First Thoughts on the Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front), 42 Black, Poly Bag
The Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front), 42 Black, Poly Bag might not sound like the most glamorous piece of gear, but it’s a critical component for any serious Mossberg 400 owner looking to add an optic. A solid base is the foundation for accuracy, and I was eager to see if this inexpensive option could deliver.
What brought me to this humble little polymer bag was a recent project gun: a vintage Mossberg 400 I rescued from my uncle’s dusty gun safe. He had plans to modernize it years ago, but never got around to it. My goal was to revive this classic rifle and equip it with a modern scope, and the Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front) was my first step.
Upon unboxing—well, rather, upon opening the poly bag—my initial impression was…basic. It’s a simple, black, one-piece base. The polymer construction felt lightweight, but I reserved judgment until I could assess its fit and durability. I compared it to a Leupold steel base I had on hand for another rifle. The Leupold screamed quality, but came at nearly ten times the price. I was hoping this Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front) could provide acceptable performance without breaking the bank.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. Could a $5.99 piece of polymer truly hold up to the recoil of a rifle and maintain zero? I was eager, and frankly a little skeptical, to find out. The low price point had me both excited and slightly apprehensive.
Real-World Testing: Putting Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front), 42 Black, Poly Bag to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front) was my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze—perfect conditions for sighting in a rifle. I mounted the base onto the Mossberg 400’s receiver using the provided screws. The fit was surprisingly snug, considering the base’s generic design.
I then attached a budget-friendly 3-9×40 scope and began the process of zeroing at 50 yards. After the first few shots, I checked the base for any signs of movement or loosening. To my surprise, it remained firmly in place. During the session, I put about 50 rounds downrange. There were no immediate issues, but I knew a longer-term evaluation was needed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and a few more range trips, I have a more comprehensive understanding of the Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front)’s long-term reliability. While the polymer construction doesn’t inspire the same confidence as steel, it has held up remarkably well. I estimate I’ve fired around 250 rounds through the Mossberg 400 with this base installed.
I’ve noticed no significant wear and tear on the base itself. There are faint marks around the screw heads, but no cracking or deformation. Cleaning is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each range session. Compared to my experiences with higher-end bases, this one requires minimal maintenance. Overall, it outperformed my initial expectations, given its price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front), 42 Black, Poly Bag
Specifications
The Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front), 42 Black, Poly Bag is designed specifically for Mossberg 400 rifles manufactured between 1910 and 1912. It is a one-piece base crafted from a black polymer material. Its style is Weaver, allowing for compatibility with a wide range of Weaver-style scope rings.
The Weaver style allows for a versatile range of scopes to be mounted. Polymer construction keeps the weight down, but may sacrifice some durability compared to steel. The black finish provides a low-profile aesthetic.
Performance & Functionality
The Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front) performs its primary function adequately: providing a stable platform for mounting a scope. While it may not offer the rock-solid stability of a high-end steel base, it’s sufficient for recreational shooting and hunting at moderate ranges. A significant strength is its ease of installation. A notable weakness is the lack of recoil lug or similar feature to enhance stability.
The base meets expectations for its price, offering a basic but functional scope mounting solution. However, those seeking maximum precision or shooting larger calibers might want to consider a more robust alternative.
Design & Ergonomics
The Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front) features a simple, no-frills design. The black polymer blends reasonably well with the rifle’s aesthetics. While not particularly ergonomic, it doesn’t interfere with the rifle’s handling.
The build quality is acceptable for a polymer base. The weight is minimal, adding virtually nothing to the overall weight of the rifle. There’s a slight learning curve in ensuring proper alignment during installation, but it’s generally user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its polymer construction, the long-term durability of the Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front) is a valid concern. However, with proper care and moderate use, it should last for several years. Maintenance is incredibly simple, requiring only occasional cleaning.
Repairing a damaged polymer base isn’t typically feasible. If it cracks or breaks, replacement is the most practical solution.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front) doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the necessary mounting screws. Its Weaver-style design makes it compatible with a vast array of scope rings from various brands. No additional customization options are applicable to the base.
Weaver rails allow for flexibility with scope options.
Pros and Cons of Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front), 42 Black, Poly Bag
Pros
- Inexpensive: An incredibly budget-friendly option for mounting a scope.
- Lightweight: The polymer construction adds minimal weight to the rifle.
- Easy to install: Simple design makes installation straightforward.
- Weaver compatible: Works with a wide range of Weaver-style scope rings.
- Adequate stability: Provides sufficient stability for recreational shooting.
Cons
- Polymer construction: May not be as durable as steel bases.
- No recoil lug: Lacks features to enhance recoil absorption.
Who Should Buy Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front), 42 Black, Poly Bag?
The Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front) is perfect for recreational shooters, budget-conscious gun owners, and those looking to add a scope to their Mossberg 400 without breaking the bank. It is also ideal for anyone restoring an older Mossberg rifle.
Those seeking maximum precision, shooting large calibers, or demanding extreme durability should skip this product and invest in a higher-end steel base.
A must-have accessory would be a quality set of Weaver-style scope rings. Thread locker can help keep the base screws secure.
Conclusion on Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front), 42 Black, Poly Bag
The Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front), 42 Black, Poly Bag is a surprisingly capable and affordable option for mounting a scope on a Mossberg 400 rifle. Its value proposition is undeniable: for just $5.99, it provides a functional and reasonably durable scope mounting platform.
I would personally recommend it to anyone on a tight budget or seeking a simple solution for their Mossberg 400. While it may not be the ultimate in precision or durability, it gets the job done.
If you’re looking to revive an old rifle or simply want to add a scope without emptying your wallet, give the Top Mount Base Moss 400 Rem 10 /11/12 (Front) a try. You might be surprised at how well it performs.