Mossberg Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel Review

Let’s Dive into Mossberg Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel

The Mossberg Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel offers a practical upgrade for Remington 870 owners seeking enhanced maneuverability and a focus on home defense or tactical applications. This 18.5-inch barrel, manufactured by Mossberg, provides a significant reduction in overall shotgun length, making it easier to handle in confined spaces. It’s a blued steel barrel designed as a direct replacement, streamlining the process of converting a sporting 870 into a dedicated security firearm.

I needed a shorter, more manageable barrel for my trusted Remington 870 Wingmaster. My aging back forty got a little too active with various varmints and I also wanted something more suitable for home defense given its proximity to the property. My primary goal was improving handling without sacrificing the reliability I’ve come to expect from the 870 platform.

Upon unboxing, I was impressed by the deep bluing and clean machining of the Mossberg barrel. It felt solid and well-made, giving me confidence in its durability. The weight felt balanced, suggesting it wouldn’t drastically alter the shotgun’s feel.

I considered a few other options, including a factory Remington barrel and some aftermarket offerings from other manufacturers. Ultimately, the Mossberg barrel won out due to its competitive price point and the positive reputation Mossberg has earned over the years. The positive user reviews also gave me the boost I needed.

I was definitely excited to get this barrel installed and see how it performed. The promise of improved maneuverability in tight spaces had me eager to hit the range and try it out. It felt like a serious upgrade for an already reliable shotgun.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my usual outdoor shooting range, focusing on close-quarters drills and pattern testing at various distances. I wanted to evaluate its performance with different loads, from birdshot for varmints to buckshot for home defense scenarios. The weather was clear and dry, ideal for an initial shake down.

The Mossberg barrel performed admirably, exhibiting consistent patterns and smooth cycling. The shorter length made maneuvering around barricades noticeably easier, and target acquisition felt quicker. There were no hiccups in cycling or ejection and I immediately noticed the reduced swing weight, making it easier to transition between targets.

Installation was straightforward and the barrel fit snugly with no play. No additional tools were needed beyond a punch to remove the magazine tube cap. The factory bead sight was adequate for my intended purpose, though I may consider upgrading to a fiber optic sight in the future.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Mossberg Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel continues to perform flawlessly. The blued finish has held up well, showing only minor wear marks from repeated handling. My 870 lives in the truck, so this is very impressive to me.

The barrel has proven to be remarkably durable, with no signs of warping or cracking. Even after firing hundreds of rounds, including some heavy magnum loads, it still locks up tight and cycles reliably. The internal bore remains clean and free of pitting.

Cleaning is simple, requiring only a bore brush and solvent after each range session. A light coat of oil on the exterior helps prevent rust and corrosion. This simple regimen has kept it in excellent condition.

Compared to my previous 28-inch barrel, the Mossberg offers a significant improvement in handling and maneuverability. It has transformed my Remington 870 into a more versatile and practical firearm for both home defense and varmint control. I no longer feel like I’m swinging a musket in tight quarters.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Mossberg. Mossberg is a well-respected name in the firearms industry, known for producing reliable and affordable shotguns and accessories.

• Finish: Blued. The blued finish provides a degree of corrosion resistance and a traditional aesthetic.

• Barrel Length: 18.5 in. This length is ideal for close-quarters scenarios, offering a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.

• Gauge: 12. The 12-gauge is a versatile and widely available shotgun caliber, suitable for a variety of applications.

• Gun Make: Remington. This barrel is specifically designed for Remington 870 shotguns.

• Gun Model: Remington Model 870. This ensures proper fit and function with the 870 platform.

• Condition: New. The barrel arrives in pristine, unfired condition.

• Caliber: 12 Gauge. (Redundant, but included for completeness).

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel excels in its intended role as a close-quarters defensive tool. The shorter barrel length makes it easier to swing and maneuver in tight spaces, while still providing sufficient barrel length for accurate shot patterns. The bead sight is adequate for quick target acquisition.

The primary strength of this barrel is its ability to transform a sporting shotgun into a more manageable and effective defensive firearm. The primary weakness is the lack of interchangeable choke tubes, which limits its versatility for hunting applications. It performs as advertised, providing a reliable and affordable upgrade for the 870 platform.

Design & Ergonomics

The barrel is well-built, using quality steel and a durable blued finish. The weight is balanced, and the shorter length makes the shotgun easier to handle. The bead sight is simple but effective.

The installation process is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and minimal gunsmithing knowledge. The smooth bore is easy to clean, and the overall design is user-friendly. There is no learning curve beyond the standard operation of the Remington 870.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction and blued finish suggest that this barrel will last for many years with proper care. The bore is chrome-lined, offering improved resistance to wear and corrosion. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent rust and maintain optimal performance.

The Remington 870 is known for its reliability and ease of maintenance, and this barrel is no exception. Replacement parts are readily available, and the design is simple enough for most users to perform basic repairs. The Mossberg barrel is built to withstand the rigors of regular use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel is compatible with a wide range of Remington 870 accessories. This includes aftermarket sights, such as fiber optic beads or ghost ring sights. Tactical forends, shell carriers, and sling mounts are also readily available and easy to install.

While the barrel itself does not feature interchangeable choke tubes, aftermarket adapters are available that allow the use of Rem Choke tubes. This can add some versatility for hunting or sporting clays. The ability to customize the shotgun with a variety of accessories enhances its overall value and usability.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg Remington 870 12 Gauge Security Barrel