Let’s Talk About Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
The Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle is a barrel designed to transform your Mossberg 500 shotgun into a rifled slug-shooting powerhouse. This 24-inch barrel features a fully rifled bore and adjustable rifle sights, making it an ideal choice for hunters seeking enhanced accuracy and range with slugs. Its matte blued finish provides a durable and non-reflective surface, crucial for stealth in the field.
As a long-time shotgun enthusiast and a frequent deer hunter in thick brush, I needed a way to extend my effective range beyond buckshot. Buckshot has its place, but for precise shot placement at distances beyond 50 yards, a rifled barrel and slugs are essential. This seemed like an affordable and practical solution to enhance my Mossberg 500’s versatility.
Upon unboxing, the barrel felt solid and well-made. The matte blued finish was evenly applied, and the adjustable rifle sights appeared robust and easy to manipulate. The rifling was clearly visible and looked clean.
Compared to other rifled slug barrels I’ve considered, such as those from Remington or aftermarket brands like Carlson’s, the Mossberg barrel offered a significant cost advantage. I also appreciated the assurance of Mossberg‘s quality and compatibility with my existing shotgun. While some aftermarket barrels may boast slightly tighter tolerances or specialized rifling patterns, the Mossberg‘s price point made it an irresistible value.
My first impression was one of excitement. The barrel seemed like a straightforward and cost-effective way to significantly enhance the capabilities of my Mossberg 500. I couldn’t wait to get it to the range and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle at my local shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to zero the sights and assess accuracy. I used a variety of 12-gauge sabot slugs from different manufacturers to see which performed best with the barrel.
Performance was generally good. I experienced no issues with loading or ejection. The adjustable sights allowed for precise zeroing at 50 yards. Recoil, as expected with slugs, was significant, but manageable.
The only initial issue I encountered was the sights shifting slightly after several rounds. I needed to tighten the screws securing the rear sight to prevent further movement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunting trip, the Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle has held up well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear beyond some minor scuffs from handling. The blued finish has proven to be reasonably durable.
Cleaning the barrel after shooting slugs is essential. The rifling tends to accumulate lead and plastic residue. A good solvent and bore brush are necessary for thorough cleaning. Regular cleaning has prevented any accuracy degradation and ensures smooth operation.
Compared to my previous experiences with smoothbore shotguns, the Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle offers a dramatic improvement in accuracy with slugs. While I could reliably hit a deer-sized target at 50 yards with a smoothbore, the rifled barrel allows for consistent hits at 100 yards and beyond, significantly extending my effective range. The upgrade is a game changer.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Specifications
The Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle is a 12-gauge barrel specifically designed for Mossberg 500 shotguns. The 24-inch length provides a good balance between maneuverability and velocity.
It features a fully rifled bore. This imparts a spin to the slug, dramatically improving accuracy and extending effective range.
The barrel is equipped with adjustable rifle sights. These allow for precise zeroing and accurate shot placement at varying distances.
The matte blued finish reduces glare and protects the barrel from corrosion. This is crucial for hunting applications where concealment is important.
This model is designed as a barrel only; it does not include a receiver or other shotgun components. This makes it an affordable upgrade for existing Mossberg 500 owners.
These specifications are crucial for hunters seeking to maximize the accuracy and range of their Mossberg 500 shotgun when using slugs. The rifled bore and adjustable sights, in particular, are key features that transform the shotgun into a capable deer hunting tool. The finish prevents spooking game with unwanted reflections.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle excels at improving accuracy with slugs compared to a smoothbore barrel. At 100 yards, I can consistently achieve groupings of 4-6 inches with sabot slugs.
The adjustable rifle sights are easy to use and allow for precise zeroing. The fully rifled bore provides consistent and predictable slug trajectory.
The primary weakness is the recoil, which is inherent to shooting slugs. A good recoil pad on the shotgun is highly recommended. Also, the sights can come loose as mentioned before, so keep a check on them.
It meets and even exceeds my expectations for an affordable rifled slug barrel. It provides a significant upgrade in accuracy and range compared to a smoothbore.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle maintains the familiar ergonomics of the Mossberg 500 platform. The barrel adds some weight to the front of the shotgun, which can improve stability when shooting offhand.
The build quality is solid, and the blued finish is well-applied. There is no significant learning curve to using the barrel, especially for those already familiar with the Mossberg 500.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, the Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle should last for many years. The blued finish is reasonably durable, but it can be scratched if not handled carefully.
Cleaning the barrel after each use with slugs is crucial to prevent lead and plastic buildup in the rifling. A good solvent and bore brush are essential for maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle is primarily a standalone barrel upgrade. However, several accessories can enhance its performance.
Adding a scope or red dot sight via a saddle mount or cantilever scope mount can further improve accuracy. A cheek riser may also be necessary to achieve proper eye alignment with the optic.
The barrel is compatible with most standard Mossberg 500 accessories, such as sling mounts and shell holders. However, chokes are not compatible with this barrel due to the rifled bore.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Pros
- Significantly improves accuracy with slugs compared to a smoothbore barrel.
- Adjustable rifle sights allow for precise zeroing.
- Affordable upgrade for existing Mossberg 500 owners.
- Durable matte blued finish.
- Easy to install and use.
Cons
- Recoil is significant with slugs (inherent to the ammunition, not the barrel itself).
- The sights can become loose and need occasional tightening.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle?
The Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle is perfect for:
- Hunters who need to extend their effective range with slugs, particularly for deer hunting in areas where rifles are restricted or where thick brush limits visibility.
- Shooters who want a versatile shotgun that can be used for both bird hunting (with the original barrel) and slug shooting.
- Budget-conscious individuals looking for a cost-effective way to improve their Mossberg 500’s performance.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who primarily use their shotgun for bird hunting or home defense, as the rifled barrel is not optimal for these applications.
- Individuals who are recoil-sensitive, as slug shooting can be uncomfortable.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A high-quality recoil pad to mitigate recoil.
- A scope or red dot sight for improved accuracy (optional).
- A cheek riser if using a scope (optional).
- A bore solvent for cleaning the rifling.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
The Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle is a worthwhile investment for Mossberg 500 owners seeking to enhance their shotgun’s accuracy and versatility with slugs. The fully rifled bore and adjustable rifle sights provide a significant improvement in performance compared to a smoothbore barrel, making it a capable deer hunting tool at a reasonable price. While recoil is a factor, it’s manageable with a good recoil pad.
The price is definitely justified. You are transforming a typical bird-shot shotgun into a capable and accurate medium-range rifle.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their Mossberg 500 for slug shooting. It is an affordable, reliable, and effective way to extend your effective range and improve your accuracy in the field. So, go ahead and give your Mossberg 500 a new lease on life!