Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG Review

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG Made a Bold First Impression

As someone who’s spent over a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve handled my fair share of shotguns and accessories. When I decided to upgrade my Mossberg 500, specifically for deer hunting in thick brush, the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG barrel caught my eye. I needed a dedicated slug barrel that offered improved accuracy over the standard barrel and fiber optic sights for low light conditions.

The package arrived, and I was immediately impressed by the simple, yet effective design. The blued finish looked clean and professional, and the weight felt substantial without being cumbersome. I’ve used various slug barrels over the years, including a rifled cantilever scope mount barrel and a smooth bore with bead sights. This Mossberg barrel seemed to offer the best of both worlds – improved accuracy of rifled sights in a lighter, more maneuverable package than some fully rifled options.

Initially, I was excited but also cautiously optimistic. I’ve heard mixed reviews about aftermarket barrels, with some claiming perfect fit and function, and others reporting issues with cycling or accuracy. This aftermarket purchase was a welcomed addition. I hoped the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG would live up to the Mossberg reputation for reliability and performance, and become a permanent fixture on my Mossberg 500.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG was at my local shooting range. The weather was typical for early fall – slightly damp with a light breeze. I wanted to get a feel for the barrel and dial in the adjustable rifle sights before taking it into the woods.

Installation was straightforward, and the barrel locked up tight with no noticeable wobble. I started at 50 yards, and after a few minor adjustments to the sights, I was consistently hitting within a 4-inch group. The recoil was manageable, even with heavier slug loads, and the sights were easy to acquire. There were no malfunctions or hiccups of any kind.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, both at the range and during hunting trips, the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG has proven to be exceptionally reliable. The blued finish has held up well, showing only minor wear marks from handling. Cleaning is simple, requiring just a bore brush and some solvent after each use. I clean the barrel as part of my normal cleaning process after each hunt, or after a range day.

Compared to my experiences with other slug barrels, this one stands out in terms of accuracy and ease of use. It provides a significant improvement in accuracy over a bead-sighted barrel, and it’s lighter and more balanced than a fully rifled barrel with a scope. It has become my go-to for deer hunting in areas where shots are typically under 75 yards. It did outperform my expectations significantly.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG

Specifications

• Caliber: 20 Gauge. This provides a good balance of power and manageable recoil for most shooters.
• Barrel Length: 24 inches. The length provides an adequate sight radius for accurate shooting with iron sights while still being maneuverable in dense cover.
• Choke: Cylinder Bore. This is ideal for shooting slugs, as it allows for the projectile to pass through without constriction.
• Sights: Adjustable Rifle Sights. These allow for precise zeroing and provide excellent accuracy at various distances.
• Finish: Blue. The blued finish provides corrosion resistance and a classic look.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the overall accuracy, usability, and reliability of the barrel. The 24-inch length offers a good balance between maneuverability and sight radius, while the cylinder bore choke ensures optimal slug performance. The adjustable rifle sights allow for precise zeroing, resulting in accurate shots.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG performs exceptionally well. The adjustable rifle sights allow for quick and accurate target acquisition, even in low-light conditions.

The cylinder bore choke provides consistent slug patterns, and the 24-inch barrel delivers good velocity and accuracy. It meets my expectations and has quickly become my preferred slug barrel for the Mossberg 500.

Design & Ergonomics

The barrel is well-made, with a solid feel and a durable finish. The weight is balanced, and it installs easily on the Mossberg 500 receiver. There’s no learning curve required, making it user-friendly for both experienced and novice shooters.

Durability & Maintenance

The barrel is built to last, with a robust construction and a corrosion-resistant blued finish. Maintenance is simple, requiring only routine cleaning and lubrication. It should provide many years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG comes as a standalone barrel and does not include any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any Mossberg 500 20-gauge receiver.

Users can add accessories such as a sling, shell holder, or different types of slugs to further customize their setup. Note that this barrel is not designed for use with choke tubes.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG

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Who Should Buy Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG?

The Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG is perfect for hunters who need an accurate and reliable slug barrel for their Mossberg 500 20-gauge shotgun. It is also well-suited for those who prioritize iron sights over optics and want a lightweight, maneuverable setup. Individuals who require choke tube options for various hunting situations should skip this product. A must-have accessory would be a quality bore brush and solvent for maintaining accuracy and barrel life.

Conclusion on Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG

Overall, the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG is an excellent addition to any Mossberg 500 20-gauge shotgun. The improved accuracy, adjustable rifle sights, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for hunters and sport shooters alike. At $158.49, the price is justified given the performance and quality of the barrel.

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a dedicated slug barrel for their Mossberg 500. If you’re seeking to enhance the accuracy and versatility of your Mossberg 500 for deer hunting or slug shooting, look no further than the Mossberg 500XBL 20g 24″ CB RS SLUG. Buy it today and experience the difference!

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