The Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si Made a Bold First Impression
After a frustrating deer season using buckshot, I knew I needed a change. Buckshot had proven ineffective beyond 40 yards, leaving me empty-handed more often than not. I started researching options to extend my shotgun’s effective range, ultimately leading me to the Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si.
The Mossberg name carries weight in the firearms world, known for reliability and affordability. This barrel promised to transform my trusty Mossberg 500 into a legitimate slug gun, offering improved accuracy at longer ranges. I was particularly drawn to the fully rifled bore and the included adjustable rifle sights, features not found on standard smoothbore barrels.
Unboxing the barrel, I was immediately struck by its solid construction. The matte blued finish looked clean and professional, promising decent weather resistance. It felt heavier than my original smoothbore barrel, a testament to the added rifling and overall build quality.
I considered a few other options, including cantilever scope mount barrels and even a dedicated slug gun. However, the versatility of being able to swap barrels on my existing shotgun, coupled with the relatively low price of $220.99, made the Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si the clear winner. The other option from Remington was significantly more expensive. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – excited about the potential but also a little wary of whether it would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si was at my local shooting range. I wanted to get a feel for the barrel and dial in the sights before taking it into the field. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The initial groups at 50 yards were promising, but definitely needed some adjustment. After a few tweaks to the rifle sights, I started consistently hitting a 4-inch target at that distance. There was a noticeable increase in recoil compared to buckshot, but nothing unmanageable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of range time and a full deer season, the Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si has proven to be a reliable performer. I’ve put roughly 100 rounds through it, and it shows no signs of significant wear and tear. The matte blued finish has held up well, even after being exposed to rain and snow.
Cleaning the barrel after each use is straightforward, although the rifling requires a bit more scrubbing than a smoothbore. I’ve found that using a bore brush with a good solvent does the trick. Compared to my previous experiences with buckshot, this barrel has significantly improved my effective range and accuracy, resulting in a much more successful hunting season.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si
Specifications
The Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si is specifically designed for 12 gauge Mossberg 500 and 930 series shotguns. It features a 24-inch barrel length, providing a good balance between maneuverability and accuracy. The fully rifled bore is the key to its accuracy, imparting spin to slugs for improved stability and trajectory.
This model also comes equipped with adjustable rifle sights, allowing for precise zeroing and accurate shot placement. The matte blued finish provides a non-reflective surface, ideal for hunting scenarios, and offers a decent level of corrosion resistance. Weighing in around 3 pounds, it adds noticeable heft to your shotgun, contributing to improved recoil absorption.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si excels in its primary function: extending the effective range of a shotgun for deer hunting. With proper slugs and a well-sighted barrel, accurate shots out to 100 yards are achievable. The rifling effectively stabilizes the slug, resulting in tighter groupings compared to smoothbore barrels.
The adjustable rifle sights are easy to use and allow for precise adjustments, ensuring accurate shot placement at various distances. While the recoil is increased, it’s a manageable trade-off for the improved accuracy and range. The only real weakness is the reliance on slugs, which can be more expensive than buckshot.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si boasts a simple yet functional design. The matte blued finish is aesthetically pleasing and practical, minimizing glare in the field. The barrel integrates seamlessly with the Mossberg 500 and 930 receivers, requiring no modifications.
The added weight of the barrel contributes to better recoil management, although it may make the shotgun slightly less maneuverable in tight spaces. The adjustable rifle sights are well-positioned and easy to acquire, even in low-light conditions. There is a slight learning curve in getting used to the sight picture compared to a bead sight.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from high-quality steel with a durable matte blued finish, the Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. The rifling will eventually wear down with extensive use, but this is a normal consequence of shooting slugs.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring regular cleaning and lubrication. It’s important to thoroughly clean the rifling after each use to prevent lead buildup. The matte blued finish is relatively easy to touch up if scratches or blemishes occur.
Accessories and Customization Options
While the Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si comes with adjustable rifle sights, many users may choose to add an optic for improved accuracy. The barrel is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, providing a secure platform for attaching a scope or red dot sight. The Mossberg company makes and sells a cantilever scope mount specifically for the 500 series.
There are no other readily available customization options for the barrel itself. However, it is compatible with any Mossberg 500 or 930 shotgun that accepts interchangeable barrels. Choosing the right slugs is crucial for optimal performance, and experimenting with different brands and loads is recommended.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si
Pros
- Significantly improves accuracy and effective range compared to smoothbore barrels.
- Adjustable rifle sights allow for precise zeroing and accurate shot placement.
- The matte blued finish is durable and minimizes glare.
- Easy to install and integrates seamlessly with Mossberg 500 and 930 shotguns.
- Relatively affordable, offering excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Increased recoil compared to buckshot loads.
- Requires the use of slugs, which can be more expensive than buckshot.
- The matte blue finish can scratch if not cared for properly.
Who Should Buy Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si?
The Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si is perfect for hunters who need to extend the effective range of their Mossberg 500 or 930 shotgun for deer hunting. It’s also a great option for those who hunt in areas where rifles are not permitted, providing a viable alternative for accurate shots at longer distances. This is also a good product for budget minded hunters who would prefer to modify their existing shotgun, rather than buy a new rifle.
This barrel may not be suitable for those who primarily hunt small game or prefer the versatility of a smoothbore barrel for shooting various types of ammunition. Those who are recoil-sensitive may also want to consider other options, such as a muzzle brake or recoil pad. A must-have accessory is a quality scope or red dot sight for optimal accuracy.
Conclusion on Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si
Overall, the Mossberg Matte Blued Fully Rifled 12 Gauge Barrel w/Rifle Si is an excellent addition to any Mossberg 500 or 930 shotgun owner’s arsenal. It significantly improves accuracy and extends the effective range for deer hunting, providing a viable alternative to rifles in certain situations. The price of $220.99 is well justified, considering the performance and versatility it offers.
I would personally recommend this barrel to any hunter looking to upgrade their shotgun for deer season. It’s a reliable, accurate, and affordable way to improve your chances of success in the field. Upgrade your Mossberg today and experience the difference!