What Makes Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte Stand Out?
The Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte is a shotgun that promises versatility and power, aimed at both the seasoned hunter and the serious sport shooter. Manufactured by Mossberg, a name synonymous with reliability in the firearms world, this particular model boasts a 24-inch barrel and a matte finish, hinting at its no-nonsense, practical design. The 935 series is known for its overbored barrel, designed to improve patterns and reduce recoil with heavier loads. This shotgun is designed to chamber up to 3.5″ shells, which is a major selling point.
What drew me to the Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte was the need for a versatile shotgun capable of handling various hunting scenarios, from waterfowl to turkey. I was looking for something that could reliably cycle a wide range of loads, and the 935 series’ reputation for handling heavy magnum shells was particularly appealing.
Upon unboxing, the Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte felt solid and well-built. The matte finish gives it a utilitarian look, and the overall weight felt balanced. It wasn’t excessively heavy, which is crucial for long days in the field.
I considered the Remington Versa Max and the Benelli Super Black Eagle III before settling on the Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte. While the Remington is known for its soft recoil, and the Benelli for its inertia-driven reliability, the Mossberg offered a more budget-friendly entry into the world of 3.5″ capable shotguns without sacrificing too much in terms of features. The lower price point made the Mossberg a compelling choice.
My first impression was positive; the shotgun felt robust and ready for action. It was a no-frills package, but that’s exactly what I was looking for – a dependable tool.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte was at a local shooting range, primarily to pattern the gun with different loads. I tested a variety of ammunition, from light target loads to heavy 3.5-inch magnum shells. The shotgun handled the transition fairly well, though I immediately noticed the difference in recoil between the lighter and heavier loads.
The range was dry and sunny, offering ideal conditions for testing. However, I made a point to simulate wet conditions later by spraying the action with water to see how it would function. There were no immediate issues with cycling or feeding, even with the simulated rain.
The Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte took a little getting used to, particularly the placement of the safety, which is on the top of the receiver. This placement differs from some other shotguns I’ve used. After about an hour of shooting, I became more comfortable with the gun’s operation.
The only minor issue I encountered was with the cycling of very light target loads. The shotgun occasionally failed to fully eject these rounds, suggesting it prefers slightly more powerful ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including a duck hunting trip and a few more range sessions, the Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte has proven to be a reliable performer. It has consistently cycled the majority of the ammunition I’ve fed it, and the matte finish has held up well against scratches and dings.
There are very few signs of wear and tear, even after being exposed to mud and water during the hunting trip. The finish seems durable, and the action remains smooth.
Maintenance is straightforward; a simple cleaning kit and some gun oil are all that’s needed to keep the Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte in good working order. Disassembly is relatively easy for cleaning.
Compared to my previous shotgun, a Beretta A300 Outlander, the Mossberg doesn’t quite match the Beretta’s refined feel and smooth cycling. However, the Mossberg‘s ability to handle 3.5-inch shells and its significantly lower price point make it a worthwhile trade-off.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte
Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge, capable of chambering 2 3/4″, 3″, and 3 1/2″ shells. This versatility is key for adapting to different game and hunting conditions.
- Barrel Length: 24 inches. The 24-inch barrel offers a good balance between maneuverability and effective range.
- Finish: Matte Black. The matte finish reduces glare and provides corrosion resistance.
- Overall Length: Approximately 44.75 inches. This length provides a manageable platform for most shooters.
- Weight: Approximately 7.75 lbs. The weight helps to absorb recoil without being overly cumbersome.
- Chamber: 3.5 inch. Being able to chamber 3.5″ shells is a major plus for waterfowl and turkey hunters seeking maximum power.
- Stock: Synthetic. The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant.
These specifications are significant because they contribute to the Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte‘s ability to function as a multi-purpose shotgun. The overbored barrel, combined with the ability to shoot 3.5-inch shells, makes it a formidable choice for waterfowl and turkey hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte performs admirably in most hunting and shooting scenarios. Accuracy is good with a variety of loads, and the overbored barrel helps to produce consistent patterns.
Its main strength lies in its reliability with a wide range of ammunition. However, as mentioned earlier, it can be finicky with very light target loads. The safety location could be a weakness for some, as it isn’t as intuitive as cross-bolt safeties found on some other shotguns.
Overall, the Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte meets my expectations for a durable and versatile shotgun at its price point. It isn’t the most refined shotgun on the market, but it gets the job done effectively.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, with the synthetic stock and matte finish contributing to a robust feel. The weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to carry and shoot for extended periods.
The Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte is fairly user-friendly, though the safety placement requires some familiarization. The controls are generally easy to operate, even with gloved hands.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte feels like it will last for many years with proper care. The synthetic stock and matte finish are resistant to wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only basic cleaning tools and lubricants. Disassembly is straightforward, making it easy to clean the action and barrel.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte comes with a set of choke tubes, allowing you to adjust the pattern for different hunting situations. You can use aftermarket chokes to enhance patterns.
The shotgun is compatible with various aftermarket accessories, including slings, shell holders, and optics. Adding a red dot sight can improve target acquisition in low-light conditions. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte
Pros
- Reliable cycling with a wide range of ammunition, including heavy 3.5″ magnum loads.
- Durable construction with a weather-resistant synthetic stock and matte finish.
- Versatile, suitable for various hunting applications, from waterfowl to turkey.
- Relatively affordable compared to other 3.5″ capable shotguns.
- Easy to maintain and clean.
Cons
- Can be finicky with very light target loads, sometimes failing to cycle them reliably.
- The safety placement on the top of the receiver may not be intuitive for all users.
- Not as refined in terms of fit and finish compared to higher-end shotguns.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte?
The Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte is perfect for hunters seeking a versatile and affordable shotgun capable of handling a wide range of game and ammunition. It’s particularly well-suited for waterfowl and turkey hunters who need the power of 3.5-inch shells.
Those who prioritize the utmost in smoothness and refinement might prefer a higher-end shotgun. Competitive shooters might also want to consider models with more adjustable features.
A must-have accessory is a good quality sling for carrying the shotgun in the field. Aftermarket choke tubes can also enhance performance with specific loads.
Conclusion on Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte
The Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte is a solid and reliable shotgun that offers excellent value for the money. It isn’t the most luxurious or refined option on the market, but it gets the job done effectively and consistently.
At a price of $275.39, it’s hard to argue with the value proposition. You’re getting a versatile shotgun capable of handling a wide range of ammunition, all wrapped in a durable and weather-resistant package.
I would definitely recommend the Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte to anyone looking for a dependable and affordable shotgun for hunting or sport shooting. If you’re looking for a workhorse that can handle just about anything you throw at it, give the Mossberg 90920 935 12 Gauge 24” Matte a serious look.