Let’s Talk About Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
The Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is a specialized component designed to transform your Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun into a dedicated slug gun. This 24-inch barrel boasts adjustable rifle sights and a matte blued finish, catering to hunters and shooters seeking enhanced accuracy with slugs. It’s an intriguing piece of kit that promises to extend the versatility of a reliable platform.
I’ve always appreciated the flexibility of the Mossberg 835, but found its factory barrel lacking when it came to precise slug placement. Deer season in my neck of the woods often dictates slug guns, and the prospect of tighter groupings and better range was irresistible.
Unboxing the barrel revealed a solid, well-finished piece of steel. The bluing was even and deep, giving it a professional, durable appearance. The adjustable rifle sights were robust and clearly marked, inspiring confidence.
Compared to a smooth bore barrel with a bead sight, the Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel screamed precision. I also considered a cantilever scope mount barrel, but wanted to keep the setup streamlined and avoid the added weight. My first impression was excitement tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism – could it really deliver the accuracy I was hoping for?
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, a mix of indoor and outdoor bays catering to various firearms. I mounted the Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel onto my trusty 835 receiver, grabbed a selection of 12-gauge slugs, and headed to the 50-yard line. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze that didn’t seem to affect the slug’s trajectory noticeably.
The adjustable sights proved easy to zero, requiring only a few adjustments to get on target. I was impressed with the initial groupings, consistently hitting within a 4-inch circle at 50 yards. There were no malfunctions or extraction issues, which is always a plus.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I’ve used it during deer season in varying weather conditions, from crisp, dry mornings to damp, drizzly afternoons. The blued finish has held up well, showing only minor signs of wear from handling and transport.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, requiring only standard shotgun cleaning procedures. Compared to my previous slug setup, this barrel offers significantly improved accuracy and confidence in the field. It has outperformed my expectations, providing a noticeable advantage when taking longer shots.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Specifications
- Caliber or Gauge: 12 Gauge. This is the standard 12-gauge chambering, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of slug ammunition.
- Length: 24″. The 24-inch barrel provides a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
- Model: 835 Ulti-Mag Slug. Specifically designed for the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun receiver.
- Sights: Adjustable Rifle. These sights offer precise aiming capabilities, crucial for accurate slug placement.
- Bore Type: Cylinder Bore. A cylinder bore provides no constriction, allowing slugs to pass through without deformation, which is essential for accuracy.
- Finish: Blued. The blued finish provides a degree of corrosion resistance and a classic aesthetic.
- Type: Slug. This barrel is optimized for firing shotgun slugs, enhancing accuracy and range.
These specifications combine to create a barrel that is ideally suited for hunting deer and other game animals where slugs are required. The adjustable rifle sights, in particular, are a significant upgrade over traditional bead sights, allowing for more precise aiming and increased confidence at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel excels at its primary function: delivering accurate slug shots. I have consistently achieved tight groupings at 50 and even 75 yards with various slug types. The adjustable sights allow for fine-tuning to match specific ammunition.
The main strength lies in its accuracy; the primary weakness is that it limits the shotgun to slug use only. It meets and exceeds expectations for accuracy in a slug barrel.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, with a robust feel and durable blued finish. The weight is manageable, adding some heft to the shotgun but not making it unwieldy. It is relatively user-friendly with the adjustable sights.
Durability & Maintenance
The barrel appears durable and well-made. With proper cleaning and maintenance, it should last for many years of use. The blued finish is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only occasional oiling to prevent rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The barrel itself doesn’t require many additional accessories beyond ammunition. However, a sling can be beneficial for carrying the shotgun in the field. It is compatible with any accessories that fit the Mossberg 835 platform, such as shell holders and cheek risers.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Pros
- Significantly improved accuracy over smooth bore barrels with bead sights.
- Adjustable rifle sights allow for precise zeroing and fine-tuning.
- Durable blued finish offers good corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring only basic shotgun knowledge.
- Extends the versatility of the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun.
Cons
- Limited to slug use only; not suitable for birdshot or buckshot.
- Adds weight to the shotgun, which may be a concern for some users.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle?
The Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is perfect for hunters who primarily hunt deer in areas where slugs are required. It’s also a good choice for target shooters who want to practice with slugs for accuracy.
Those who need a versatile shotgun for a variety of game, or who prefer lighter setups, should skip this product. A must-have modification would be a quality set of scope rings if you decide to add an optic later on.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle
Overall, the Mossberg 90804 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is a worthwhile investment for Mossberg 835 owners seeking enhanced slug accuracy. The price is justified by the significant improvement in performance it offers.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to transform their Mossberg 835 into a dedicated slug gun. Upgrade your Mossberg 835 today and experience the difference that a dedicated slug barrel can make!