Let’s Talk About Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
The Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle is a versatile addition to the iconic Mossberg 500 series, offering a specialized barrel option for those seeking improved accuracy with slugs or buckshot. This 24-inch barrel, featuring adjustable rifle sights and a cylinder bore, is designed for scenarios where precision matters, bridging the gap between a standard shotgun and a dedicated rifle.
I was looking for a barrel that would increase my accuracy with slugs for deer hunting in areas where rifles are restricted. I needed something that I could swap onto my existing Mossberg 500 receiver without needing to buy an entirely new firearm.
Upon unboxing, the Mossberg barrel felt solid and well-made. The matte blued finish gave it a practical, no-nonsense appearance, and the adjustable rifle sights looked robust and easy to use.
Compared to a smooth bore barrel with a bead sight, this barrel offers a significantly improved sighting system for precise aiming. It also seemed like a more versatile option than a fully rifled slug barrel, which is primarily intended for sabot slugs.
My first impression was excitement – this seemed like exactly the upgrade I needed to enhance the versatility and accuracy of my Mossberg 500. The Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle promised to be a game-changer for my deer hunting endeavors.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on slug accuracy at 50 and 100 yards. The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, typical for a late fall afternoon.
The barrel performed admirably in these conditions, allowing me to achieve significantly tighter groupings compared to my standard smooth bore barrel. It was relatively easy to install and the adjustable sights allowed me to quickly zero the barrel with my chosen slug load.
The barrel felt heavier than my original barrel, giving the shotgun a more stable feel when aiming. There were no immediate issues or surprises after my initial range session with the Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunting season, the Mossberg barrel has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the blued finish has proven to be durable.
Cleaning the barrel is straightforward, similar to any other shotgun barrel. I make sure to clean it thoroughly after each use, especially after firing lead slugs, to prevent fouling.
Compared to my previous setup, which involved using a smooth bore barrel with a bead sight, the Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is a vast improvement in terms of accuracy. I have successfully harvested deer at distances that would have been impossible with my previous setup. The Mossberg barrel significantly outperforms my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Specifications
- The Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is chambered in 12 gauge. This means it is compatible with any Mossberg 500 receiver chambered for 12 gauge.
- It has a 24-inch barrel length, providing a good balance between maneuverability and accuracy. This length is ideal for hunting in wooded areas where longer barrels can be cumbersome.
- The Mossberg barrel features adjustable rifle sights, allowing for precise zeroing with different slug loads. These sights are a significant upgrade compared to the standard bead sight found on most shotgun barrels.
- The barrel has a cylinder bore, meaning it has no choke constriction. This is optimal for shooting slugs and buckshot, as it allows for the best possible accuracy with these types of ammunition.
- The Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle features a blued finish. This finish provides corrosion resistance and a traditional look.
These specifications are crucial for achieving accuracy with slugs and buckshot. The adjustable sights allow for precise zeroing, and the cylinder bore ensures that the projectiles are not deformed as they exit the barrel.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel performs its job exceptionally well. The combination of the adjustable sights and the cylinder bore allows for impressive accuracy with slugs.
The major strength is its ability to significantly improve the accuracy of a Mossberg 500 shotgun. A minor weakness is that the cylinder bore is not ideal for shooting birdshot at longer ranges.
The barrel meets and exceeds my expectations for a slug hunting barrel. It delivers consistent and accurate performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is well-built and feels solid. The matte blued finish is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
The barrel is easy to install and use. The adjustable sights are intuitive and require minimal adjustment.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mossberg barrel appears to be highly durable. It is constructed from high-quality steel and finished with a durable blued coating.
The barrel is easy to clean and maintain. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure that it lasts for many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel does not come with any accessories other than the adjustable rifle sights. The barrel is compatible with any Mossberg 500 receiver chambered for 12 gauge.
There are numerous aftermarket accessories available for the Mossberg 500, including different types of sights, slings, and shell carriers. It is possible to add a scope mount to the receiver for even greater accuracy with a magnified optic.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Pros
- Significantly improves accuracy with slugs and buckshot compared to a standard smooth bore barrel.
- Adjustable rifle sights allow for precise zeroing and improved target acquisition.
- Easy to install and compatible with any 12 gauge Mossberg 500 receiver.
- Durable blued finish provides corrosion resistance.
- Relatively affordable compared to purchasing a dedicated slug gun.
Cons
- Cylinder bore is not ideal for shooting birdshot at longer ranges.
- Adds some weight to the shotgun, which may be a concern for some users.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle?
The Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle is perfect for hunters who need to use slugs or buckshot in areas where rifles are restricted. It’s also great for those who want to improve the accuracy of their Mossberg 500 for home defense purposes.
Those who primarily shoot birdshot at clay targets or upland game should skip this product. They would be better served by a barrel with a choke.
A must-have accessory is a quality slug load that is known to be accurate in your particular shotgun. Also, consider adding a cheek riser to your stock to improve your sight alignment with the rifle sights.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
The Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is an excellent upgrade for anyone looking to improve the accuracy of their Mossberg 500 shotgun with slugs or buckshot. Its adjustable sights, durable construction, and easy installation make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is definitely justified, considering the significant improvement in accuracy it provides. This barrel offers a cost-effective way to transform a standard shotgun into a capable slug gun.
I would highly recommend the Mossberg 90120 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle to any Mossberg 500 owner who wants to enhance their shotgun’s versatility and accuracy. Upgrade your Mossberg 500 today and experience the difference!