Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun Review

Let’s Dive into Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun

The Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun offers a simple and affordable way to add optics to one of America’s most popular shotguns. Manufactured by Sniper, this mount promises to turn your trusty Mossberg into a more versatile platform for hunting, tactical applications, or even just improved target shooting. My initial interest stemmed from a need to modernize my older Mossberg 500, which I primarily use for home defense and occasional turkey hunting.

For years, I relied on the standard bead sight, but I’ve recently found myself wanting the option to mount a red dot for faster target acquisition in low-light situations. Unboxing revealed a surprisingly lightweight piece of matte black aluminum, along with the included Allen wrench for installation. The minimalist design and no-frills packaging reflect the budget-friendly price point.

While there are other Mossberg 500 rail mounts on the market, such as those from EGW or Magpul, I opted for the Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun due to its low cost and seemingly straightforward installation. Many other options are either significantly more expensive or require gunsmithing. My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism and slight skepticism – could something this inexpensive actually deliver on its promise of a stable optics platform?


Real-World Testing: Putting Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun at my local shooting range. The weather was dry and mild, perfect conditions for sighting in a new optic. Installation was surprisingly simple, requiring only the included Allen wrench and a few minutes of my time. After mounting a budget red dot sight, I began patterning the shotgun at various distances.

The mount held up surprisingly well, maintaining zero throughout the first 50 rounds of birdshot and buckshot. The ease of installation was a major plus, and I appreciated not having to pay a gunsmith. One minor issue I encountered was a slight loosening of the screws after the first few shots, which I quickly remedied by re-tightening them.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including a few trips to the turkey woods and numerous range sessions, the Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun has proven to be reasonably reliable. It shows minimal signs of wear and tear, with only a few minor scratches on the matte black finish. Regular cleaning and maintenance involve simply wiping down the mount with a damp cloth and occasionally checking the screw tightness. The mount has exceeded my initial expectations, especially considering its price.

However, compared to more robust, higher-end mounts I’ve used on other firearms, the Sniper mount does feel less secure. I would not trust it for a high-powered optic or in extremely harsh conditions. It’s adequate for my needs, but serious users should consider a more durable option.

Breaking Down the Features of Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun

Specifications

The Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun is a one-piece rail mount designed specifically for the Mossberg 500 shotgun. It is constructed from machined aircraft aluminum alloy with a black matte finish. The package includes the rail mount and an Allen wrench for installation.

  • Manufacturer: Sniper
  • Gun Model: Mossberg Model 500
  • Included Accessories: Allen Wrench
  • Fit: Mossberg 500 Shotgun
  • Gun Make: Mossberg
  • Gun Type: Shotgun
  • Quantity: 1
  • Finish: Black Matte
  • Color: Black

These specifications matter because they dictate the mount’s compatibility, durability, and aesthetics. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down while providing reasonable strength, and the matte black finish blends well with most shotguns. The included Allen wrench simplifies installation, making it accessible to most users.

Performance & Functionality

The Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun performs its primary function – providing a platform for mounting optics – adequately. Accuracy is dependent on the optic used and proper zeroing, but the mount itself does not seem to negatively impact accuracy. However, the mount’s rigidity is a potential concern, especially with heavier optics or in demanding conditions.

The main strength of this product is its simplicity and affordability. Its biggest weakness is its potentially limited durability compared to higher-end options. For basic applications and casual users, it meets expectations; serious users may want to consider alternatives.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun is acceptable, considering its price point. The aluminum is lightweight, but the overall construction feels somewhat less robust than more expensive steel mounts. In terms of ergonomics, the low profile design doesn’t interfere with the shotgun’s handling or operation.

The mount is relatively user-friendly, requiring only basic tools and minimal technical knowledge to install. There is no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The longevity of the Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun is still to be determined over several years of use. However, based on its current condition, it should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and screw tightening.

Repair is unlikely to be necessary, and replacement is more cost-effective than attempting to repair a damaged mount.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun itself does not come with any additional accessories beyond the included Allen wrench. However, it is designed to be compatible with any standard Picatinny or Weaver-style optics, including red dots, holographic sights, and scopes. The mount’s compatibility with popular accessories from other brands enhances its versatility.

Pros and Cons of Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun

Pros

  • Affordable Price: The low price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
  • Easy Installation: Simple design allows for quick and easy installation with minimal tools.
  • Lightweight Design: The aluminum construction keeps the weight down, not affecting firearm balance.
  • Picatinny/Weaver Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of optics and accessories.
  • Improved Target Acquisition: Allows for the use of optics for faster target acquisition.

Cons

  • Durability Concerns: Aluminum construction is less durable than steel mounts.
  • Potential for Loosening: Screws may loosen over time and require periodic tightening.


Who Should Buy Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun?

The Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun is perfect for casual shooters, home defense users, and budget-conscious hunters who want to add optics to their Mossberg 500 without breaking the bank. It’s also a good option for those who are new to optics and want to experiment without making a significant investment.

This product is not suitable for serious tactical users, competitive shooters, or individuals who require extreme durability and reliability. Those users should invest in a higher-end mount from a reputable brand. A must-have accessory is a quality optic, such as a red dot sight or low-power scope, depending on the intended use.

Conclusion on Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun

Overall, the Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun is a surprisingly decent product for its price. It offers a simple and affordable way to modernize your Mossberg 500 and improve its versatility. The value proposition is strong, considering its low cost and ease of use.

I would personally recommend it to casual users and those on a tight budget. However, it’s essential to understand its limitations and be prepared to check screw tightness periodically. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to add optics to your Mossberg 500, the Sniper Base Rail Mounts for Mossberg 500 Shotgun is worth considering. Grab yours today and experience the difference an optic can make!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top