Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead Review

First Thoughts on the Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead

The Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead is a shotgun barrel designed as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement or upgrade. It caters to Mossberg 500 owners looking for a versatile 12-gauge barrel with a classic bead sight and interchangeable choke system. This barrel’s 28-inch length aims to balance maneuverability with effective range, making it suitable for various shooting applications.

I needed a reliable and adaptable barrel to replace the fixed modified choke on my trusty old Mossberg 500. My goal was to enhance the shotgun’s versatility for both upland bird hunting and occasional clay shooting. The appeal of an Accu-Set choke system, allowing me to tailor the shot pattern to different situations, was a major factor in my decision.

Unboxing the barrel revealed a simple, functional design. The matte blued finish, while not flashy, provides a practical and durable coating. The bead sight appeared cleanly installed, and the overall build quality seemed robust enough to withstand regular use.

Compared to aftermarket barrels offering extended choke tubes or specialized coatings, the Mossberg 90123 stood out for its simplicity and value. I chose this Mossberg barrel over a comparable Remington barrel due to my familiarity and positive experience with Mossberg firearms. The price point was also significantly more attractive than other options with similar features.

Initially, I was pleased with the apparent quality and straightforward design of the Mossberg 90123. It seemed like a practical and cost-effective solution to enhance my Mossberg 500’s capabilities. My excitement stemmed from the potential for improved versatility and performance in different shooting scenarios.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead at my local shooting range. This allowed me to pattern various choke options with target loads. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal testing conditions.

The barrel performed admirably, consistently delivering tight patterns with the full choke and more open patterns with the improved cylinder choke. It was easy to switch between chokes using the provided wrench, and the bead sight offered a clear and intuitive aiming point. I did notice a slight increase in recoil compared to my previous shorter barrel, which was expected.

There were no immediate issues. The barrel fit my Mossberg 500 perfectly, and the choke system functioned flawlessly. The consistent patterns across different chokes instilled confidence in the barrel’s reliability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Mossberg 90123 has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my Mossberg 500. I’ve used it extensively for both upland bird hunting and clay shooting. There are some slight wear marks on the blued finish from regular handling, but nothing significant.

The barrel remains easy to clean and maintain. A quick wipe-down after each use keeps it in good working order. I occasionally apply a thin coat of gun oil to prevent rust. The Mossberg 90123 outperforms my previous fixed-choke barrel by offering significantly greater versatility. It has allowed me to effectively engage targets at varying distances and with different shot sizes.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead

Specifications

The Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead boasts several key specifications. It is chambered in 12 Gauge, the most common shotgun caliber for hunting and sport shooting. The barrel length is 28 inches, considered a versatile length for a wide range of applications.

The barrel features a smooth bore. This makes it suitable for shot shells, but not for rifled slugs which require a rifled barrel. The finish is a matte blued, which provides corrosion resistance and reduces glare. The sight is a single bead, a simple and effective aiming point for shotguns.

The most significant specification is the Accu-Set choke system. This allows the user to install different chokes that determine the spread of the shot. This versatility is crucial for adapting to different hunting and shooting scenarios.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead performs its job admirably. It consistently delivers accurate and reliable shot patterns. The interchangeable choke system allows for fine-tuning the spread of shot, optimizing performance for various targets.

Its main strength lies in its versatility. It can be used for everything from close-range upland bird hunting to longer-range clay shooting. The main weakness is that the bead sight is relatively basic, lacking the precision of more advanced sights. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a general-purpose shotgun barrel.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead features a functional and practical design. The materials used are of good quality, ensuring durability. The weight is balanced, contributing to comfortable handling.

The design is simple and user-friendly. There’s no significant learning curve for experienced shotgun users. The matte blued finish provides a non-reflective surface, advantageous in hunting situations.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead is built to last. The steel barrel and durable finish should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple.

Regular cleaning and light lubrication are all that’s required to keep the barrel in good working condition. The Accu-Set chokes are also easy to clean and maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead comes with a choke wrench for easy choke tube changes. The primary customization option is the selection of different Accu-Set choke tubes. These are readily available from Mossberg and various aftermarket manufacturers.

The barrel is compatible with all Mossberg 500 receivers that accept interchangeable barrels. This allows for a wide range of customization options with other Mossberg 500 accessories, such as stocks and forends. You can also add aftermarket sights, but modification is generally required.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90123 500 12 Gauge 28″ Blued Bead