Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE Review

First Thoughts on the Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE

For years, I’ve been a proponent of versatility in my firearms, especially when it comes to hunting. The Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE promises exactly that: a dedicated slug barrel for my Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag, opening up new possibilities for deer season. This isn’t just another barrel; it’s a pathway to enhanced accuracy and extended range, something I’ve been searching for.

My usual setup involved swapping between a general-purpose birdshot barrel and a smoothbore slug barrel, each a compromise in its own right. I needed a solution that would allow me to confidently take longer shots on whitetail without sacrificing the familiar feel of my trusty Mossberg pump. The integrated scope base and fully-rifled bore seemed like the perfect upgrade.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction. The blued finish is deep and even, giving the barrel a professional, durable appearance. The rifling looks clean and precise, inspiring confidence in its accuracy potential. Initial impressions were positive; it felt like a quality piece of equipment ready to deliver on its promises.

Compared to other aftermarket slug barrels I’d considered, the Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE stood out for its integral scope base. This eliminates the need for potentially unstable add-on mounts, a critical factor for maintaining zero in the field. I also considered a Hastings barrel, but ultimately preferred the streamlined design and trusted Mossberg name. I was definitely excited to get it to the range.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE was at my local shooting range, specifically prepping for the upcoming deer season. I mounted a trusted 3-9×40 scope, bore-sighted it, and started with a selection of different slug brands to find what the barrel liked best. The weather was clear and cool, perfect for dialing in accuracy.

The initial shots were encouraging. I quickly found that the barrel favored Federal Premium Trophy Copper slugs, grouping them within 2 inches at 100 yards. The ported design did an admirable job of mitigating recoil, though the 12 gauge still packs a punch! After about 20 rounds, I noticed the screw for the scope base was loose, however, after tightening it, it never came loose again.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and some preliminary scouting trips, the Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE continues to perform admirably. The blued finish has held up well, showing no signs of rust or wear despite exposure to some light rain during my scouting outings. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, requiring just a standard shotgun cleaning kit.

Durability has proven to be a strong point. After about 100 rounds of slugs, the barrel still groups consistently. I’ve found it easy to clean with a standard shotgun cleaning rod and some solvent. Compared to my previous smoothbore experience, this barrel offers significantly improved accuracy and consistency, a huge confidence booster. It has definitely outperformed my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE

Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge. This is a 12-gauge barrel designed specifically for the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag platform.

• Barrel Length: 24 inches. This provides a good balance between maneuverability in dense cover and maximizing slug velocity.

• Bore: Fully Rifled. The fully rifled bore is crucial for stabilizing slugs and achieving the improved accuracy needed for longer shots.

• Scope Base: Integral. The integral scope base provides a solid and stable mounting platform for optics, ensuring reliable zero retention.

• Ported: Yes. The ported design helps reduce felt recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and improved shooter comfort.

• Finish: Blued. The blued finish provides a durable and corrosion-resistant layer, protecting the barrel from the elements.

The specifications of the Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE directly contribute to its intended purpose: providing a highly accurate and reliable slug-shooting platform. The rifled bore is the key to accuracy, while the integrated scope base and ported design enhance the overall shooting experience. These features are what sets this barrel apart from a standard smoothbore option.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE excels in accuracy and reliability. I’ve consistently achieved sub-3-inch groups at 100 yards with my preferred slugs. The integrated scope base eliminates any worries about scope wobble or shifting zero, something I’ve experienced with aftermarket mounts on other shotguns.

The main strength is undoubtedly the accuracy it provides, turning my Mossberg 835 into a capable deer gun. One minor weakness is the increased muzzle blast due to the porting, which is noticeable but manageable with proper hearing protection. Ultimately, this barrel meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated slug barrel.

Design & Ergonomics

The barrel is well-balanced and doesn’t significantly alter the overall weight or handling characteristics of my Mossberg 835. The blued finish is aesthetically pleasing and appears durable. The installation process was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and minimal gunsmithing knowledge.

The Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE is very user-friendly, requiring minimal adjustment for experienced shotgun users. New users may need some familiarization with slug shooting techniques, but the barrel itself presents no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, I expect the Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE to last for many years with proper care. The blued finish and robust construction suggest long-term durability. Maintenance is simple, consisting of regular cleaning after each use to prevent fouling and corrosion.

The Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE is easy to maintain and repair. Basic cleaning tools and solvents are sufficient. The barrel itself appears to be very high quality.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE itself doesn’t come with additional accessories beyond what’s needed for installation. The primary customization option is the choice of optic to mount on the integrated base. The barrel is compatible with any scope that utilizes standard Weaver-style or Picatinny-style rings.

I’ve found that a good quality 3-9×40 scope is an excellent match for this barrel. Some shooters may prefer a red dot sight for faster target acquisition at shorter ranges. The integrated scope base is a major advantage compared to barrels requiring separate mounting hardware.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE?

The Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE is perfect for deer hunters in areas where shotgun-only hunting is required, or for those who simply prefer the power of a 12 gauge slug. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking to improve the accuracy and effective range of their Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag for slug shooting. The reliable accuracy can give the hunter much more confidence when making a shot.

This barrel might not be ideal for those primarily interested in bird hunting or home defense, as it is specifically designed for slug ammunition. Those who prefer a more versatile barrel that can handle a wider variety of loads might want to consider other options. A good quality scope and a selection of different slug brands are must-have accessories to maximize the performance of this barrel.

Conclusion on Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE

The Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE is a worthwhile investment for any Mossberg 835 owner looking to enhance their slug shooting capabilities. The improved accuracy, solid scope mounting platform, and manageable recoil make it a top contender in the aftermarket slug barrel category. At $227.49, the price is justified by the noticeable improvement in performance and the overall quality of the product.

I would definitely recommend this barrel to anyone serious about deer hunting with a shotgun. The Mossberg 835XBL 12g 24″ RB SCOPE BASE is a great choice. Upgrade your Mossberg 835 today and experience the difference a dedicated slug barrel can make!

Check Best Price HERE