Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel Review

A Close Look at the Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel

For those of us who rely on the steadfast performance of a Mossberg 590 or 835 shotgun, the ability to securely attach a sling is not a luxury, but a necessity. The Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel set promises to deliver this essential functionality without invasive modifications. This particular set aims to equip a popular 12-gauge platform with the hardware needed for sling attachment at both the muzzle end and the buttstock.

My search for this specific hardware was driven by a practical need. While my personal workshop and field gear often involve more intricate tools, the simplicity of a sling attachment on a reliable scattergun is crucial for ease of transport and handling during various tasks, whether moving through dense brush or simply managing the firearm during maintenance. The promise of an easy, bolt-on solution was appealing.

Upon initial inspection, the components exude a sense of purpose. The steel construction of the swivels themselves feels robust, and the replacement magazine cap appears to be a direct, albeit modified, factory component. My first impression was one of functional design, prioritizing durability and ease of integration into an existing firearm platform.

In considering alternatives, I briefly looked into more specialized aftermarket options and even considered DIY solutions. However, the established reputation of Uncle Mike’s for producing reliable firearm accessories, coupled with the all-in-one nature of this kit, made it the most straightforward choice for immediate utility. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism; the components looked good, and the concept was sound.

Real-World Testing: Putting Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel to the Test

First Use Experience

The testing grounds for this swivel set were my familiar workshop and a local shooting range, scenarios where the utility of a slung shotgun is most evident. The primary objective was to assess the ease of installation and the immediate functionality of the assembled sling attachment points. I focused on how the set integrated with my Mossberg 590.

The installation process involved swapping the factory magazine cap and screwing a base into the buttstock. I encountered some initial difficulty with the magazine cap. While advertised for the 590, it did not appear to be a direct thread-on replacement for my specific model’s magazine cap nut. This necessitated a brief pause and a re-evaluation of the fitment, which, as I later confirmed, is a known point of contention for some 590 variants.

The buttstock swivel installation was straightforward, requiring only a pilot hole and the wood screw base. The included Uncle Mike’s Super Swivels themselves attach and detach with a satisfying click, indicating a secure lock. The ease of use for the swivels once installed was excellent, providing a smooth transition for sling manipulation.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of handling the shotgun and a couple of range trips, the Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel hardware has held up reasonably well in terms of its core function, provided the magazine cap component could be properly secured. The buttstock swivel base has shown no signs of loosening or compromise, even when the shotgun was slung and carried for extended periods during walks to and from the range.

The steel swivels themselves have resisted superficial scratches and scuffs, suggesting a decent surface treatment. The mechanism for attaching and detaching the sling has remained smooth and responsive, without any hint of stiffness or sticking. Cleaning and general maintenance have been uncomplicated, as the components are exposed and easily accessible.

When compared to integrated sling points on other firearms or older, less refined swivel designs I’ve used, this set offers a functional solution. However, the persistent issue with the magazine cap fitment prevents a glowing endorsement for universal application, even within the models it claims to support.

Breaking Down the Features of Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel

Specifications

The Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel set, specifically Set No. 1811-2, is designed for 12-gauge Mossberg 590 and 835 shotguns. The kit includes a replacement magazine cap with swivel base, a 3/4″ wood screw butt-stock swivel base, and two Super Swivels which are stated to be 1″ in diameter. The primary material for the swivels is steel, finished in black.

The magazine cap component is intended to provide a QD (quick-detach) point at the front of the shotgun, eliminating the need to alter the barrel nut or end cap. The buttstock swivel base, a common wood screw-in type, offers a secondary attachment point, crucial for a balanced sling setup. The inclusion of two Super Swivels means both the front and rear points are ready for sling attachment and quick release.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this set is to provide secure sling attachment points. The buttstock swivel base performs this role admirably, offering a solid anchor for a sling. The Super Swivels themselves operate smoothly, allowing for quick attachment and detachment of the sling, a feature that is highly convenient for storage or quick configuration changes.

Where functionality falters is with the magazine cap swivel base. As noted in user feedback and my own experience, it is not a direct replacement for all Mossberg 590 models, specifically those with a certain type of magazine cap nut. This critical component’s inability to reliably fit limits the overall effectiveness of the set, preventing it from achieving its intended purpose for a wider range of users.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel set leans towards rugged utility. The steel construction of the swivels conveys a sense of durability, and the black finish is understated and functional, blending well with typical shotgun furniture. The 3/4″ wood screw butt-stock swivel base is a classic, time-tested design that, when installed correctly into solid wood, provides a very secure anchor.

Ergonomically, the Super Swivels are well-designed. They are large enough to be easily manipulated with gloves on, and their QD mechanism is intuitive and positive. However, the design of the magazine cap swivel base is problematic; its incompatibility with certain factory configurations detracts significantly from its ergonomic design and overall user experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction of the Uncle Mike’s swivels suggests good long-term durability. Under normal use, these components are unlikely to fail. The buttstock swivel base, being a screw-in type, is also inherently robust, assuming it’s installed into suitable stock material.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving occasional wiping down to prevent dirt or debris buildup. The QD mechanism of the swivels is generally self-cleaning to a degree, but a quick spray of lubricant can keep it operating smoothly. The primary concern regarding durability and long-term use is the fitment issue of the magazine cap, which, if it doesn’t thread on correctly, renders that part of the system useless and potentially compromises the integrity of the magazine cap assembly itself.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel set comes with its essential components: a replacement magazine cap with a swivel socket, a buttstock swivel base, and two 1″ Super Swivels. There are no additional accessories included.

Regarding customization, the Super Swivels are designed to work with standard sling loops that utilize a QD socket. The buttstock base is a fixed screw-in point. The magazine cap component is proprietary to this kit and does not offer further customization beyond the integrated swivel socket. Its compatibility with other brands is essentially non-existent, as it is designed to replace a specific part of the Mossberg shotgun.

Pros and Cons of Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel

Who Should Buy Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel?

This swivel set is primarily for owners of a Mossberg 590 or 835 shotgun who are comfortable with the possibility of the magazine cap not fitting their specific model. If you have a wooden stock and are willing to drill a pilot hole, the buttstock portion of this kit will likely serve you well. It’s best suited for individuals looking for a budget-friendly way to add a sling mount, provided they can verify or are willing to gamble on the magazine cap fitment.

Users who require a guaranteed fit for their Mossberg shotgun, especially those with newer variants or specific magazine cap designs, should look elsewhere. Those who prefer not to modify their firearm’s stock at all might also want to explore clamp-on or adapter-based sling mounts instead. For an effective setup, a compatible QD sling is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel

The Uncle Mike’s Mossberg 590/835 Swivel set presents a mixed bag of functionality and frustration. The steel construction of the swivels and the effectiveness of the buttstock swivel base are commendable, offering a durable and accessible way to add a sling point. However, the significant and frequently reported issue with the magazine cap’s compatibility is a substantial drawback that cannot be overlooked.

For its price, the set could offer excellent value, but only if both components fit the intended firearm. The Uncle Mike’s name generally suggests reliability, but this specific product seems to suffer from inconsistent manufacturing or design application across different firearm variants.

Ultimately, I would recommend this set with a strong caveat. If you are confident that the magazine cap will fit your specific Mossberg 590 or 835, and you are looking for an economical solution for sling attachment, then it might be worth considering. However, for anyone seeking a guaranteed fit or who is hesitant about potential fitment issues, exploring alternative, model-specific sling adapters or more universally compatible systems would be a wiser investment.