Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge Shotgun Review

Why the Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights Caught My Eye

The Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights is a dedicated slug barrel for the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun, known for its ability to handle powerful 3.5-inch shells. As someone who values versatility in my firearms and spends considerable time deer hunting in thick brush, a dedicated slug barrel with adjustable sights immediately piqued my interest.

For years, I’ve been using a general-purpose barrel on my 835 for everything from waterfowl to home defense, which is far from ideal when sighting in slugs. The prospect of easily swapping to a purpose-built barrel for dedicated slug hunting, with the added benefit of adjustable sights for fine-tuning accuracy, seemed like a game-changer.

My first impression upon receiving the barrel was positive; the blued finish was clean and even, and the adjustable sights looked robust and well-made. The weight felt appropriate for a 24-inch barrel, and the cylinder bore gave me confidence in the barrel’s slug-specific design.

I was also considering a cantilever scope mount barrel, but I opted for the adjustable sights due to their simplicity and ruggedness – less to go wrong in harsh hunting conditions. Similarly, I contemplated a rifled slug barrel, but for the type of closer-range, thick-cover hunting I usually do, the cylinder bore typically provides adequate accuracy without the added cost and potential fouling issues of a rifled barrel. This Mossberg barrel offered a practical and potentially accurate solution for my specific needs.

I was excited to finally have a dedicated slug barrel that would hopefully transform my Mossberg 835 into a legitimate deer-dropping machine. Could this relatively affordable barrel really improve my slug gun’s accuracy and make sighting-in less of a chore? Only time in the field would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights at my local shooting range on a moderately windy autumn day. The temperature hovered around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight drizzle threatening to turn into a full-blown rain.

I used a variety of 12-gauge slug ammunition, including both rifled slugs and sabot slugs, to see what the barrel preferred. Initial groups at 50 yards were promising, but high and slightly to the left, which was quickly corrected using the adjustable sights. The ease of adjusting the sights was a significant improvement over my old bead-sighted barrel.

There were no immediate issues, aside from the expected recoil of 12-gauge slugs, which is always a good reminder to maintain a solid stance and cheek weld. The barrel swapped onto my Mossberg 835 receiver without any problems and felt secure and well-fitted.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular range sessions and a full deer hunting season, the Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights has held up admirably. I’ve fired approximately 100 slugs through it, and there are no signs of excessive wear or loosening.

The blued finish has proven to be reasonably durable, showing only minor scratches from rubbing against brush during hunts. Cleaning the smooth cylinder bore is straightforward, requiring only a bore brush and solvent to remove powder residue.

Compared to my previous experience of using a general-purpose barrel for slugs, this dedicated slug barrel is a massive upgrade in terms of accuracy and ease of sighting-in. It has significantly improved my confidence when taking longer shots in the field. I feel certain that my accuracy has more than doubled, with a much tighter grouping.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights

Specifications

• Caliber or Gauge: 12 Gauge. This barrel is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns, offering compatibility with a wide range of slug ammunition.
• Length: 24″. The 24-inch length strikes a good balance between maneuverability in dense cover and achieving optimal slug velocity.
• Model: 835 Ulti-Mag Slug. This barrel is designed to fit Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotguns only, ensuring proper function with the 835’s larger receiver.
• Sights: Adjustable. The inclusion of adjustable sights is a key feature, allowing for precise zeroing with different slug loads and ranges.
• Bore Type: Cylinder Bore. A cylinder bore is optimal for shooting slugs, providing the least amount of constriction for optimal accuracy and preventing damage to the barrel.
• Finish: Blued. The blued finish offers a layer of protection against rust and corrosion while providing a traditional aesthetic.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the barrel’s performance and suitability for slug hunting. The adjustable sights allow for fine-tuning accuracy, while the cylinder bore maximizes slug performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights performs its job exceptionally well: providing a dedicated, accurate platform for slug hunting. With the right ammunition, I’ve consistently achieved 3-4 inch groups at 100 yards, a significant improvement over my previous setup.

The key strength is undoubtedly the adjustable sights, which make zeroing a breeze and allow for quick adjustments in the field if necessary. However, the cylinder bore, while ideal for most slugs, might not provide the absolute best accuracy with specialized sabot slugs designed for rifled barrels.

Overall, the barrel exceeds expectations in terms of delivering a noticeable improvement in slug gun accuracy for my Mossberg 835. It transformed the gun from a general-purpose tool into a dedicated deer hunting machine.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, with the barrel feeling robust and well-made. The blued finish is even and provides a decent level of protection against the elements.

There is virtually no learning curve: simply swap the old barrel for this one, sight it in, and start shooting. The adjustable sights are intuitive to use and require no special tools.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, I expect the Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights to last for many years with proper care. The blued finish may eventually show some wear, but the overall construction is robust enough to withstand the rigors of regular use.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only a thorough cleaning after each shooting session to remove powder residue and prevent rust. A light coat of oil on the blued finish will help to protect it from corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The barrel comes with only the adjustable sights pre-installed, with no additional accessories included. However, the Mossberg 835 platform itself offers numerous customization options, such as aftermarket stocks, slings, and shell holders.

While the barrel itself doesn’t lend itself to direct customization, the adjustable sights can be upgraded to fiber optic sights for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. Some shooters may also choose to add a cheek riser to the stock for improved eye alignment with the sights.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights

Who Should Buy Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights?

This barrel is perfect for deer hunters who own a Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag and want to improve their slug gun accuracy without investing in a completely new shotgun. It’s also a great choice for hunters who prefer the simplicity and ruggedness of iron sights over a scope.

Those who should skip this product include shooters who primarily use sabot slugs and desire the absolute best accuracy possible (a rifled barrel might be a better option). Additionally, those who do not own a Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag, as this barrel is not compatible with other shotgun models.

A must-have accessory would be a selection of different slug loads to test and determine which provides the best accuracy in your specific Mossberg 835. A cheek riser for the stock may also be beneficial for achieving proper eye alignment with the sights.

Conclusion on Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights

The Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights is a worthwhile investment for Mossberg 835 owners seeking to enhance their slug hunting capabilities. The improved accuracy and ease of sighting-in, thanks to the adjustable sights, make this barrel a significant upgrade over a general-purpose barrel.

At a price of $229.99, the value proposition is excellent, as it offers a considerable improvement in performance without breaking the bank. I would wholeheartedly recommend this barrel to any Mossberg 835 owner who is serious about slug hunting.

If you’re looking to turn your Mossberg 835 into a dedicated deer-dropping machine, the Mossberg 90800 835 12 Gauge 24″ Blue Adj Sights is an excellent choice. Upgrade your slug gun today and experience the difference!