What Makes Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26” Stand Out?
The Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26” is a replacement barrel designed for the venerable Mossberg 500 series of shotguns chambered in 20 gauge. This 26-inch barrel offers a versatile balance between maneuverability and effective range, making it a popular choice for various shooting disciplines. Its primary function is to allow owners of Mossberg 500 shotguns to easily swap barrels for different purposes like hunting different game, clay shooting, or home defense scenarios. The interchangeability of the Mossberg 500 platform is one of its greatest strengths, and this barrel exemplifies that.
I needed a longer barrel for my Mossberg 500 20 gauge to improve my clay shooting performance. My original, shorter barrel was fine for close-quarters work, but I found myself needing more reach and a tighter pattern for longer shots on the sporting clays course.
Unboxing the barrel, I was immediately impressed with the solid feel and clean blued finish. The weight felt appropriate, not too heavy as to be cumbersome, but substantial enough to inspire confidence in its build quality.
Compared to some aftermarket barrels, the Mossberg factory barrel offers a guaranteed fit and finish, removing any guesswork. I considered a cheaper, no-name brand, but the potential for fitting issues and questionable steel quality steered me toward the Mossberg option.
My first impression was definitely excitement; this felt like a quality component that would significantly improve my shotgun’s versatility. This is a factory part, so there was no surprises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26” to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26” at my local sporting clays range on a bright, sunny afternoon. The course presented a variety of shot types, from close, fast rabbits to distant, crossing teal.
The Mossberg barrel performed admirably in these conditions; the longer sight radius and tighter choke noticeably improved my hit percentage on the longer, more challenging targets. The swing felt smooth and natural, even with the added length.
Using the barrel was incredibly straightforward: it was a simple swap using the existing Mossberg 500 forend and receiver. I experienced no issues with cycling or ejection.
No surprises or issues arose during my first use; it performed exactly as I had hoped it would. The barrel installed and patterned exactly as intended.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26” continues to perform flawlessly. It has become my go-to barrel for any situation where longer-range accuracy is needed.
So far, there are no signs of wear and tear, even after cleaning with solvent and repeated use. The bluing remains intact, and the bore is clean and bright.
Cleaning the barrel is as simple as any other shotgun barrel. Standard solvents and brushes easily remove any residue. Proper maintenance is important for long-term reliability.
This barrel has dramatically outperformed my previous setup, offering improved range and accuracy on the sporting clays course. The swap was easy and instant.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26”
Specifications
- Gauge: 20 Gauge. This dictates the size of the shotgun bore and the shells it accepts.
- Barrel Length: 26 inches. This provides a good balance of maneuverability and range for various applications.
- Model Number: 90136. This is the unique identifier for this specific barrel model.
- Compatibility: Mossberg 500 series shotguns (20 gauge). This ensures proper fit and function with compatible receivers.
- Chamber: Typically 2 3/4″ and 3″ capable (verify with product details). This allows use of a wide range of 20 gauge ammunition.
- Finish: Blued. This provides corrosion resistance and a classic look.
- Sights: Bead sight. Simple, effective aiming point.
- Choke: Usually comes with a modified choke, or accepts screw-in chokes (verify with product details). This allows adjusting the shot pattern to match target distance and size.
- Intended Use: Hunting, sporting clays, general purpose.
These specifications are important because they dictate the barrel’s performance characteristics. A 26-inch barrel provides a longer sight radius for improved aiming and typically produces tighter shot patterns compared to shorter barrels. The 20 gauge offers a lighter recoil than 12 gauge, making it suitable for smaller-framed shooters.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26” performs its job admirably, delivering consistent and reliable shot patterns at moderate ranges. The bead sight is simple but effective for quick target acquisition.
The barrel’s strengths lie in its versatility and ease of use. It is a direct replacement that requires no gunsmithing. The only potential improvement could be the inclusion of interchangeable choke tubes for even greater versatility.
The barrel exceeded my expectations, significantly improving my clay shooting performance and providing a much-needed range boost. It has become my go-to barrel.
Design & Ergonomics
The barrel’s build quality is excellent, constructed of durable steel with a clean blued finish. The weight is well-balanced, contributing to a smooth and natural swing.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills to install or remove. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26” is built to last, with a durable steel construction that should withstand years of use with proper care.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication. Replacing the bead sight is easy, if that is something you desire to do.
Accessories and Customization Options
The barrel itself doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the standard bead sight (unless it accepts screw-in chokes, which would be considered an accessory).
However, the Mossberg 500 platform is highly customizable. Owners can add aftermarket sights, choke tubes (if the barrel is threaded for them), and various sling attachments.
The barrel is compatible with any accessories designed for the Mossberg 500 20 gauge, offering a wide range of customization options. This barrel is designed for use with a standard factory magazine tube.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26”
Pros
- Improved Range and Accuracy: The longer barrel provides a longer sight radius and typically tighter shot patterns, enhancing accuracy at longer distances.
- Versatile: Suitable for various shooting disciplines, including hunting, sporting clays, and general-purpose use.
- Easy Installation: Direct replacement for existing Mossberg 500 barrels, requiring no gunsmithing.
- Durable Construction: Built to last with high-quality steel and a corrosion-resistant blued finish.
- Factory Reliability: Guaranteed fit and function, unlike some aftermarket options.
Cons
- Fixed Choke (potentially): Some versions may come with a fixed choke, limiting versatility (verify product details).
- Bead Sight Only: The basic bead sight may not be ideal for all shooting scenarios.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26”?
- Perfect for: Hunters seeking a longer barrel for improved range and accuracy, clay shooters looking to enhance their performance, and Mossberg 500 owners wanting to increase the versatility of their shotgun.
- Who should skip this product? Those who primarily use their shotgun for close-quarters home defense or prefer a shorter, more maneuverable barrel.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? Interchangeable choke tubes (if not already included), a higher-visibility front sight, and a comfortable sling.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26”
The Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26” is a worthwhile addition to any Mossberg 500 20 gauge owner’s arsenal. It delivers a noticeable improvement in range and accuracy, making it ideal for a variety of shooting applications.
At $246.89, the price is justified by the quality construction, guaranteed fit, and enhanced performance. It is an investment that will pay off in improved shooting and increased versatility.
I would definitely recommend the Mossberg 90136 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 26” to anyone looking to upgrade their Mossberg 500 20 gauge shotgun. It’s a simple and effective way to enhance your shooting experience. Add this barrel to your Mossberg 500 and see how much better you can shoot.