Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG Review

First Thoughts on the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG barrel offers Mossberg 500 shotgun owners a dedicated slug-shooting platform. It’s a simple, blued steel barrel designed to enhance the versatility of the already ubiquitous Mossberg 500 platform. This is not your fancy, high-end optic ready tactical shotgun, but a simple, reliable, and very functional tool.

My need for the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG arose from a desire to have a more capable deer hunting setup without buying a completely new firearm. I already owned a Mossberg 500 chambered in 20 gauge, primarily used for upland bird hunting. I wanted to extend its usefulness for deer season, particularly in areas with restrictions on rifle cartridges.

Upon unboxing, the barrel felt solid and well-made, despite its relatively simple design. The blued finish appeared even and consistent, and the adjustable rifle sights seemed robust enough for the task. The weight felt balanced when attached to my Mossberg 500 receiver, indicating a good fit.

Compared to a fully rifled slug barrel or a dedicated slug gun, the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG offered a more economical solution. I considered a rifled choke tube, but I felt the dedicated barrel would likely provide better accuracy and more importantly, durability over time. Ultimately, the price point of around $150 sealed the deal.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see how it performed at the range, hoping it would provide acceptable accuracy for deer hunting within a 100-yard range.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at my local shooting range, under relatively calm and dry conditions. I primarily used 2 ¾-inch sabot slugs from a reputable manufacturer. I wanted to see if the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG lived up to the hype.

The first few shots were promising. The recoil was manageable, typical of a 20-gauge slug, and the adjustable rifle sights allowed for quick zeroing at 50 yards. The cylinder bore delivered surprisingly consistent patterns, creating approximately 4-inch groupings at that distance. There were no immediate issues with loading, ejection, or barrel attachment.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG continues to perform reliably. I’ve put approximately 100 rounds through it without any malfunctions. The blued finish has held up well, showing only minor signs of wear around the muzzle and receiver contact points.

Maintaining the barrel is relatively simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each shooting session keeps it in good condition. I’ve also noticed the adjustable rifle sights remained secure and accurate, even after repeated firing.

Compared to my previous experiences with shotguns and rifled choke tubes, the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG has proven to be a more accurate and dependable solution for slug shooting. It provides a consistent and predictable performance, instilling confidence in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG

Specifications

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG barrel boasts specific characteristics crucial for its intended use. It is chambered in 20 gauge, providing a balance of power and manageable recoil. The 24-inch barrel length offers a good compromise between maneuverability and ballistic performance.

The cylinder bore means there is no constriction at the muzzle, best suited for maximizing accuracy with sabot slugs. The inclusion of adjustable rifle sights is paramount for precise aiming, especially at longer ranges. The barrel features a blued finish, offering a degree of corrosion resistance.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG barrel excels in its primary role: accurately delivering slugs. At 50-75 yards, I consistently achieved groupings within a 4-6 inch radius, more than adequate for ethical deer hunting. The adjustable sights allowed for fine-tuning of the point of impact to match specific ammunition.

However, the cylinder bore limits its versatility. It is not designed for use with buckshot or birdshot, restricting it to slug applications only. While the blued finish is adequate, a more durable coating would be welcome for extended use in harsh conditions.

The barrel meets expectations for accuracy and reliability within its intended purpose, offering a significant improvement over using a standard smoothbore barrel with slugs.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG barrel is designed for straightforward functionality. The blued steel construction is robust and the weight is manageable, contributing to overall shotgun balance. The adjustable rifle sights are easy to use and provide a clear sight picture.

There is minimal design flair; this is a purely functional accessory. The simple design makes it easy to install and remove.

Durability & Maintenance

The blued steel construction suggests good longevity, assuming proper care. Regular cleaning and oiling will help prevent rust and corrosion.

The simple design means there are few parts that could fail, making it relatively easy to maintain. With proper maintenance, the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG should last for many years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG comes with basic adjustable rifle sights. Aftermarket sight options, such as fiber optic sights, can be installed to improve visibility in low-light conditions.

There are limited customization options beyond sight upgrades. It is compatible with any Mossberg 500 receiver chambered in 20 gauge.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG

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Who Should Buy Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG?

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG is perfect for hunters who already own a Mossberg 500 20 gauge and want a dedicated slug barrel for deer hunting, especially in areas with restrictions on centerfire rifles. It’s also a good option for budget-conscious shooters seeking an accurate and reliable slug setup.

Those primarily interested in home defense or all-purpose shotgun use should skip this product. Its sole focus on slug shooting makes it unsuitable for other applications.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality optic or improved fiber optic sights for enhanced visibility in varying lighting conditions. A quality sling would also be beneficial for carrying in the field.

Conclusion on Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG barrel provides a cost-effective and accurate solution for slug shooting with your Mossberg 500 20 gauge shotgun. It delivers consistent performance, improving accuracy over standard smoothbore barrels.

The price is definitely justified, especially when compared to purchasing a dedicated slug gun. For hunters seeking an affordable and reliable upgrade to their Mossberg 500, I wholeheartedly recommend the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG. It is a testament to functional design and reliable performance! Go ahead, upgrade your Mossberg 500 and extend your hunting season!

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