Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT Review

First Thoughts on the Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT

The Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT barrel. It’s an intriguing piece of kit promising to extend the utility of the venerable Remington 870 shotgun. It offers slug accuracy with rifle sights at an accessible price point. I have been using and modifying shotguns for over a decade, so I was eager to see if this barrel lived up to its claims, blending hunting capability with the robust 870 platform.

My standard Remington 870 was primarily a home defense tool. However, I wanted to convert it into a deer hunting capable firearm. The Mossberg barrel offered a relatively inexpensive route to achieve that goal, rather than buying a dedicated slug gun.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the matte blue finish; it seemed a near-perfect match for my existing Remington receiver. The adjustable rifle sights appeared robust and well-made. It felt solid in my hands. I noticed that there were no visible machining marks.

I considered a few other options, including a fully rifled barrel from Remington itself. However, the price difference was significant, and the reports of the Mossberg barrel’s accuracy were promising. I also briefly looked at some aftermarket brands, but the Mossberg name carries a certain level of trust, and the price was very competitive at $149.49.

I was cautiously optimistic. I had read mixed reviews about aftermarket barrels, but the promise of a budget-friendly slug solution for my 870 was too tempting to resist. If it lived up to the hype, I’d be very happy; if not, I’d chalk it up to experience.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at my local shooting range. I wanted to gauge its accuracy at 50 and 100 yards. The weather was clear and relatively mild, providing ideal shooting conditions.

Mounting the barrel was simple. It required no specialized tools and fit snugly onto my Remington 870 receiver. Initial shots at 50 yards were encouraging, with groupings of around 4 inches. I then moved to 100 yards. The groupings opened up to about 6-8 inches, which I felt was acceptable for a smooth bore slug barrel with rifle sights. I used Brenneke Black Magic slugs for my initial testing.

I didn’t experience any immediate issues; the action cycled smoothly. There were no jams or failures to extract. The adjustable sights were easy to dial in.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Mossberg barrel has held up surprisingly well. It has seen approximately 150 rounds of various slug loads and some 00 buckshot. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.

The matte blue finish shows some minor scratches from handling, but nothing beyond what I would consider normal. Cleaning is relatively straightforward. Regular scrubbing with a bore brush and solvent keeps the bore clean. The exterior wipes down easily with a lightly oiled cloth.

Compared to my previous experiences with smooth bore barrels, the Mossberg barrel performs admirably. It does not provide the same pinpoint accuracy of a fully rifled slug barrel, but it’s a significant improvement over using the factory bead sight. Its reliability and ease of use have made it a valuable addition to my shotgun.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT

Specifications

The Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT barrel is designed as an accessory barrel for Remington 870 shotguns. It features a 24-inch length and is chambered in 12 gauge. The “CB” designation indicates a Cylinder Bore, meaning it has no choke constriction.

This smooth bore configuration is ideal for shooting slugs where a tighter pattern is not required. The adjustable rifle sights offer precise aiming capabilities, making it suitable for deer hunting and other applications requiring accuracy. The matte blue finish provides corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT barrel excels in its intended role as a slug-shooting accessory. It provides a noticeable improvement in accuracy over a standard barrel with a bead sight. This improvement is largely thanks to the adjustable rifle sights. The cylinder bore ensures that slugs pass through the barrel without any constriction, maximizing velocity and minimizing deformation.

The barrel’s main strength is its ability to convert a standard 870 into a capable deer hunting tool at a reasonable price. The primary weakness is that, being a cylinder bore, it is not ideal for tight buckshot patterns or birdshot at longer ranges. Overall, it meets expectations and provides a worthwhile upgrade for 870 owners seeking slug accuracy.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT boasts a simple and functional design. The matte blue finish is aesthetically pleasing and provides good corrosion resistance. Its weight is comparable to the original barrel, so there’s no noticeable change in the shotgun’s balance.

The adjustable rifle sights are well-designed and easy to adjust. The build quality is solid; the barrel feels robust and durable. Mounting is simple. No specialized tools are needed.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT should last for many years with proper care. The steel construction ensures longevity, and the matte blue finish provides a decent level of corrosion resistance. Maintenance is straightforward. Cleaning the bore and wiping down the exterior with oil after each use is generally sufficient.

Replacement parts, if ever needed, should be readily available given the Mossberg 870’s popularity. With diligent care, this barrel should prove to be a reliable addition to any 870 shotgun.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT barrel comes with adjustable rifle sights pre-installed. Aftermarket options for the sights are available. These include fiber optic sights for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

Since it is a standard Remington 870 barrel, it is compatible with any 870 that supports barrel swaps. There are no other inherent customization options specific to this barrel itself. The cylinder bore nature of this barrel lends itself for use with rifled slugs.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT

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Who Should Buy Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT?

This barrel is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who want to use their existing Remington 870 for deer hunting in areas where slugs are required. It is also well-suited for home defense enthusiasts who want a more accurate option for shooting slugs than a standard barrel with a bead sight. Anyone looking for an easy and affordable upgrade will appreciate this barrel.

Those seeking maximum accuracy with slugs should consider a fully rifled barrel, despite the higher cost. Competitive shooters might also prefer a higher-end barrel. Individuals who primarily use their shotguns for bird hunting or close-range buckshot applications should stick with a choked barrel.

A must-have accessory would be a quality slug load that patterns well with the barrel. A cheek riser might improve the cheek weld for more comfortable use with the rifle sights.

Conclusion on Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT

The Mossberg 870XBL 12g 24″ RS CB MAT barrel is a solid choice for Remington 870 owners looking to extend the versatility of their shotguns. It offers a significant upgrade in accuracy for slug shooting without breaking the bank. The matte blue finish, easy installation, and reliable performance make it a worthwhile addition to any 870.

At a price point of $149.49, the value is undeniable. The ability to transform a home defense shotgun into a capable deer hunting firearm makes it a smart investment.

I would personally recommend this barrel to anyone seeking an affordable and effective solution for slug shooting with their Remington 870. Don’t hesitate to add this Mossberg barrel to your arsenal. It’s a game-changer for expanding your shotgun’s capabilities.

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