Let’s Dive into Mossberg 92356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Cantilever Scope Mount
The Mossberg 92356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Cantilever Scope Mount offers Remington 870 owners a dedicated slug barrel solution, turning their versatile shotgun into a precision deer hunting tool. This barrel features a fully rifled bore, a cantilever scope mount for rock-solid optics placement, and a 24-inch length optimized for slug accuracy.
As a seasoned hunter always seeking to improve my effective range and precision with a shotgun, especially in areas with specific slug-only regulations, I was immediately drawn to this offering. My goal was to find a reliable and accurate way to extend my shotgun’s capabilities without having to invest in a dedicated slug gun.
Upon unboxing, the Mossberg barrel presented itself as a robust and well-finished piece of equipment. The blued finish looked impeccable, and the cantilever mount appeared solid and ready for an optic. The rifling inside the barrel was clean and well-defined, promising good slug stabilization.
Compared to a smoothbore barrel with open sights, the Mossberg 92356 offered a significant upgrade in terms of potential accuracy. Other aftermarket rifled barrels exist, but often lack an integrated cantilever mount, requiring gunsmithing or less stable mounting solutions. This Mossberg barrel appeared to be a convenient and complete package.
My initial impression was one of excitement. Finally, I could transform my trusty Remington 870 into a specialized slug gun with minimal fuss and hopefully, excellent results.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 92356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Cantilever Scope Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Mossberg 92356 was dedicated to zeroing the optic and testing different slug types. I set up targets at 50 and 100 yards to gauge the barrel’s accuracy potential.
The barrel performed admirably, especially after finding the right ammunition. Sabot slugs, in particular, showed excellent grouping potential, easily staying within 3 inches at 100 yards once the scope was dialed in. Recoil was manageable, though noticeable, as expected with a 12-gauge slug gun.
The only issue I encountered was initially tightening the cantilever mount screws sufficiently. A few shots caused minor scope shift until I properly torqued the screws down, highlighting the importance of proper installation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full deer season using the Mossberg 92356, I can attest to its reliability. The barrel maintained its zero throughout numerous hunts in varying weather conditions, from crisp, cold mornings to damp, drizzly afternoons.
Durability has proven to be excellent. The blued finish has held up well with minimal wear, and the cantilever mount remains rock solid.
Cleaning the rifled bore requires a bit more attention than a smoothbore, but is manageable with a good quality bore brush and solvent. Routine maintenance, including cleaning and light oiling, has kept the barrel in excellent condition. This barrel is a substantial upgrade from previous slug hunting experiences with a bead-sighted smoothbore, providing significantly improved accuracy and effective range.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 92356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Cantilever Scope Mount
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Mossberg. A well-known and respected name in the firearms industry.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. The most common shotgun gauge, offering a wide range of slug ammunition options.
- Barrel Length: 24 inches. A good compromise between maneuverability and achieving optimal slug velocity and stabilization.
- Finish: Blued. Provides a protective layer against corrosion and a classic, understated look.
- Gun Make: Remington. Specifically designed for Remington 870 shotguns, ensuring proper fit and function.
- Gun Model: Remington Model 870. Confirms compatibility, but importantly, NOT for 3.5″ magnum receivers.
- Caliber: 12 Gauge. Again, specifies ammunition compatibility.
These specifications are crucial for understanding the barrel’s intended use and compatibility. The rifled bore and cantilever mount directly translate to improved accuracy and the ability to use magnified optics for longer-range shots.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg 92356 excels at its primary purpose: converting a Remington 870 into an accurate slug gun. The rifled bore effectively stabilizes slugs, dramatically improving accuracy compared to smoothbore barrels.
Its cantilever mount provides a stable platform for mounting scopes, allowing for precise aiming and longer-range engagements. The barrel consistently delivers groupings of 3 inches or less at 100 yards with quality sabot slugs. There are no significant weaknesses in its performance.
The barrel meets and exceeds expectations for a dedicated slug barrel. It’s a significant upgrade over using a smoothbore barrel with iron sights for deer hunting in slug-only areas.
Design & Ergonomics
The barrel’s design is functional and straightforward. The blued finish is well-applied and provides a durable, corrosion-resistant layer.
The weight is balanced, not making the shotgun unwieldy. Installation is simple, requiring only basic tools and gunsmithing knowledge.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mossberg 92356 is built to last. The blued steel construction is robust and resistant to wear and tear.
Maintaining the barrel is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is essential to prevent lead buildup in the rifling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mossberg 92356 comes with the integrated cantilever scope mount, which is its primary accessory. This allows users to easily attach their preferred scope for enhanced accuracy.
While the barrel itself offers limited customization options, the Remington 870 platform is highly customizable. Users can swap out stocks, forends, and other accessories to personalize their shotgun to their liking. The barrel is compatible with most Remington 870 accessories, provided they don’t interfere with the cantilever mount or require a longer receiver (3.5″ magnum).
Pros and Cons of Mossberg 92356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Cantilever Scope Mount
Pros
- Significantly improved accuracy compared to smoothbore barrels for slug hunting.
- Integrated cantilever scope mount provides a stable and reliable platform for optics.
- Easy to install on any standard Remington 870 12-gauge (non-3.5″ magnum) shotgun.
- Durable blued finish resists corrosion and wear.
- Extends the effective range and versatility of your existing shotgun.
Cons
- Requires regular cleaning to prevent lead buildup in the rifling.
- Specifically designed for standard (2.75″ and 3″) 12-gauge Remington 870 models only; not compatible with 3.5″ magnum receivers.
Who Should Buy Mossberg 92356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Cantilever Scope Mount?
Perfect for: Hunters in areas with shotgun-only restrictions who want to maximize their accuracy and effective range when using slugs. Also a great addition for those wanting to have dedicated setup without needing to buy a whole new firearm.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who primarily hunt in areas where rifles are permitted and prefer the range and power of a rifle. Also, those who do not own a Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality scope is essential to take full advantage of the barrel’s accuracy potential. A good bore cleaning kit is also necessary for maintaining the rifling.
Conclusion on Mossberg 92356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Cantilever Scope Mount
The Mossberg 92356 Extra Barrels 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Cantilever Scope Mount is a well-designed and effective upgrade for Remington 870 owners seeking to improve their slug gun accuracy. It transforms a standard shotgun into a dedicated deer hunting tool, extending effective range and boosting confidence in the field.
At a price of $294.39, the value proposition is strong. It offers a significant performance upgrade at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a dedicated slug gun.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Mossberg 92356 to any hunter looking to enhance their Remington 870’s slug hunting capabilities. It’s a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-install solution that will undoubtedly improve your success in the field. Upgrade your Remington 870 today and experience the difference a dedicated slug barrel can make!