What Makes Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” Stand Out?
The Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” is a replacement barrel designed for the venerable Mossberg 500 series shotgun. This particular barrel is chambered in 20 gauge, features a 24-inch length, and is intended to enhance versatility for specific shooting applications. It aims to offer owners of Mossberg 500 shotguns the ability to reconfigure their firearm without needing to purchase an entirely new shotgun.
I was looking for a barrel that would improve my Mossberg 500’s handling in dense brush while hunting upland game. I needed a barrel shorter than my existing 28-inch field barrel, but longer than the typical 18.5-inch security barrel. The Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” seemed like the perfect compromise.
Upon unboxing, the barrel felt solid and well-made. The blued finish was even and appeared durable. The overall construction seemed consistent with Mossberg’s reputation for reliable, no-nonsense firearms.
I considered a couple of other options before settling on the Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24”. There were aftermarket barrels available, but I preferred the guaranteed compatibility and quality control of a Mossberg factory part. I also briefly considered a 22-inch barrel from another manufacturer, but ultimately chose the 24-inch for the slightly improved sight radius and potential for tighter patterns at longer ranges.
My initial impression was positive. The barrel appeared to be a quality product that would likely meet my needs for a shorter, more maneuverable barrel on my Mossberg 500. I was excited to get it installed and see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” was at a local sporting clays range. I wanted to get a feel for the barrel’s handling characteristics and point of impact before taking it into the field. The weather was mild and sunny, providing ideal shooting conditions.
The shorter barrel made the shotgun noticeably more maneuverable and quicker to swing. I was able to acquire targets faster and felt more confident transitioning between shots. The pattern seemed consistent and adequate for breaking clays at typical sporting clays distances.
There were no immediate issues after my first use. The barrel fit perfectly on my Mossberg 500 receiver and functioned flawlessly with a variety of target loads. I was pleasantly surprised by the improved handling and felt even more confident about using it for upland bird hunting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my shotgun. It has seen use in a variety of conditions, including wet, muddy fields and dusty shooting ranges. The blued finish has held up well, with only minor scratches and wear marks.
The barrel requires minimal maintenance. I simply clean it after each use with a bore snake and a light coat of oil. There have been no issues with rust or corrosion, even after exposure to wet weather.
Compared to my previous experience with the 28-inch barrel, the Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” is significantly easier to handle in tight cover. It outperforms the longer barrel in terms of maneuverability and speed, while still providing adequate range and pattern density for most upland hunting scenarios. I’ve found it to be a substantial improvement for my specific needs.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24”
Specifications
The Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” has several key specifications. It is chambered in 20 gauge, accepting 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells. The barrel length is 24 inches.
The finish is a traditional blued steel. It is designed to fit Mossberg 500 series shotguns chambered in 20 gauge. The barrel features a bead sight at the muzzle.
These specifications matter significantly for the overall performance. The 24-inch length offers a good balance between maneuverability and range. The blued steel provides durability and corrosion resistance. The bead sight offers a simple and effective aiming point.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” performs its job admirably. It functions reliably with a variety of 20 gauge ammunition. The shorter length significantly improves handling and swing speed.
One of its strengths is its improved maneuverability in tight spaces. A potential weakness is a slightly reduced effective range compared to longer barrels. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated upland hunting barrel.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” is consistent with Mossberg‘s reputation. The materials used appear durable and well-finished. The weight is well-balanced and doesn’t make the shotgun feel unwieldy.
The barrel is user-friendly and requires no special tools or modifications for installation. There is virtually no learning curve, especially for those already familiar with the Mossberg 500 platform. It’s simply a matter of removing the old barrel and attaching the new one.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” is built to last. The blued steel finish provides good corrosion resistance and the overall construction appears robust. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide many years of reliable service.
The barrel is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with a bore snake and a light coat of oil is all that is needed to keep it in good condition. No special tools or expertise are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” does not come with any included accessories beyond the standard bead sight. However, Mossberg 500 shotguns have a vast array of aftermarket accessories available. These accessories are compatible with this barrel.
Possible customization options include adding different sights (such as fiber optic or ghost ring sights), changing the choke (if the barrel is threaded for choke tubes), or adding a sling. The barrel is also compatible with various magazine extensions and other Mossberg 500 accessories.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24”
Pros
- Dramatically improved maneuverability compared to longer barrels.
- Reliable Mossberg factory quality and guaranteed fit.
- Durable blued steel finish.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Versatile length suitable for upland hunting and sporting clays.
Cons
- May have slightly reduced effective range compared to longer barrels.
- Only comes with a basic bead sight; no included choke tubes.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24”?
The Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” is perfect for upland hunters who prioritize maneuverability in dense cover. It’s also well-suited for sporting clays shooters looking for a faster-handling shotgun. Individuals seeking a good balance between close-quarters handling and moderate range will find this barrel ideal.
Those who primarily hunt waterfowl at long ranges or require specialized choke options might want to skip this product. Also, if maximum range and tight patterns are essential, a longer barrel with interchangeable choke tubes might be a better choice. A must-have modification is a quality set of choke tubes if the barrel is threaded for them.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24”
The Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” is a worthwhile addition for Mossberg 500 owners seeking improved handling and versatility. The price of $256.49 is justified considering the quality construction and enhanced performance it provides. It’s a noticeable upgrade that directly addresses the needs of upland hunters and sporting clays enthusiasts.
I would absolutely recommend this barrel to anyone looking to optimize their Mossberg 500 for close to mid-range shooting applications. If you value maneuverability, reliability, and Mossberg quality, then consider adding the Mossberg 90063 500 Barrel 20 Gauge 24” to your setup – you won’t be disappointed! Upgrade your Mossberg 500 today!