The Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued Made a Bold First Impression
For years, the Remington 870 has been a staple in American gun safes, known for its reliability and adaptability. However, I recently decided to breathe new life into my trusty 870 with the Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued, seeking enhanced maneuverability and home defense capabilities. This barrel promised a shorter length for tighter spaces and a classic blued finish.
My old 28-inch barrel felt cumbersome for close-quarters drills, especially navigating the hallways of my home. I wanted a dedicated security barrel, and the Mossberg name, despite being known for their own shotguns, intrigued me, promising quality and compatibility. The promise of a simple swap and improved handling was the main draw.
The barrel arrived in a simple, protective package. Upon unboxing, the blued finish gleamed nicely, and the overall construction felt solid. It wasn’t flashy, but it had a practical, no-nonsense aesthetic that I appreciated.
I considered a few other options before settling on the Mossberg barrel. A few aftermarket brands offered similar barrels, but I trusted Mossberg’s reputation and OEM experience. The price point was also reasonable, making it an easy decision.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The fit and finish appeared excellent, and I was eager to see how it would perform on the range. The Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued seemed like a solid upgrade, promising improved handling and a more tactical feel for my 870.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued to my local shooting range for its maiden voyage. My range has both indoor and outdoor bays, giving me the chance to try it under different lighting. I focused on pattern testing at various distances.
The shorter barrel was instantly noticeable in terms of handling. It swung much faster and was easier to maneuver in the confined shooting bay. The cylinder bore delivered a wide pattern at close range, ideal for home defense scenarios.
There were no immediate issues, such as failure to feed or eject. The installation was straightforward, and the barrel felt secure on my 870 receiver. I quickly got comfortable with the new sight picture and the reduced weight.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and numerous dry-fire drills, the Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued continues to impress. There are no visible signs of wear or tear on the blued finish. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, without any issues.
The barrel is easy to clean with standard shotgun cleaning supplies. A quick wipe-down after each use keeps it in good condition. The blued finish has held up well against rust and corrosion.
Compared to my original 28-inch barrel, this Mossberg barrel is a significant improvement for close-quarters situations. It’s lighter, more maneuverable, and delivers a devastating pattern at short distances. The difference is night and day.
Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued
Specifications
The Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued is designed specifically for 12-gauge Remington 870 shotguns. It boasts an 18.5-inch barrel length, ideal for maneuverability in tight spaces. The cylinder bore choke provides a wide shot pattern, advantageous for close-range engagements.
The blued finish offers a classic look while providing some corrosion resistance. It features a simple bead sight for quick target acquisition. The barrel is explicitly not compatible with 870 3.5″ Magnum models, so compatibility is key.
These specifications directly impact the shotgun’s performance. The shorter barrel makes it easier to swing and maneuver. The cylinder bore ensures a wide spread for improved hit probability at close range.
Performance & Functionality
The Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued excels in its intended role as a security barrel. Its accuracy at close range is excellent, delivering consistent patterns within 15-20 yards. The reliability has been flawless throughout my testing.
The barrel functions exactly as expected, providing a noticeable increase in handling speed and close-quarters effectiveness. The only potential drawback is the reduced effective range compared to longer barrels. It’s purpose-built for short-range encounters.
It meets and exceeds my expectations for a security barrel. It offers a perfect balance of maneuverability, firepower, and reliability. I would highly recommend it for home defense or tactical applications.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, with a well-machined barrel and a smooth blued finish. The barrel fits snugly on my Remington 870 receiver without any wobble or play. The weight is balanced, making the shotgun feel comfortable in hand.
The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills. The bead sight is easy to see and provides a clear point of reference. There is no significant learning curve; it is a straightforward barrel swap.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued is built to last. The blued finish is holding up well against wear and tear. Regular cleaning and lubrication should ensure years of reliable service.
The barrel is easy to clean and maintain with standard shotgun cleaning tools. The blued finish may require occasional oiling to prevent rust, particularly in humid environments. It seems like there would be no difficulty repairing it.
Accessories and Customization Options
The barrel itself is a standalone product and does not come with any included accessories beyond what is noted. However, it is compatible with a wide range of Remington 870 accessories. These accessories can greatly enhance the functionality and appearance of the firearm.
Popular customization options include aftermarket sights (e.g., fiber optic or tritium), sling attachments, and forend grips. The standard 870 magazine extension tubes also fit without any modification. This makes it easy to adapt the shotgun to specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued
Pros
- Significantly improved maneuverability for close-quarters situations.
- Cylinder bore delivers a wide, devastating pattern at short ranges.
- Mossberg quality and reliability ensure years of dependable service.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring no specialized tools.
- Reasonable price point makes it an accessible upgrade for any 870 owner.
Cons
- Reduced effective range compared to longer barrels.
- Blued finish may require occasional oiling to prevent rust.
Who Should Buy Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued?
The Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued is perfect for homeowners seeking a reliable and effective home defense weapon. It’s also well-suited for law enforcement officers or security personnel who need a compact and maneuverable shotgun. It can be used in tactical training and shooting sports where close-range engagements are common.
Those who primarily use their shotguns for long-range hunting or clay shooting should skip this product. They will likely find the shorter barrel and cylinder bore limiting. People looking for the tightest patterns and greatest range might want a different barrel.
A must-have accessory is a quality weapon light to aid in target identification in low-light conditions. A sling is also recommended for hands-free carry and improved weapon retention. A magazine extension would give you more rounds available.
Conclusion on Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued
The Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued is a fantastic upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their 870’s home defense capabilities. It offers a perfect balance of maneuverability, firepower, and reliability. The fact that it is made by Mossberg is a real bonus.
The price is justified by the quality of the barrel and the significant improvement it provides in close-quarters scenarios. It makes the 870 more functional. I would absolutely recommend this barrel to anyone seeking a reliable and effective security upgrade for their Remington 870.
If you’re looking to transform your 870 into a dedicated home defense weapon, look no further than the Mossberg Shotgun Barrel for Remington 870 12 Ga Security Barrel 18.5″ Blued. Upgrade your shotgun today. You won’t be disappointed.