Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel Review

Let’s Dive into Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel

The Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel promises a simple, no-gunsmithing solution to adding a sling to two popular and capable shotguns. This kit replaces the magazine cap and includes a buttstock swivel, offering a quick way to equip your shotgun for field carry. Let’s see if this affordable upgrade lives up to its claims.

I needed a way to comfortably carry my Mossberg 590 while navigating dense brush during upland bird hunts. After tiring of holding the shotgun for hours, I began searching for a sling solution that wouldn’t require permanent modifications to the firearm. The Uncle Mike’s option seemed like a perfect fit.

Upon unboxing, the components felt solid, particularly the steel magazine cap replacement. The included Super Swivels felt robust and ready for hard use; however, the wood screw buttstock swivel base appeared somewhat basic, raising slight concerns about its longevity. The packaging was simple but adequate.

I considered other sling attachment methods, including clamp-on options and more elaborate aftermarket kits. I chose the Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel because of its simplicity, ease of installation, and the Uncle Mike’s reputation for producing reliable, no-nonsense accessories. The price was also very attractive.

My initial excitement was tempered by the single user review mentioning fitment issues with the Mossberg 590A. I hoped this was an isolated incident, but the potential incompatibility was a nagging concern I couldn’t ignore as I began the install process. It remained a question mark until I actually tried the parts on my specific shotgun.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range and then on a week-long grouse hunting trip in the Allegheny National Forest. I wanted to assess its reliability under moderate recoil and while navigating challenging terrain. The range offered a controlled environment, while the hunt tested its real-world practicality.

The kit performed adequately in dry conditions at the range; however, the plastic swivel base on the buttstock felt a little flimsy during rapid firing drills. During the hunting trip, a particularly wet day exposed a minor issue with the swivel rusting, it required immediate lubrication. Overall, the attachment points held up, but I had lingering reservations about the buttstock swivel’s durability.

Installation of the magazine cap was straightforward, but I did encounter significant resistance getting the original cap off my Mossberg 590. The buttstock swivel required drilling a pilot hole, which was easily accomplished, though it was a permanent change to the stock. Overall, the installation was easy enough for most users with basic tools.

The biggest surprise was the user review was correct: the Uncle Mike’s magazine cap was not a direct replacement for my Mossberg 590A1’s factory magazine cap! It was slightly too short, leaving a gap between the cap and the forend; this unfortunately rendered that part of the kit useless for my particular shotgun.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, primarily during hunting trips, the buttstock swivel is holding up better than initially expected. There are no signs of cracks or breaks, but the finish is starting to show wear. The Super Swivels themselves are still performing flawlessly.

The finish on the buttstock swivel is susceptible to scratching and corrosion, especially in damp environments. The magazine cap component, unfortunately, remains unused due to the fitment issues with my 590A1; I was only able to use the rear swivel. Cleaning is straightforward; I simply wipe down the swivels with a lightly oiled cloth after each use.

Compared to previous experiences with higher-end sling systems, the Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel feels less refined, especially in regards to material quality and finish. I would rate it as adequate for light to medium use, but those seeking ultimate durability might want to explore more robust options. It provides a basic sling solution, but it’s not a premium experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel

Specifications

• The kit includes a replacement magazine cap with swivel base, designed for Mossberg 590 and 835 12 gauge shotguns. It’s essential to confirm compatibility with your specific model, as variations exist.
• A 0.75-inch wood screw buttstock swivel base is included for the rear attachment point. This provides a basic solution for attaching the sling to the stock.
• Two 1-inch Super Swivels are included, allowing for sling attachment. These are designed for reliable and smooth rotation.
• The magazine cap and swivels are constructed of steel for durability. This provides reasonable resistance to wear and tear.
• The buttstock swivel base appears to be made of plastic. This is somewhat concerning from a durability standpoint.

These specifications matter because they determine the overall functionality and longevity of the sling attachment system. The steel components should provide adequate strength, while the plastic buttstock swivel raises concerns about its long-term reliability. The 1-inch swivels provide compatibility with a wide variety of slings.

Performance & Functionality

The Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel performs its core function of providing sling attachment points adequately. It does, however, fall short on fit and finish compared to more expensive alternatives.

The main strength lies in its simplicity and ease of installation, at least for compatible models. The primary weakness is the potential for fitment issues with certain Mossberg 590 variants and the questionable durability of the plastic buttstock swivel.

For my specific situation (590A1 incompatibility), it did not meet my expectations for a direct replacement part. Had it fit correctly, it would have provided a satisfactory, though basic, sling solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is straightforward and functional. The Super Swivels rotate smoothly, preventing sling twisting.

The steel magazine cap feels solid in hand, but the plastic buttstock swivel feels less confidence-inspiring. The kit’s lightweight design does not noticeably affect the shotgun’s balance.

There’s minimal learning curve. Installation is intuitive for anyone familiar with basic firearm maintenance.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel components should last for years with proper care. The plastic buttstock swivel is the weak link and may require replacement sooner.

Maintenance is simple. Cleaning and lubricating the swivels as needed is all that’s required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit includes everything needed for basic sling attachment. There are no additional accessories included.

The 1-inch swivels are compatible with most slings on the market. Users can customize their sling setup with various sling types and lengths.

Pros and Cons of Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel

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Who Should Buy Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel?

This kit is perfect for Mossberg 835 owners and some Mossberg 590 owners (excluding 590A1) seeking an affordable and easy-to-install sling solution. It’s suitable for recreational shooters, hunters, and those wanting a simple way to carry their shotgun in the field.

Those with Mossberg 590A1 models or those demanding maximum durability should skip this product. Consider higher-end sling attachment systems with all-metal components.

A sling is a must-have accessory, but consider upgrading the buttstock swivel with a metal version for increased durability.

Conclusion on Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel

The Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel offers a budget-friendly way to add a sling to your shotgun, but with caveats. The potential fitment issues with certain Mossberg 590 models are a significant drawback, as is the questionable durability of the plastic buttstock swivel.

The price is justified for what you get – a basic sling solution. However, be aware of its limitations and potential compatibility problems.

I would recommend it with reservations. Ensure it fits your specific shotgun model before purchasing, and be prepared to potentially replace the buttstock swivel with a more durable option down the road. If you’re ok with that limitation, it is a solid value for the money.