Let’s Dive into Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24″ Integral Scope Base Blued
The Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24″ Integral Scope Base Blued is a dedicated slug barrel designed to enhance the versatility of your Mossberg 500 20-gauge shotgun. This barrel features a fully rifled bore for improved accuracy with slugs, a 24-inch length optimized for ballistic performance, and an integral scope base for secure optic mounting. It promises to transform a general-purpose shotgun into a capable deer or hog hunting tool.
My pursuit of the Mossberg 90063 stemmed from a desire to expand my hunting capabilities without purchasing an entirely new firearm. I wanted a reliable and accurate slug barrel for my existing Mossberg 500 20-gauge, specifically one that allowed for easy scope mounting.
Unboxing the Mossberg 90063 was a straightforward affair. The blued finish appeared even and well-applied, and the integral scope base looked robust. The barrel felt solid and well-made, consistent with Mossberg’s reputation for rugged, reliable firearms.
Compared to a smoothbore barrel with iron sights, the Mossberg 90063 offers a significant advantage in terms of potential accuracy and optic versatility. I also considered a cantilever scope mount barrel, but the integral base design of the Mossberg 90063 seemed more streamlined and potentially more rigid, promising better zero retention. I chose it over a similar Remington barrel due to Mossberg’s proven track record and the favorable user reviews regarding accuracy.
My first impression was positive; I was excited to test the Mossberg 90063 at the range and see if it lived up to its promise of improved slug accuracy. I had high hopes for improved accuracy and the ability to extend my effective range for deer hunting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24″ Integral Scope Base Blued to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Mossberg 90063 took place at my local shooting range, using a Mossberg 500 20-gauge receiver I’ve owned for years. I tested the barrel using a variety of 20-gauge slug brands and grain weights, including Winchester Super-X, Remington Slugger, and Federal Power-Shok. I shot from both a bench rest at 50 yards and standing, unsupported, at 25 yards.
The Mossberg 90063 performed well in dry conditions. However, the blued finish showed fingerprints easily, and I made sure to wipe it down thoroughly after handling. Mounting a scope took only a few minutes, and the integral base felt very secure.
The transition from my standard birdshot barrel was seamless, requiring no gunsmithing. The only initial issue was finding the optimal slug for my particular receiver, as some slugs grouped significantly tighter than others.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a full deer season, the Mossberg 90063 has proven to be a reliable and effective barrel. I estimate I have fired approximately 75 slugs through it.
The blued finish has held up reasonably well, though it does show some minor scratches from handling in the field. Regular cleaning after each range session or hunt has kept the bore in excellent condition, and I have not experienced any rust or corrosion. I found that a thorough cleaning and oiling after each use is essential to maintaining the blued finish.
The Mossberg 90063 has significantly outperformed my old smoothbore barrel in terms of accuracy. I consistently achieve 3-4 inch groups at 100 yards with my preferred slug load (Remington Slugger). This is a substantial improvement and has noticeably increased my confidence and effective range while hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24″ Integral Scope Base Blued
Specifications
- Caliber: 20 Gauge. This dictates the ammunition it uses, limiting it to 20-gauge slugs only.
- Length: 24 inches. This length provides a good balance between maneuverability and maximizing the velocity and accuracy of 20-gauge slugs.
- Model: 500. This specifies that it is designed as a drop-in replacement barrel for Mossberg 500 shotguns.
- Sights: Integral Scope Base. This allows for the easy and secure mounting of optics, significantly improving aiming accuracy.
- Bore Type: Fully Rifled. The rifling imparts a spin on the slug, greatly enhancing its stability and accuracy.
- Finish: Blued. The blued finish provides a level of corrosion resistance and a traditional aesthetic.
- Type: Slug. It is specifically designed for shooting slugs, not birdshot or buckshot.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the Mossberg 90063’s performance and suitability for hunting applications. The rifled bore and scope base combine to offer significantly improved accuracy compared to a smoothbore barrel with bead sights.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90063 performs its primary function – accurately launching slugs – very well. I consistently achieve accurate groupings at ranges exceeding what I was capable of with a smoothbore barrel.
The main strength of the Mossberg 90063 is its accuracy potential when paired with the right slug and optic. One weakness is that the blued finish requires consistent maintenance to prevent rust, especially in humid environments. The Mossberg 90063 meets my expectations for an aftermarket slug barrel, providing a noticeable increase in accuracy and effective range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Mossberg 90063 is solid, using durable steel. While the blued finish is attractive, it’s more prone to scratches and requires more care than a parkerized or Cerakote finish. The barrel is relatively heavy, which contributes to recoil absorption, but can make the shotgun feel slightly front-heavy.
The Mossberg 90063 is user-friendly, requiring no specialized tools or gunsmithing to install. The integral scope base is a great design element, providing a stable and secure platform for mounting optics.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mossberg 90063 should last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and oiling are essential to prevent rust and corrosion, especially in areas with high humidity.
The Mossberg 90063 is simple to maintain, requiring only standard gun cleaning supplies. Disassembly for cleaning is the same as for any Mossberg 500 barrel.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 90063 itself does not come with any accessories beyond the barrel itself. The most common customization is the addition of a suitable scope or red dot sight.
The Mossberg 90063 is compatible with any scope or red dot sight designed for use on firearms with a Weaver or Picatinny-style rail, which is essentially all of them. Aftermarket recoil pads can further improve shooting comfort, particularly when using heavier slug loads.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24″ Integral Scope Base Blued
Pros
- Improved Accuracy: The rifled bore dramatically increases slug accuracy, extending effective range for hunting.
- Integral Scope Base: Provides a stable and secure platform for mounting optics.
- Easy Installation: No gunsmithing required; simple drop-in replacement for the factory barrel.
- Enhanced Versatility: Transforms a general-purpose shotgun into a dedicated slug gun for deer or hog hunting.
- Durable Construction: Solid steel barrel built to withstand the rigors of hunting.
Cons
- Blued Finish: Requires regular maintenance to prevent rust and scratches.
- Slug Ammunition Only: Not suitable for birdshot or buckshot loads.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24″ Integral Scope Base Blued?
The Mossberg 90063 is perfect for deer and hog hunters who already own a Mossberg 500 20-gauge shotgun and want to extend their effective range and accuracy. It’s also a great option for anyone looking to convert their shotgun into a dedicated slug gun without purchasing a completely new firearm.
Individuals who primarily use their Mossberg 500 for bird hunting or home defense might not find this barrel particularly useful. Those who prefer low-maintenance firearms might also be deterred by the blued finish.
A must-have accessory is a quality scope or red dot sight. A sturdy set of scope rings is also essential for secure mounting. Finally, a good bore cleaner and gun oil are crucial for maintaining the blued finish and bore.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24″ Integral Scope Base Blued
The Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24″ Integral Scope Base Blued is a well-designed and effective upgrade for Mossberg 500 20-gauge shotguns. The improved accuracy and integral scope base make it a worthwhile investment for hunters seeking to enhance their slug gun performance.
The price is justified given the noticeable improvement in accuracy and the convenience of the integral scope base. Considering the cost of a new slug gun, the Mossberg 90063 is a cost-effective solution.
I would personally recommend the Mossberg 90063 to any Mossberg 500 20-gauge owner looking to enhance their shotgun’s slug shooting capabilities. If you’re ready to transform your Mossberg 500 into a reliable and accurate deer or hog hunting tool, the Mossberg 90063 is an excellent choice.