First Impressions of Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail
The Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail promises a seamless integration of micro red dot optics onto your trusted Mossberg shotgun. As someone who has spent years customizing and optimizing tactical and hunting firearms, the appeal of a lightweight, low-profile mounting solution is undeniable. The ability to quickly acquire targets using a red dot sight on a shotgun, especially in dynamic scenarios, can significantly improve performance, whether it’s for hunting turkey in dense woods or participating in tactical shotgun competitions.
I was looking for a reliable and unobtrusive way to mount a micro red dot on my Mossberg 500 for a turkey hunting trip. My aging eyes needed a little help acquiring that early morning gobbler, and a red dot seemed like the perfect solution. I had previously used a bulky saddle mount, but it added unnecessary weight and felt cumbersome.
Upon unboxing the Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail, I was immediately impressed by its compact size and apparent build quality. The 7000 series aluminum alloy felt solid and the matte black finish gave it a professional look. Compared to some of the cheaper steel options I’ve seen, this rail promised to be both lighter and more resistant to corrosion.
I considered other options like the Weaver shotgun rail and some generic Chinese-made Picatinny rails, but the Talley stood out due to its reputation for precision and the promise of a perfect fit for my Mossberg. I ultimately chose the Talley because I wanted a product made in the USA with a proven track record. My initial excitement was high, hoping this rail would deliver on its promise of lightweight, reliable performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail at my local shooting range and during a three-day turkey hunting trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather conditions varied from sunny and dry to drizzly and cold, providing a decent range of environments to assess its performance. Mounting the rail was straightforward, using the existing rear-most mounting holes on my Mossberg 500 receiver.
The rail provided a secure and stable platform for my Holosun HS407K micro dot sight. The low-profile design allowed for a comfortable cheek weld, and target acquisition was noticeably faster than with the traditional iron sights. After about 50 rounds of various shotgun loads (from light target loads to heavy turkey loads), the rail remained firmly in place. There were no signs of loosening or shifting, even under the recoil of the heavier shells.
No issues arose during the first use, and the rail performed exactly as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail has proven to be a reliable addition to my Mossberg 500. The hard-coat anodized finish has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of scratches or wear despite being exposed to brush and the elements. I have used it in temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit with no noticeable change in performance.
Cleaning is simple. I just wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use to prevent any corrosion. It has definitely outperformed the cheaper, imported rails I’ve used in the past, which tended to loosen over time and were more susceptible to rust.
Based on my experiences, the Talley rail has been a significant upgrade and a worthwhile investment in improving the functionality of my shotgun.
Breaking Down the Features of Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail
Specifications
The Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail is crafted from lightweight 7000 series aluminum alloy, ensuring both strength and minimal added weight. It is finished with a hard-coat anodizing to 65 Rockwell, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability. The rail is designed specifically for Mossberg shotguns, utilizing the two most rearward mounting holes on the receiver.
- Length: 1.963 inches. The compact length keeps the overall profile of the shotgun streamlined.
- Height: 0.325 inches. This height keeps the optic low, improving cheek weld and target acquisition.
- Weight: 0.6 ounces. The minimal weight ensures that the shotgun remains easy to handle.
- Attachment Type: Picatinny. This allows for the use of a wide variety of micro red dot sights.
- Country of Origin: USA. This provides confidence in the quality of the product.
These specifications translate to a lightweight, durable, and low-profile mounting solution that enhances the usability of the shotgun without adding unnecessary bulk or weight.
Performance & Functionality
The Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail excels in providing a stable and secure platform for mounting micro red dot sights on Mossberg shotguns. Its precise fit ensures that the optic remains zeroed even after repeated use and exposure to recoil. The minimized size and weight contribute to improved handling and maneuverability.
The rail’s only real limitation is that it’s designed exclusively for micro red dot sights, precluding the mounting of larger optics. Overall, the Talley rail meets and exceeds expectations by offering a robust and unobtrusive mounting solution for enhancing the target acquisition capabilities of a shotgun.
Design & Ergonomics
The Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail boasts a simple yet effective design. The 7000 series aluminum alloy construction provides a balance of strength and lightweight properties, while the matte black finish gives it a sleek and professional appearance. The rail’s low-profile design ensures that it doesn’t interfere with the shooter’s cheek weld or overall handling of the shotgun.
The installation process is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and minimal effort.
Durability & Maintenance
The hard-coat anodized finish on the Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail provides excellent resistance to scratches, corrosion, and wear. The robust construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of regular use in various environments. Maintenance is minimal, typically requiring only a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use.
Given its durable construction and corrosion-resistant finish, this rail should last for years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail is primarily designed for mounting micro red dot sights that adhere to the MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail specifications. Popular compatible optics include the Holosun HS407K, Trijicon RMRcc, and Shield RMS series.
While the rail itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, the ability to easily mount a wide range of micro red dot sights provides significant flexibility in customizing the shotgun’s sighting system.
Pros and Cons of Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail
Pros
- Lightweight 7000 series Aluminum Alloy construction. Doesn’t add unnecessary weight to the shotgun.
- Hard-coat anodizing to 65 Rockwell. Provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
- Designed specifically for Mossberg shotguns. Ensures a perfect fit and reliable performance.
- Low-profile design. Maintains a comfortable cheek weld and doesn’t interfere with handling.
- Easy installation. Requires only basic tools and minimal effort.
Cons
- Designed exclusively for micro red dot sights. Limits the types of optics that can be mounted.
- Uses only the two most rearward mounting holes. Might not be as secure as a longer rail that utilizes more mounting points.
Who Should Buy Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail?
The Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail is perfect for hunters seeking to improve target acquisition speed and accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions. It’s also well-suited for tactical shooters who prioritize a lightweight and reliable optic mounting solution for their Mossberg shotguns. Anyone looking to modernize their Mossberg shotgun with a micro red dot sight will find this rail a valuable upgrade.
Those who should skip this product are individuals intending to mount larger optics or those who prefer using traditional iron sights.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality micro red dot sight that is compatible with the Picatinny rail.
Conclusion on Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail
The Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail is a well-engineered and thoughtfully designed accessory that significantly enhances the usability of Mossberg shotguns. Its lightweight construction, durable finish, and precise fit make it a standout product in its category. The price of $47.79 is justified by the quality of materials and the performance it delivers.
I would personally recommend the Talley Mossberg Shotgun Micro Dot Picatinny Rail to anyone looking to upgrade their Mossberg shotgun with a micro red dot sight. If you’re seeking a reliable, lightweight, and low-profile mounting solution, look no further. Equip your Mossberg with the Talley rail and experience the improved accuracy and target acquisition speed that a micro red dot sight can offer.