Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS Review

The Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS Made a Bold First Impression

I’ve handled countless shotguns in my career, but the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS accessory barrel immediately stood out for its focused purpose. This wasn’t just another shotgun barrel; it was a specialized tool designed for extending the versatility of the already dependable Mossberg 500 platform. I was particularly interested in exploring how this fully-rifled, slug-specific barrel could enhance the accuracy and effective range of my trusted Mossberg 500.

For years, I’ve wrestled with the limitations of smoothbore shotguns when deer hunting in areas where rifles are restricted. The Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS promised to bridge the gap, offering rifle-like precision from a shotgun platform. The package arrived in a simple cardboard box, containing only the barrel itself, adequately protected. My initial impression was positive: the blued finish appeared even and well-applied, and the weight felt substantial without being cumbersome.

I had been considering a dedicated slug gun for a while, looking at models from Remington and Benelli. However, the cost of a completely new firearm, coupled with the fact that I already owned a reliable Mossberg 500, made the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS a much more attractive option. It offered the potential to transform my existing shotgun into a capable deer hunting tool for just over $200.

Honestly, I was both excited and a little skeptical. Could an accessory barrel truly deliver the promised accuracy improvements? Only real-world testing would tell if the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS lived up to the hype.

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

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS was at my local shooting range, under relatively ideal conditions: clear skies and minimal wind. I wanted to get a feel for the barrel’s accuracy potential before taking it into the field. I used a variety of sabot slugs from different manufacturers, settling on Hornady SSTs as they seemed to group the tightest.

The initial sight-in process was straightforward, thanks to the adjustable rifle sights. However, the recoil was noticeably more pronounced than with birdshot or even standard foster-style slugs. After about 20 rounds, my shoulder was definitely feeling it. The accuracy, however, was immediately apparent; at 50 yards, I was consistently achieving 3-inch groups.

The only minor issue I encountered was that the barrel required a bit of “breaking in.” The first few slugs were a tight fit, but after several rounds, the loading process smoothed out considerably.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. It’s accompanied me on numerous deer hunts, through rain, mud, and even a light snowfall. The blued finish has held up surprisingly well, showing only minor signs of wear around the muzzle.

Cleaning is relatively simple; a standard shotgun cleaning kit works perfectly. I make sure to thoroughly clean the rifling after each use to prevent lead buildup, which can affect accuracy. So far, I haven’t experienced any issues with rust or corrosion, even after exposure to wet conditions.

Compared to my previous experiences with smoothbore slug barrels, the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS is a game-changer. The improved accuracy has significantly extended my effective range, providing me with more ethical and confident shot opportunities. The difference is night and day; groups that were once 8-10 inches at 50 yards are now consistently 3-4 inches, providing much more confidence.

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

Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge. This is the standard and widely available gauge for shotgun platforms.
• Barrel Length: 24 inches. The 24-inch length provides a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
• Bore: Fully-Rifled. The rifling imparts a spin on the slug, dramatically improving accuracy and extending range.
• Sights: Adjustable Rifle Sights. These sights allow for precise zeroing, crucial for accurate slug placement at longer distances.
• Finish: Blued. The blued finish provides a layer of protection against corrosion and gives the barrel a classic look.
• Ported: Yes. The ported design helps to reduce felt recoil and muzzle climb.

These specifications matter because they directly contribute to the barrel’s performance as a slug-specific hunting tool. The rifled bore is the key to accuracy, while the adjustable sights allow for fine-tuning. The ported design helps mitigate the intense recoil associated with slug loads, and the blued finish offers practical durability.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS performs its job exceptionally well, providing a significant boost in accuracy and effective range compared to smoothbore barrels. Its accuracy with sabot slugs is impressive, allowing for confident shots at distances previously considered unethical with a shotgun. The reliability is also excellent; I haven’t experienced any malfunctions or failures to extract.

The main strength of this barrel is its accuracy; the rifling makes a noticeable difference. Recoil, however, can be a bit stout, even with the ported design, but the added accuracy makes it worthwhile. A thicker recoil pad may be needed for extended sessions.

The barrel exceeds my expectations, transforming my Mossberg 500 into a capable and accurate deer hunting platform. The improved accuracy has expanded my hunting opportunities in restricted zones.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, with a robust feel that inspires confidence. The blued finish is well-applied and resistant to wear. While it does add some weight to the Mossberg 500, the overall balance remains manageable.

The installation process is simple and straightforward, requiring no specialized tools. The adjustable rifle sights are easy to use and provide a clear sight picture.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the quality of materials, the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS should last for many seasons with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for preventing rust and maintaining accuracy.

The barrel is easy to clean and maintain with standard shotgun cleaning equipment. Focus is needed on thoroughly cleaning the rifling grooves, especially with lead slugs.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS comes with adjustable rifle sights. One can easily add a scope using a cantilever scope mount that attaches to the Mossberg 500 receiver for enhanced accuracy.

Aftermarket recoil pads can be added to mitigate recoil. Slings for easier carry can also be added. This barrel is compatible with any Mossberg 500 receiver, offering a wide range of customization possibilities.

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

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

The Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS is perfect for hunters who need to use slugs in areas where rifles are restricted. It is also ideal for those looking to increase the versatility of their existing Mossberg 500 shotgun without investing in a completely new firearm. This is a great option for hunters seeking increased accuracy and range with sabot slugs.

Those who are highly sensitive to recoil or primarily hunt with birdshot may not find this barrel necessary. If long-range accuracy isn’t a priority, a standard smoothbore barrel might suffice.

A must-have accessory is a quality cantilever scope mount for mounting a scope. Also, a recoil pad to help mitigate felt recoil would be a worthwhile addition.

Conclusion on Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS

The Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS is a worthwhile investment for any Mossberg 500 owner looking to enhance their shotgun’s capabilities for slug hunting. Its accuracy and extended range make it a significant upgrade over smoothbore barrels.

The price is more than justified considering the performance improvement. It offers an affordable and effective solution for hunters in restricted areas.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Mossberg 500XBL 12g 24″ FR RS to anyone seeking to unlock the full potential of their Mossberg 500 for slug hunting. It transforms a standard shotgun into a precision tool. Upgrade your Mossberg 500 today and experience the difference!

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