What Makes Mossberg 90061 500 20 Gauge 26” Blued Stand Out?
The Mossberg 90061 500 20 Gauge 26” Blued is a versatile and reliable shotgun, chambered in the manageable 20 gauge, and built on the legendary Mossberg 500 action. Its 26-inch barrel provides a good balance between maneuverability and accuracy, making it a popular choice for everything from upland bird hunting to home defense. The blued finish gives it a classic, understated look.
I was searching for an affordable and dependable shotgun for my son to learn with. I wanted something with manageable recoil and a length of pull that could be adjusted as he grows, making the Mossberg 500 platform an obvious choice. Upon unboxing, the Mossberg 90061 felt solid and well-built, with a reassuring weight that inspires confidence. The blued finish was even and consistent, and the action cycled smoothly right out of the box.
I considered the Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge and the Benelli Nova 20 Gauge. However, the Mossberg 500’s ambidextrous safety and reputation for reliability swayed my decision, especially given the Mossberg’s more appealing price point. My first impression was a pleasant surprise at the value offered by Mossberg at this price; it felt like a shotgun ready for serious work, without breaking the bank.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90061 500 20 Gauge 26” Blued to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Mossberg 90061 was at my local shooting range, patterning it with various 20 gauge loads. I wanted to see how it handled different shot sizes and velocities. It performed admirably, showing consistent patterns at 25 yards with both birdshot and buckshot.
The conditions were slightly windy, but the Mossberg’s weight helped keep it stable. The action was easy to cycle, even with gloves on. The only minor issue was a slight stiffness in the safety switch, which loosened up after a few uses.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mossberg 90061 has proven to be a reliable workhorse. I’ve taken it on a few pheasant hunts, where it performed flawlessly in the fields. It has also become our go-to shotgun for informal clay shooting.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear, despite regular use and cleaning. The blued finish has held up well, showing only minor scratches in areas of high contact. The Mossberg 90061 is simple to clean and maintain, requiring only a basic cleaning kit and some gun oil. It has significantly outperformed some other budget-friendly shotguns I’ve used in the past in terms of reliability and consistency.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90061 500 20 Gauge 26” Blued
Specifications
The Mossberg 90061 500 20 Gauge 26” Blued features a 20 gauge chambering, making it suitable for a wide range of applications with manageable recoil. It has a 26-inch blued barrel, providing a good balance between maneuverability and range. The approximate weight is around 6.5 pounds, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods.
The Mossberg 90061 has a 5+1 shell capacity (depending on shell length) and a simple bead sight. These specifications matter because they contribute to the shotgun’s versatility, ease of use, and overall reliability. The 20 gauge is a sweet spot for recoil-sensitive shooters, while the 26-inch barrel provides adequate range for hunting and clay shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90061 500 20 Gauge 26” Blued performs its job admirably, delivering consistent patterns and reliable cycling. Its accuracy is sufficient for hunting birds or engaging targets at close range. The ambidextrous safety is a welcome feature, especially for left-handed shooters.
The Mossberg 500 platform’s biggest strength is its proven reliability; it simply works. A minor weakness is the basic bead sight, which could be improved with aftermarket options. It meets and exceeds expectations for a budget-friendly, all-purpose shotgun.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mossberg 90061’s build quality is solid, with a durable steel receiver and a well-finished blued barrel. The wood stock and forend are comfortable to hold and provide a secure grip. The weight is well-balanced, making it easy to swing and point.
The Mossberg 90061 is user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive design. There is minimal learning curve, making it a good choice for beginners. The ambidextrous safety and easily accessible action release further enhance its usability.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mossberg 90061 is built to last, with a robust design and durable materials. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure its longevity. It is easy to maintain and repair, with readily available parts and online resources.
The Mossberg 500 platform has a reputation for being nearly indestructible. This shotgun is designed for the field, and is expected to last for generations when properly cared for.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 90061 ships with a basic choke tube set, offering some versatility for different shooting applications. It is highly customizable, with a wide range of aftermarket accessories available. You can easily add optics, improved sights, different stocks, and extended magazine tubes.
The Mossberg 500 platform is compatible with many popular accessories from brands like Magpul, Truglo, and Carlson’s. The availability of aftermarket support makes it easy to tailor the shotgun to your specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90061 500 20 Gauge 26” Blued
Pros
- Affordable price point: Excellent value for the money, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
- Reliable action: Based on the proven Mossberg 500 platform, known for its dependable performance.
- Versatile 20 gauge chambering: Suitable for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense.
- Ambidextrous safety: Accommodates both right- and left-handed shooters.
- Highly customizable: Wide range of aftermarket accessories available for personalization.
Cons
- Basic bead sight: Could be improved with aftermarket options for enhanced accuracy.
- Blued finish can be prone to scratches: Requires careful handling and maintenance to prevent cosmetic damage.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90061 500 20 Gauge 26” Blued?
Perfect for: Hunters seeking a lightweight and versatile shotgun for upland birds and small game. It is also suitable for beginners looking for an easy-to-use and reliable firearm. Sport shooters wanting an affordable shotgun for clay shooting and target practice will also enjoy this shotgun.
Who should skip this product? Those who require a shotgun with advanced features or a premium finish should look elsewhere. Competition shooters may prefer a shotgun with more specialized features.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality set of interchangeable choke tubes can enhance its versatility. Also, consider an aftermarket sight or optic for improved accuracy.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90061 500 20 Gauge 26” Blued
The Mossberg 90061 500 20 Gauge 26” Blued offers exceptional value for the money, delivering reliable performance and versatility in a simple, user-friendly package. The price is certainly justified. It’s an excellent entry point into the world of shotguns or a dependable option for anyone needing a no-nonsense firearm.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a well-rounded 20 gauge shotgun without breaking the bank. If you are in the market for an affordable, reliable, and versatile shotgun, the Mossberg 90061 should be at the top of your list. Grab yours today and experience the legendary Mossberg 500 action!