Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG Review

First Thoughts on the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG

For over a decade, I’ve trusted Mossberg shotguns in various hunting and tactical scenarios, and when I recently decided to dedicate one of my Mossberg 500 frames specifically to deer hunting in thick brush, the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG barrel seemed like the perfect solution. This accessory barrel promised to transform my all-purpose shotgun into a dedicated slug gun, capable of delivering accurate and powerful shots at reasonable ranges.

My primary goal was to improve my accuracy and effective range when hunting deer in areas where rifle use isn’t safe or permitted. I needed a barrel that could handle slugs effectively, offered adjustable sights for precision, and was durable enough to withstand the rigors of dense cover and unpredictable weather.

Upon unboxing the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG, I immediately noticed its robust construction. The blued finish looked durable and even, offering protection against the elements. The adjustable rifle sights, although simple, appeared functional and a vast improvement over a simple bead sight for slug accuracy. My initial impression was one of solid utility, a no-frills barrel built for a specific purpose. It felt lighter than my original 28″ field barrel, something I appreciated as I planned to carry it for extended periods in the woods.

Compared to a fully rifled slug barrel (which can be more accurate at longer ranges but more expensive), or a smooth bore with a bead sight (which offers limited accuracy), the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG seemed to strike a good balance. I considered a cantilever scope mount barrel for optics, but decided against it to keep the overall weight down and improve maneuverability in thick brush. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – I was eager to get it to the range and see how it performed.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, where I set up targets at 50 and 75 yards. The weather was typical for late fall – damp and cool. I wanted to simulate the conditions I’d likely encounter during deer season.

Installation on my Mossberg 500 receiver was straightforward, requiring no tools beyond basic disassembly knowledge of the shotgun. The barrel locked up tight, and the headspace felt correct. After a few familiarization shots, I began to zero the adjustable rifle sights. This process took longer than expected. The rear sight adjustments were not very precise, requiring patience and a delicate touch to achieve the desired point of impact. Recoil was stout, as expected with 12-gauge slugs, but manageable. After about an hour of adjustments, I was consistently hitting a paper plate-sized target at 75 yards.

The first surprise was how much the point of impact shifted with different slug brands. Some slugs grouped high, others low, requiring further adjustments. Another minor issue was the finish on the rear sight; it reflected a bit of light in certain conditions, slightly obscuring the target.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular range sessions and a full deer season in the field, the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG has proven to be a reliable and effective tool. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even after dragging it through thick brush and exposing it to rain and snow.

Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe-down of the bore after each use, along with a light oiling of the exterior, is all that’s needed. The blued finish has held up well, showing only minor scratches from encounters with branches and thorns.

Compared to my previous experiences using a smooth bore with bead sights, the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG offers a significant improvement in accuracy. My effective range has increased from around 40 yards to a more confident 75-80 yards. The adjustable sights make all the difference, allowing for precise zeroing and adjustments for different slug types.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG

Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge. This is a common and versatile caliber for deer hunting.
• Barrel Length: 24 inches. Offers a good balance between maneuverability and velocity.
• Choke: Cylinder Bore. Optimal for shooting slugs; provides no constriction.
• Sights: Adjustable Rifle Sights. Critical for accurate slug placement.
• Finish: Blue. Provides corrosion resistance and a traditional look.
• Compatibility: Mossberg 500, Maverick 88. Extends the versatility of existing shotguns.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG barrel performs its intended function admirably: it transforms a general-purpose shotgun into a dedicated slug gun. Accuracy is significantly improved over bead-sighted barrels, and the 24-inch length provides a good balance between velocity and maneuverability in dense cover.

The primary weakness is the somewhat imprecise rear sight adjustment. While functional, it lacks the refined feel of higher-end sights. Overall, it meets my expectations and has improved my deer hunting capabilities in areas where rifles are restricted.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is typical of Mossberg – solid and functional, if not particularly refined. The barrel is well-machined, and the blued finish is evenly applied. It balances well on my Mossberg 500 receiver, and the weight is manageable for carrying during long hunts.

The user-friendliness is high. Installation is simple, and the adjustable sights are straightforward to use, although, as mentioned, the adjustments could be finer.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG barrel is built to last. The blued finish is durable, and the simple design minimizes potential failure points.

Maintenance is minimal: cleaning the bore after each use and lightly oiling the exterior is sufficient. The cylinder bore choke eliminates the need for choke tube maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG comes with only the adjustable rifle sights. The barrel is compatible with any Mossberg 500 compatible accessories, such as slings, shell holders, and aftermarket recoil pads.

The rear sight is the most common upgrade item. Several aftermarket sights are available that offer more precise adjustments and better visibility. Fiber optic sights are a popular choice for improved visibility in low-light conditions.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG

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Who Should Buy Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG?

Perfect for: Hunters looking to improve the accuracy of their Mossberg 500 or Maverick 88 shotgun for deer hunting in areas where rifles are restricted. This is also well-suited for shooters on a budget who want a functional and reliable slug barrel without breaking the bank.

Who should skip this product? Hunters who require extreme long-range accuracy (over 100 yards) might be better served by a fully rifled barrel with a cantilever scope mount. Also, those who demand high-end, precision-adjustable sights may find the factory sights lacking.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A set of high-visibility fiber optic sights would be a worthwhile upgrade for improved target acquisition in low light. A quality recoil pad is also recommended to mitigate the stout recoil of 12-gauge slugs.

Conclusion on Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG

The Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG is a solid and reliable accessory barrel that effectively transforms a Mossberg 500 or Maverick 88 shotgun into a capable slug gun. The improved accuracy offered by the adjustable rifle sights is a significant upgrade over traditional bead sights, making it a valuable tool for deer hunting in restricted areas.

At a price of $147.99, the value proposition is excellent. It’s an affordable way to significantly enhance the versatility of your shotgun without requiring a complete firearm purchase.

I would personally recommend the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ CB RS SLUG to any hunter looking to improve their slug accuracy on a budget. Upgrade your Mossberg 500 today and extend your hunting season with confidence!

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