Mossberg 91356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base Review

Let’s Dive into Mossberg 91356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base

The Mossberg 91356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base offers a compelling solution for shotgun owners seeking enhanced accuracy and versatility. This fully rifled slug barrel, chambered in 12 gauge, boasts a 24-inch length and an integral scope base, all finished in a classic blued steel. It’s designed to convert your compatible shotgun into a dedicated slug gun for deer hunting or other applications where precision is paramount.

I was facing a familiar dilemma: maximizing the utility of my existing shotgun for deer season. I already owned a reliable Mossberg pump-action, primarily used for upland bird hunting, but lacked the specialized setup for accurate slug shooting at longer ranges. Rather than investing in a complete dedicated slug gun, the Mossberg 91356 presented an affordable and convenient barrel swap option.

The barrel arrived well-packaged, and my initial impression was positive. The bluing was deep and even, and the integral scope base appeared robustly constructed. The weight felt substantial, hinting at the barrel’s solid build and the rifling within.

Compared to purchasing a brand new, fully-equipped slug gun, this option felt more economical and efficient, leveraging my existing shotgun platform. Other options I considered included aftermarket scope mounts and cantilever barrels without integral bases. However, the Mossberg 91356’s one-piece design promised superior stability and zero retention, which ultimately swayed my decision.

I was genuinely excited. The potential to transform my bird gun into a capable deer hunting tool with a simple barrel swap was incredibly appealing.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 91356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, focusing on sighting in a new scope mounted on the Mossberg 91356 barrel. The weather was clear and dry, providing ideal conditions for accuracy testing at 50 and 100 yards. The swap itself was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes.

The rifled barrel exhibited impressive accuracy, consistently producing tight groups at 50 yards once the scope was dialed in. Recoil, as expected with a 12-gauge slug, was significant, but manageable. I did, however, notice a slight increase in muzzle rise compared to my smoothbore barrel, likely due to the added weight and altered balance.

There were no immediate malfunctions or failures to report. The integral scope base held zero throughout the initial testing session, confirming its robust design.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular range sessions and a full deer season in the field, the Mossberg 91356 barrel has proven its reliability. There has been no shift in point of impact even after repeated firing and transportation. The blued finish has held up well, showing only minor wear marks from handling.

Cleaning the rifled bore is a bit more involved than a smoothbore, requiring a bore brush and solvent to remove lead fouling. Regular cleaning after each range session or hunt is essential to maintain accuracy. It outperforms my previous attempts at using a smooth bore with sabot rounds, offering a significant improvement in consistency and effective range.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 91356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base

Specifications

• Gauge: 12 Gauge, providing ample stopping power for deer and other large game. This is a standard and readily available caliber.
• Barrel Length: 24 inches, striking a balance between maneuverability in dense cover and maximizing slug velocity for longer-range shots. Shorter barrels may compromise velocity while longer barrels may be unwieldy.
• Finish: Blued, offering a traditional aesthetic and a degree of corrosion resistance. The bluing provides a protective layer against rust and wear.
• Rifling: Fully Rifled, imparting spin to the slug for enhanced accuracy and extended range. Rifling stabilizes the slug for a flatter trajectory.
• Scope Base: Integral, providing a solid and stable platform for mounting optics. This eliminates potential alignment issues and ensures repeatable zero.
• Manufacturer: Mossberg, a reputable and well-known firearms manufacturer with a history of producing reliable products. Mossberg’s reputation lends confidence in the quality and performance of the barrel.

These specifications combine to create a purpose-built slug barrel that prioritizes accuracy, durability, and ease of use for hunters and sport shooters. The integral scope base, in particular, sets this barrel apart by providing a rock-solid mounting platform for optics.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 91356 excels in its primary function: delivering accurate and consistent slug placement at extended ranges. Accuracy with premium sabot slugs is consistently within 3-4 inches at 100 yards from a stable rest. This is a substantial improvement over smoothbore barrels.

The rifled bore effectively stabilizes slugs, resulting in a flatter trajectory and reduced bullet drop at longer distances. While recoil is significant, it’s comparable to other 12-gauge slug guns.

Design & Ergonomics

The blued steel construction feels solid and robust. The 24-inch length strikes a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.

The integral scope base is cleanly integrated into the barrel, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing appearance. There is a slight learning curve involved in adjusting to the increased weight and muzzle-heavy balance.

Durability & Maintenance

The blued finish provides adequate corrosion resistance. The rifled bore requires regular cleaning to prevent lead fouling and maintain accuracy.

With proper care and maintenance, the Mossberg 91356 barrel should provide years of reliable service. Regular cleaning and lubrication are key to preventing rust and corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory for this barrel is a suitable shotgun scope, ideally with magnification ranging from 2-7x or 3-9x. Mossberg offers a variety of compatible scopes, but the integral scope base is also compatible with Weaver-style scope rings, allowing for a wide range of aftermarket optic choices.

While the barrel itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, users can fine-tune their slug gun setup by experimenting with different slug brands and loads to find the optimal combination for their specific firearm and shooting style. Be sure to use only slugs specifically designed for rifled barrels.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 91356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base

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Who Should Buy Mossberg 91356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base?

The Mossberg 91356 is perfect for hunters who already own a compatible Mossberg 500 or 870 shotgun and want to convert it into a capable deer hunting tool for areas where shotguns are required or preferred. It is also ideal for shooters seeking enhanced accuracy for slug shooting competitions or recreational target practice.

This product is not ideal for individuals primarily focused on upland bird hunting or home defense. Those who are recoil-sensitive or prefer lighter, faster-handling shotguns may also find this barrel less appealing.

A high-quality shotgun scope with appropriate magnification and a ballistic reticle is a must-have accessory. A recoil-reducing stock or cheek pad may also enhance shooter comfort.

Conclusion on Mossberg 91356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base

The Mossberg 91356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Integral Scope Base is a worthwhile investment for Mossberg shotgun owners seeking to enhance their firearm’s accuracy and versatility for slug shooting. The integral scope base, combined with the fully rifled bore, provides a significant improvement in performance compared to smoothbore options.

At a price of $243.99, the Mossberg 91356 offers excellent value for money, particularly when compared to the cost of purchasing a dedicated slug gun. It provides a cost-effective and convenient way to expand the capabilities of your existing shotgun.

I would confidently recommend the Mossberg 91356 to any hunter or shooter looking to maximize the accuracy and potential of their Mossberg shotgun for slug shooting applications. Consider adding this game-changing barrel to your arsenal, and experience the thrill of precise slug placement for yourself!