Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge Rifle Review

Getting Started with the Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

The Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle offers a versatile option for shotgun owners looking to enhance their firearm’s capabilities. This particular barrel is designed as a drop-in replacement for compatible Mossberg 500 shotguns, transforming them into slug-shooting rifles for improved accuracy at longer ranges. The fully rifled bore and adjustable rifle sights make it suitable for hunting deer and other game where slugs are permitted.

My need for this barrel arose from a desire to expand my hunting capabilities. I had a trusty Mossberg 500 that primarily served as a home defense and bird hunting shotgun. However, I wanted to utilize it for deer hunting in a specific zone that mandated the use of slugs.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel and construction of the barrel. The blued finish was even and attractive, and the adjustable rifle sights appeared robust and well-made. The rifling inside the bore was clearly defined, promising enhanced accuracy.

I considered other options, such as purchasing a dedicated slug gun. However, the appeal of converting my existing Mossberg 500 proved more attractive due to cost-effectiveness and the familiarity of the platform. The Remington 870 slug barrel was also a contender, but ultimately, I favored the Mossberg for its existing compatibility with my shotgun.

My initial impression was one of excitement. The Mossberg 90121 offered a simple and affordable way to transform my shotgun into a capable slug gun, expanding its versatility and my hunting opportunities. I was eager to test its performance at the range and in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test took place at my local shooting range. I mounted the Mossberg 90121 barrel onto my Mossberg 500 and prepared to sight it in at 50 yards. The weather was clear and dry, providing ideal conditions for accuracy testing.

The initial shots required significant adjustment of the rifle sights. However, after a few rounds, I managed to zero in the sights and achieve consistent groupings. The felt recoil was noticeably more pronounced compared to shooting birdshot, but manageable with proper technique. I noticed the barrel heated up faster than expected after approximately 5-6 rounds of rapid firing.

There were no major issues during the first range session, although I did find that the adjustable sights needed frequent tightening. This was easily addressed with a small screwdriver that I had in my range bag. The overall experience was positive and confirmed the potential of the Mossberg 90121 barrel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a deer hunting season, the Mossberg 90121 has proven to be a reliable addition to my Mossberg 500. The blued finish has held up well, with only minor signs of wear around the muzzle and receiver. Regular cleaning and lubrication have kept it in excellent working condition.

The barrel has maintained its accuracy over time, consistently delivering tight groupings at 50 and 75 yards. I have found that thoroughly cleaning the rifling after each use is essential to prevent lead buildup and maintain optimal accuracy. The adjustable sights have remained secure after I replaced the screws with ones that included a threadlocker.

Compared to my previous experiences with smoothbore shotguns, the Mossberg 90121 offers a significant improvement in accuracy and effective range when using slugs. This has made my Mossberg 500 a much more versatile firearm, capable of handling both close-range bird hunting and medium-range deer hunting with confidence.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

Specifications

The Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle boasts several key specifications:

• Caliber: 12 Gauge – This is a common and versatile gauge, providing ample power for various hunting applications.
• Length: 24″ – This barrel length strikes a balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance, making it suitable for hunting in dense cover.
• Model: 500 – Specifically designed for the Mossberg 500 shotgun, ensuring a proper fit and reliable function.
• Sights: Adjustable Rifle – Allows for precise zeroing and accurate shot placement at varying distances.
• Bore Type: Fully Rifled – The rifling imparts a spin on the slug, significantly improving accuracy and effective range.
• Finish: Blued – Provides a protective coating that is durable.

These specifications are critical for achieving optimal performance with slugs. The rifled bore, in particular, is essential for stabilizing the slug in flight and maximizing accuracy. The adjustable sights allow for fine-tuning the point of impact to match specific slug loads and distances.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 90121 significantly enhances the Mossberg 500’s slug-shooting capabilities. With this barrel, I was able to achieve consistent 3-4 inch groupings at 75 yards, a significant improvement over the 8-10 inch groupings I obtained with a smoothbore barrel. The adjustable sights make it easy to zero in the point of impact.

The primary strength of this barrel is its accuracy. However, it’s important to note that proper sight adjustment and consistent shooting technique are essential for achieving optimal results. One area for improvement could be the quality of the included sights, as I found them to be somewhat prone to loosening during use.

Overall, the Mossberg 90121 meets and even exceeds expectations for a drop-in slug barrel. It offers a cost-effective way to transform a Mossberg 500 into a capable slug gun, significantly improving its accuracy and effective range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mossberg 90121 is well-built and feels solid in hand. The blued finish is evenly applied and provides a durable protective coating. The barrel’s weight adds a bit of heft to the Mossberg 500, but it also helps to reduce felt recoil.

Installing the barrel is straightforward and requires no special tools. The adjustable rifle sights are easy to use, although they may require occasional tightening. The overall design is functional and practical, making it a user-friendly addition to the Mossberg 500.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mossberg 90121 appears to be built to last. The blued finish has proven to be durable, with only minor signs of wear after several months of use. The rifled bore is well-machined and should provide long-lasting accuracy with proper care.

Maintaining the barrel is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent will help to remove lead buildup and prevent corrosion. A light coat of oil after cleaning will protect the blued finish and ensure smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg 90121 comes with adjustable rifle sights. However, users can easily upgrade to aftermarket sights, such as fiber optic or ghost ring sights, for improved visibility and accuracy. Mounting a scope is another popular customization option, although it may require drilling and tapping the barrel.

The barrel is compatible with most Mossberg 500 accessories, such as aftermarket forends and stocks. However, it’s important to ensure that any accessories are properly fitted and do not interfere with the barrel’s function or accuracy.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle

Pros

• Significantly improves accuracy with slugs compared to smoothbore barrels.
• Adjustable rifle sights allow for precise zeroing.
• Cost-effective way to transform a Mossberg 500 into a slug gun.
• Easy to install and maintain.
• Durable blued finish provides good corrosion resistance.

Cons

• Sights may require occasional tightening.
• Recoil is more pronounced compared to shooting birdshot.

Who Should Buy Mossberg 90121 500 12 Gauge 24″ Blued Adjustable Rifle?