
These specifications are essential for a dedicated slug barrel. The rifled bore ensures optimal slug stabilization. Adjustable sights enable precise zeroing for different slug loads, while the blued finish protects against the elements. The 24″ length strikes a balance between handling and maximizing slug velocity.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel performs its job admirably. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to smoothbore barrels, with consistent groupings achievable at 100 yards with proper ammunition selection and sight adjustment. Reliability has been excellent, with no issues related to feeding or extraction.
The primary strength of this barrel is its enhanced accuracy with slug ammunition, allowing for ethical shots at longer ranges. A minor weakness is the initial sight adjustment process, which can be time-consuming. The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel meets expectations by transforming the Mossberg 835 into a viable slug-shooting platform.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is solid, with durable materials and a well-executed blued finish. The weight is substantial, which helps to mitigate recoil but can make the shotgun slightly more cumbersome to carry for extended periods. The barrel integrates seamlessly with the Mossberg 835 receiver, maintaining a balanced feel.
The adjustable rifle sights are user-friendly, offering clear and precise adjustments for windage and elevation. There’s a slight learning curve involved in mastering the sight picture, but it’s manageable with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel appears to be highly durable and built to last for many years with proper care. The blued finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, protecting the barrel from rust and pitting. Regular cleaning is essential to remove lead and powder fouling from the rifling, ensuring continued accuracy and performance.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only standard shotgun cleaning tools and solvents. Periodic lubrication of the exterior surface will help to maintain the blued finish and prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel does not come with any additional accessories beyond the integrated adjustable rifle sights. Customization options are limited, but it is possible to replace the factory sights with aftermarket alternatives if desired.
The barrel is compatible with any Mossberg 835 receiver and can be used with a variety of aftermarket stocks and shell holders. Some shooters may choose to add a cheek riser to improve eye alignment with the sights. While designed for iron sights, some users may explore mounting a red dot optic with an adapter, but this would require careful consideration of mounting height and potential interference with the receiver.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Pros
- Dramatically improves accuracy with slug ammunition compared to smoothbore barrels.
- Adjustable rifle sights allow for precise zeroing and adjustments for different slug loads.
- Solid build quality and durable blued finish provide excellent corrosion resistance.
- Relatively easy to install and maintain with standard shotgun cleaning tools.
- Provides a cost-effective way to transform a Mossberg 835 into a dedicated slug gun.
Cons
- Rear sight may require occasional tightening to prevent loosening during shooting.
- Sight adjustment process can be time-consuming, especially when switching between different slug types.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle?
The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle is perfect for deer hunters who hunt in areas where shotguns are required or preferred and need to make accurate shots at longer ranges. It’s also ideal for those who already own a Mossberg 835 and want to expand its versatility without purchasing a dedicated slug gun. The enhanced accuracy will particularly benefit hunters who need to consistently place shots in vital areas for ethical and effective kills.
This product isn’t ideal for shooters who primarily use their Mossberg 835 for bird hunting or home defense, as the rifled barrel is not suitable for shot shells. Hunters who prefer using scopes over iron sights might also find a cantilever barrel a better option.
A must-have accessory is a selection of different slug ammunition types to test and determine which load provides the best accuracy in your particular shotgun. A bore brush and high-quality shotgun cleaning solvent are also essential for maintaining the rifling and ensuring continued performance.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is a well-designed and effective upgrade for the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun. It significantly enhances accuracy with slug ammunition, making it a valuable tool for deer hunters and other shooters who require precision at longer ranges. While there are a couple of minor drawbacks, such as the potential for the rear sight to loosen, the overall performance and value proposition are excellent.
The price of $286.49 is justified considering the improved accuracy and versatility it brings to the Mossberg 835. I would personally recommend this barrel to anyone looking to transform their Mossberg 835 into a reliable and accurate slug gun.
If you’re serious about taking your Mossberg 835’s slug performance to the next level, the Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is a worthy investment. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!