Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle Review

What You Didn’t Know About the Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of experience across diverse environments, I’ve learned that the right tool can make all the difference. My search for a reliable slug barrel for my Mossberg 835 platform recently led me to the Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle. This particular barrel, specifically designed for slug hunting, promised enhanced accuracy with its fully rifled bore and adjustable sights. I needed a barrel that could extend the effective range of my shotgun for the kind of precise shots required in certain hunting scenarios, particularly for whitetail deer in denser woodland where clean shots are paramount.

Upon receiving the barrel, my initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense engineering. The blued finish felt robust, and the weight of the 24-inch barrel suggested a sturdy construction. While I briefly considered other aftermarket options, the appeal of staying within the Mossberg ecosystem for guaranteed compatibility and performance was strong. My immediate reaction was a sense of anticipation, a quiet confidence that this replacement part would meet the demands of my intended use.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this slug barrel took place at my local outdoor shooting range, specifically on the 100-yard rifle range to accurately assess its slug performance. I paired it with a variety of 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch slugs from reputable manufacturers, focusing on saboted slugs designed for rifled barrels. The adjustable rifle sights were straightforward to use; a few clicks were all it took to zero the barrel in with the chosen slugs.

Conditions were fair for the initial outing – a crisp autumn afternoon with minimal wind. The barrel handled repeated firing without any noticeable degradation in accuracy, and the matte blued finish resisted minor scuffs from being handled. The ease of switching between different slug types and the consistent point of impact for each caliber of slug were immediately apparent.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of dedicated use across multiple hunting seasons and practice sessions, the Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle has proven its mettle. It’s become my go-to barrel for any situation requiring focused slug accuracy from my 835. Despite being exposed to the occasional light rain and dust on the range, the fully rifled bore has remained clean with minimal effort.

Durability has been excellent; there are no signs of cracks, stiffness, or significant wear on the blued finish, even after being taken in and out of gun cases countless times. Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick clean with a bore snake and appropriate solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. Compared to previous experiences with generic replacement barrels that often required constant adjustments and exhibited wider shot patterns, this Mossberg barrel offers a significant step up in consistent performance and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

Specifications

The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel is engineered with specific features to enhance slug shooting capabilities. It boasts a 24-inch length, which is ideal for slug stabilization and velocity. The fully rifled bore is crucial for imparting spin on slugs, significantly improving accuracy over a smoothbore.

The adjustable rifle sights provide a versatile aiming solution, allowing for precise adjustments to compensate for bullet drop and windage. This feature is a marked improvement over fixed bead sights, enabling shooters to dial in their preferred ammunition. The matte blued finish offers a durable, non-reflective surface that is resistant to corrosion, a vital characteristic for outdoor equipment.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this barrel is to deliver accurate slug shots, and in this regard, the Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle excels. It consistently groups saboted slugs within a tight pattern at 100 yards, often within a few inches of each other. This level of precision is paramount for ethical hunting, ensuring clean, humane shots.

A notable strength is the synergy between the fully rifled bore and modern sabot slugs; the rifling imparts an effective spin that translates directly into superior flight stability. The adjustable rifle sights are both robust and intuitive, offering a significant advantage for those who demand precision. If there’s a minor area for improvement, it would be the availability of different sight radius options, but for its intended purpose, it performs admirably.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Mossberg barrel is functional and built for purpose. The blued finish not only provides protection but also gives the barrel a classic, understated look. Its 24-inch length strikes a good balance between maneuverability in dense cover and achieving optimal velocity for slugs.

Ergonomically, the barrel is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Mossberg 835 platform. The adjustable rifle sights are positioned for a clear sight picture, and the adjustments are tactile and easy to manipulate even with gloves on. The overall build quality feels solid, instilling confidence in its durability and reliable performance in various field conditions.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle is built to last. The robust construction and blued finish suggest it can withstand years of regular use and exposure to the elements. Its design is relatively simple, which translates to fewer potential points of failure.

Maintenance is straightforward, focusing on keeping the fully rifled bore clean and free of debris. A standard cleaning kit with bore brushes and solvent is all that’s required. Given its solid construction and the inherent simplicity of a shotgun barrel, I anticipate this unit will provide reliable service for a very long time with minimal fuss.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific barrel model comes equipped with adjustable rifle sights, which function as an integrated aiming system. While it doesn’t include interchangeable chokes, as it is a dedicated slug barrel, its primary customization comes from the ability to precisely adjust its sights for ammunition and distance. It is designed to be a direct replacement for the original barrel on compatible Mossberg 835 models, ensuring a perfect fit.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

Who Should Buy Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle?

This barrel is an excellent choice for any hunter who uses a Mossberg 835 shotgun and wishes to maximize its effectiveness for slug hunting, particularly for large game like deer. It is ideal for those who value precision and require a dedicated slug barrel capable of reliable performance at extended ranges. Shooters looking for an upgrade from their factory smoothbore for slug use will find this an invaluable addition.

Those who primarily shoot birdshot or buckshot at closer ranges might not see the necessity for this specialized barrel. However, if you ever plan to hunt in areas where slug ammunition is mandated or simply desire the added accuracy for those longer, more challenging shots, this barrel is a sound investment. For optimal performance, pairing it with high-quality saboted slugs is highly recommended.

Conclusion on Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

The Mossberg 90805 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle barrel stands out as a highly capable and well-constructed component for any Mossberg 835 owner serious about slug performance. Its fully rifled bore and adjustable rifle sights work in concert to deliver impressive accuracy, making it a reliable tool for serious hunters. The build quality and blued finish further underscore its durability and value.

Considering its performance capabilities and the ability to significantly enhance the accuracy of your existing shotgun, the price point feels justified. I wholeheartedly recommend this barrel to any Mossberg 835 owner looking to transition their platform into a precise slug gun. If you’re aiming for cleaner shots and greater confidence in the field, this barrel is a worthwhile investment that will not disappoint.