Let’s Dive into Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights
The Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights barrel is more than just a replacement part; it’s a specialized tool designed to enhance the versatility of your Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun. This 24-inch, 12-gauge barrel, with its adjustable sights and cylinder bore, is purpose-built for slug shooting, offering improved accuracy and control. It promises to transform your general-purpose shotgun into a dedicated slug gun for deer hunting or other applications where precision is paramount.
My need for this barrel stemmed from a desire to extend the range and effectiveness of my Mossberg 835 for deer hunting in areas where rifles are prohibited. I was looking for a way to achieve rifle-like accuracy with a shotgun, and the Mossberg 835 platform seemed like a good place to start. The prospect of converting my trusty waterfowl gun into a capable deer hunting tool, without the expense of purchasing a dedicated slug gun, was incredibly appealing.
Upon receiving the barrel, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction and the quality of the blued finish. The adjustable sights were robust and offered a clear sight picture. The weight felt substantial, which I anticipated would help with recoil management. Compared to other aftermarket slug barrels, the integrated adjustable sights of the Mossberg 90800 set it apart, offering a complete and ready-to-go solution without needing to add aftermarket optics.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential accuracy and versatility the barrel offered, but also aware that aftermarket barrels can sometimes be finicky. I was eager to see if the Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights would live up to the hype and transform my shotgun into the accurate and reliable slug gun I envisioned.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, specifically designed for shotgun and rifle accuracy testing. I tested the Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights with a variety of 12-gauge slugs from different manufacturers to determine which brand and load offered the best accuracy. The weather was clear and mild, offering ideal shooting conditions.
The performance was impressive. The adjustable sights allowed me to quickly zero the barrel for my preferred slug load. Recoil was manageable, thanks to the barrel’s weight and the Mossberg 835’s overall design. One initial surprise was how much difference the various slug brands made; some patterns were tight and consistent, while others spread dramatically.
Ease of use was straightforward, as the barrel swap was simple. No gunsmithing was required. The adjustable sights, however, needed a bit of tweaking to get dialed in perfectly, but the process was intuitive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunting trip, the Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights has proven to be a reliable and accurate addition to my Mossberg 835. Durability has been excellent, with no signs of wear and tear on the blued finish or the adjustable sights. The barrel continues to perform consistently, delivering tight groupings with my chosen slug load.
Maintenance and care are minimal, requiring only a standard cleaning after each shooting session to remove powder residue and prevent corrosion. Compared to my previous experiences with smooth-bore barrels and bead sights, the accuracy improvement with the Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights is significant. It has truly transformed my Mossberg 835 into a confident and effective deer hunting tool.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights
Specifications
Caliber or Gauge: 12 Gauge. This makes it compatible with a wide range of readily available 12-gauge slug ammunition.
Length: 24″. The shorter barrel length makes the shotgun more maneuverable in dense hunting environments.
Model: 835 Ulti-Mag Slug. Specifically designed for the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag platform, ensuring proper fit and function.
Sights: Adjustable. The adjustable sights allow for precise zeroing with different slug loads, enhancing accuracy.
Bore Type: Cylinder Bore. The cylinder bore provides optimal performance with slugs, as it doesn’t constrict the projectile.
Finish: Blued. The blued finish offers corrosion resistance and a classic aesthetic.
These specifications are crucial for performance because they address the key factors affecting slug accuracy. The cylinder bore is essential for preventing over-constriction of the slug, which can lead to inconsistent flight. Adjustable sights allow you to dial in your preferred slug load for maximum accuracy, and the 24″ barrel provides a balance between velocity and maneuverability.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights performs admirably, delivering consistent accuracy with properly matched slugs. It is significantly more accurate than using a general-purpose barrel with bead sights. The adjustable sights are easy to use and provide a clear sight picture, even in low-light conditions.
The main strength lies in its ability to transform a general-purpose Mossberg 835 into a dedicated slug gun, enhancing its versatility. One area for potential improvement would be the addition of a pre-installed scope rail for those who prefer optics over iron sights. It meets and exceeds expectations for accuracy and functionality for slug hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, utilizing durable materials and a well-executed blued finish. The barrel’s weight helps to dampen recoil. The ergonomics are straightforward; swapping the barrel is simple, and the adjustable sights are intuitive to use.
There is no significant learning curve. Anyone familiar with firearms will find it easy to install and use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights is built to last, with a robust construction and durable finish. Regular cleaning and lubrication are sufficient to maintain its performance. The blued finish offers good corrosion resistance.
It’s designed to last for many years with proper care. Simple cleaning and lubrication after each use will keep it in good condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The barrel itself does not come with any additional accessories beyond the adjustable sights. However, it is compatible with the Mossberg 835 platform, meaning that a wide range of aftermarket accessories can be used, such as different chokes (though not necessary for slug use), slings, and shell carriers. While it doesn’t come with a scope rail, aftermarket options are available to add optics.
The Mossberg 835’s compatibility with numerous aftermarket parts allows for extensive customization to suit individual preferences. Options include adding a recoil pad for increased comfort, a cheek riser for better sight alignment with optics, or different sling mounts for carrying the shotgun in various configurations.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights
Pros
- Dramatically improves accuracy compared to smooth-bore barrels with bead sights when shooting slugs.
Cons
- No pre-installed scope rail might require additional expense for those who prefer optics.
Adjustable sights allow for precise zeroing with various slug loads.
Easy to install with no gunsmithing required.
Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
Enhances the versatility of the Mossberg 835, turning it into a capable deer hunting gun.
Cylinder bore only limits versatility for other shotgun applications requiring choked barrels.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights?
The Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights is perfect for hunters who own a Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag and want to use it for deer hunting in areas where rifles are not permitted or for those who prefer the knockdown power of a 12-gauge slug. It’s also a great option for those looking for an affordable way to add a dedicated slug gun to their collection without purchasing an entirely new firearm.
Hunters who primarily use their shotguns for bird hunting or clay shooting might not find this barrel particularly useful, as the cylinder bore is not ideal for those applications. Similarly, those who prefer using rifles for deer hunting or who already own a dedicated slug gun may not need this accessory.
A must-have accessory would be a quality set of slug ammunition, specifically chosen for optimal accuracy with this barrel. An optional, but highly recommended, modification would be the addition of a scope rail for those who prefer using optics.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights
The Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights is a valuable addition for Mossberg 835 owners looking to enhance their shotgun’s versatility and accuracy for slug hunting. The price is justified by the significant improvement in accuracy and the convenience of the adjustable sights. It transforms the standard Mossberg 835 into a reliable and effective deer hunting tool.
I would highly recommend the Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights to anyone seeking to maximize the potential of their Mossberg 835 for slug shooting. Upgrade your Mossberg 835 today and experience the difference that a dedicated slug barrel can make!