Unlock Precision: The Definitive Guide to Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs for Mossberg 500/835 Shotguns

Are you a dedicated shotgun enthusiast, a meticulous hunter, or a sport shooter aiming for unparalleled accuracy with your Mossberg 500 or 835? Have you ever experienced the frustration of an optic shifting after a few rounds, or perhaps struggled to find a mounting solution that truly stands up to the formidable recoil of a shotgun? If so, you understand that a stable and reliable mounting platform is not just an accessory; it's a fundamental component for maximizing your shotgun’s performance. This comprehensive guide delves into the Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs, a precision-engineered solution designed specifically to answer these challenges for your favorite Mossberg shotgun.

Imagine hitting those challenging long-range slug targets with consistent precision, or making that critical turkey shot with absolute confidence. This level of performance is only achievable when your optic is securely and immovably affixed to your firearm. The Weaver 48473 bases provide that bedrock stability, transforming your Mossberg 500 or 835 into a highly versatile and accurate platform ready for any application.

Who Benefits from Enhanced Optics Mounting on Their Shotgun?

The need for a robust and dependable optic mounting system extends across various shooting disciplines. If you fall into any of the following categories, the Weaver 48473 bases are designed with your needs in mind:

• Serious Hunters: Whether you’re pursuing deer with slugs, aiming for a precise turkey headshot, or optimizing your setup for waterfowl, a stable optic ensures ethical and effective shots. This is especially true for slug hunters who need magnified optics for accuracy at distance.
• Competitive Sport Shooters: For disciplines involving slug guns, such as 3-Gun or specialized shotgun competitions, maintaining zero and rapid target acquisition are paramount. A wobbly mount can be the difference between a podium finish and a frustrating outing.
• Home Defense and Tactical Users: In critical situations, split-second target acquisition is non-negotiable. Red dot sights significantly enhance this capability, but only if they are held firmly in place by a rock-solid base.
• General Enthusiasts Seeking Versatility: If you simply want to explore the full potential of your Mossberg 500 or 835, adding a reliable optic system opens up new avenues for shooting, training, and enjoyment.

Many shotgun owners initially underestimate the importance of dedicated optic bases. Unlike rifles, shotguns produce a unique, heavy, and often sharp recoil impulse that can quickly loosen lesser-quality mounts, causing your optic to lose zero and your shots to go astray. This is precisely why a purpose-built solution like the Weaver 48473 is not just a recommendation, but a necessity for any serious optic setup on a Mossberg shotgun.

Unveiling the Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs: Engineered for Excellence

The Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs are more than just pieces of metal; they represent decades of mounting expertise brought to bear on the unique demands of a shotgun. Let's explore the core features that make these bases an indispensable upgrade for your Mossberg 500 or 835 (assuming your receiver is drilled and tapped):

Designed for Unyielding Strength: Lightweight, High-Strength Aluminum Construction

The choice of material for firearm accessories is critical. The Weaver 48473 bases are crafted from tough, lightweight aluminum. This material choice offers a trifecta of benefits:

1. Durability: Aluminum, particularly the grades used in aerospace and firearms applications, is incredibly resilient. It can withstand the repeated shock and vibration from powerful shotgun recoil without deforming or failing. This ensures your optic remains stable shot after shot, year after year.
2. Minimal Weight Addition: Unlike steel, which can add significant bulk, aluminum keeps the overall weight of your shotgun and optic setup to a minimum. This is crucial for maintaining the shotgun’s balance and maneuverability, especially during long days in the field or dynamic shooting scenarios.
3. Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, making it highly resistant to rust and corrosion, even in damp or harsh environments often encountered during hunting trips. This enhances the longevity and reliability of your mounting system.

The Unmatched Security of the Weaver Cross-Lock Design

At the heart of Weaver’s reputation for reliable mounting systems lies its iconic cross-lock design. This isn't just a marketing term; it's a fundamental engineering principle that ensures unparalleled optic stability:

• Positive Engagement: The Weaver cross-lock system utilizes a sturdy cross bolt that fits precisely into the corresponding slots on Weaver-style rings. This creates a positive mechanical lock, preventing any forward or backward movement of the rings—and thus your optic—under recoil or impact.
• Recoil Resistance: This direct, positive lock provides exceptional resistance to the intense, abrupt rearward force generated by shotgun firing. Your optic stays put, maintaining its zero even after firing heavy slug loads or magnum turkey loads.
• Repeatable Zero: The design allows for rings to be removed and reinstalled while largely retaining zero, a significant advantage for cleaning, maintenance, or swapping optics if needed. While re-confirming zero is always recommended, the design minimizes shift.

Seamless Compatibility: Tailored for Mossberg 500 and 835 Shotguns

Specificity matters in firearm accessories. The Weaver 48473 bases are not generic mounts; they are precision-machined to fit the Mossberg 500 and Mossberg 835 series shotguns that come pre-drilled and tapped from the factory. This perfect fit ensures optimal alignment and maximum contact with the receiver, contributing directly to the stability and reliability of your optic. It eliminates guesswork and ensures a solid foundation for any optic you choose to mount. Whether you own a Mossberg 500 Tactical, a sporting model, or an 835 Ulti-Mag, if it has the pre-drilled holes, these bases are your ideal solution.

Matte Black Finish: Beyond Mere Aesthetics

The matte black finish of the Weaver 48473 bases is more than just about looking good. It offers several practical advantages:

• Reduced Glare: A matte finish significantly reduces reflections and glare, preventing distracting light from compromising your sight picture, especially in bright sunlight or low-light conditions. This is crucial for hunters needing to remain undetected or tactical users requiring maximum stealth.
• Professional Appearance: It seamlessly integrates with most modern firearm finishes, giving your setup a cohesive and professional look.
• Enhanced Durability: The finish also adds an extra layer of protection against minor abrasions and environmental elements.

What’s Included and What You’ll Need

The Weaver 48473 package includes the two base pieces (front and rear) and the necessary mounting hardware. This means you'll have everything you need to attach the bases directly to your shotgun's receiver. It's important to note that rings are not included. These bases are designed to accept all Weaver top mount cross-lock rings, which are widely available from Weaver and other reputable manufacturers, allowing you to choose the perfect rings for your specific optic and application.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Your Mossberg 500/835

Installing the Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs is a straightforward process that most shotgun owners can complete at home with basic tools. No gunsmith is typically required. Here’s a simplified guide to ensure a secure and successful installation:

1. Safety First: Always ensure your firearm is unloaded, chamber empty, and action open before beginning any work. Remove all ammunition from your workspace.
2. Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a set of Torx wrenches (or a screwdriver with appropriate bits, typically T-10 or T-15 for small screws), a degreasing agent (like rubbing alcohol or gun cleaner), a clean rag, and a small amount of removable thread locker (e.g., blue Loctite 242).
3. Clean the Receiver: Thoroughly clean the top surface of your Mossberg’s receiver where the bases will sit, paying special attention to the pre-drilled and tapped holes. Use the degreaser to remove any oil, grease, or debris. A clean, oil-free surface is critical for the thread locker to adhere properly.
4. Identify Base Placement: The Weaver 48473 comes with a front and rear base. Visually identify which base corresponds to the front and rear mounting points on your shotgun’s receiver. They are typically slightly different lengths or hole patterns.
5. Apply Thread Locker: Apply a tiny drop of blue Loctite (242) to the threads of each mounting screw. Be conservative; a little goes a long way. This prevents screws from backing out under recoil.
6. Secure the Bases: Carefully align the first base (start with either front or rear) over the corresponding holes on the receiver. Insert the screws and hand-tighten them until snug. Repeat for the second base.
7. Torque the Screws: Using your Torx wrench, tighten the screws evenly, alternating between them. While specific torque values can vary, a general guideline is to tighten until firmly snug, typically around 15-20 inch-pounds. Avoid over-tightening, as this can strip threads or damage the bases. A torque wrench is recommended for precision.
8. Mount Your Rings (Sold Separately): Once the bases are secure, you can now attach your Weaver-style rings to them. Ensure your rings are clean and properly aligned with your optic.
9. Final Checks: Gently wiggle the installed bases to ensure they are rock solid. Double-check all screws for proper tightness. Allow the thread locker to cure according to its manufacturer's instructions (usually 24 hours).

Real-World Applications: Maximizing Your Shotgun's Potential

With the Weaver 48473 bases providing a robust foundation, your Mossberg 500 or 835 can excel in various shooting scenarios that demand enhanced precision:

• Precision Deer Slug Hunting: When hunting deer in dense woods or across open fields, a shotgun loaded with slugs can be incredibly effective. By adding a magnified scope mounted on Weaver bases, you transform your smoothbore or rifled barrel shotgun into a surprisingly accurate short-to-medium range deer rifle. The Weaver bases ensure that your scope holds zero even with hard-hitting slug loads, allowing for ethical, precise shot placement.
• Turkey Hunting Excellence: Turkey hunting often involves precise shots at the bird's head and neck. A red dot sight or low-power magnified optic mounted on your Mossberg 835 (known for its powerful 3.5-inch magnum capabilities) or 500 can significantly improve your aiming speed and accuracy in varying light conditions. The Weaver bases ensure your optic remains perfectly aligned, giving you the confidence for that critical shot.
• Tactical and Home Defense Scenarios: For Mossberg 500 tactical variants, a red dot sight mounted on the Weaver bases provides rapid target acquisition and improved situational awareness in close-quarters environments. The robust aluminum construction and cross-lock design ensure the mount can withstand the rigors of training and potential real-world use without failing.
• Sporting Clays and Target Shooting: While open sights are common for scattergun sports, for competitive slug shooting or honing your skills with precise slug loads, an optic is indispensable. The Weaver 48473 bases facilitate the use of a wide array of optics, allowing you to fine-tune your setup for maximum consistency and tighter groups at the range.

Choosing the Right Optics for Your Weaver Bases

Once your Weaver 48473 bases are securely installed, you open up a world of optic possibilities, all compatible with the robust Weaver-style interface:

• Red Dot Sights: Ideal for fast target acquisition, excellent in low light, and largely parallax-free. Perfect for tactical applications, turkey hunting, and general close-range shooting.
• Low-Power Variable Optics (LPVOs): Offering versatility with magnification ranges typically from 1-4x, 1-6x, or 1-8x. Excellent for slug hunting, providing both wide field of view at 1x and magnification for longer shots.
• Traditional Magnified Scopes: For maximum precision at extended ranges with rifled slug barrels, a dedicated hunting scope (e.g., 2-7x, 3-9x) can be mounted. The Weaver bases provide the necessary stability for these heavier optics under recoil.
• Holographic Sights: Similar to red dots but often with more advanced reticle designs, offering rapid aiming solutions.

Why Trust Weaver Mounts? A Legacy of Dependability

For decades, Weaver has been a name synonymous with reliable and innovative scope mounting solutions in the firearms industry. With a history stretching back to the 1930s, Weaver established itself as a pioneer in rifle scopes and mounting systems. Their commitment to quality, precision engineering, and understanding the needs of shooters has made their products a trusted choice for hunters, sport shooters, and tactical professionals worldwide.

The Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs are a testament to this legacy. They embody the brand's commitment to providing robust, functional, and dependable accessories that enhance the performance of your firearms. When you choose Weaver, you're investing in a proven design that has stood the test of time and countless rounds downrange. Their dedication to manufacturing durable, high-performance mounting solutions is why they remain a go-to choice for discerning firearm owners.

Maintaining Your Optic Setup: Tips for Long-Term Performance

Even the most robust mounting system benefits from routine maintenance. To ensure your Weaver 48473 bases and your mounted optic continue to perform flawlessly for years:

• Regular Screw Checks: Periodically (e.g., after every major shooting session or before a hunting trip), use your Torx wrench to gently check the tightness of all mounting screws. Recoil can, over time, work against even the best thread locker. A quick check can prevent a lost zero.
• Cleanliness: Keep the bases and the areas around them free of dirt, debris, and excessive oil. A clean setup performs better and lasts longer.
• Proper Storage: When storing your shotgun, ensure it’s in a climate-controlled environment to prevent rust and corrosion, which can affect any metal component, including your bases. Avoid storing the gun resting on its optic, as this can put undue stress on the mounting system.

Common Questions About Shotgun Optic Mounts Answered

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding optic mounting on Mossberg shotguns and the Weaver 48473 bases:

• Will these bases fit my Mossberg 500 Tactical? Yes, provided your Mossberg 500 Tactical (or any 500/835 variant) has the receiver factory drilled and tapped for scope mounting. Most newer Mossberg 500/835 models are pre-drilled.
• Do I need a gunsmith to install these? No, typically not. The installation process is straightforward and can be completed by most individuals with basic hand tools and adherence to the safety guidelines.
• What kind of rings should I use with these bases? These bases are designed to accept all Weaver-style top mount cross-lock rings. Many manufacturers, including Weaver itself, produce a wide range of compatible rings to suit various optic tube diameters and heights.
• Will my scope hold zero with these bases on my shotgun? Absolutely. The Weaver 48473 bases are specifically engineered with a robust aluminum construction and the secure Weaver cross-lock design to withstand the heavy recoil of shotguns, ensuring your optic maintains its zero.
• Are these bases heavy? No, thanks to their lightweight aluminum construction, these bases add minimal weight to your shotgun, preserving its balance and handling characteristics.
• Can I use these on a Maverick 88? While the Maverick 88 is a Mossberg family shotgun, most Maverick 88 models are not factory drilled and tapped for scope mounts. These bases require a drilled and tapped receiver.
• Why are there two separate pieces instead of one long rail? The two-piece design allows for greater flexibility in optic placement and often results in a lighter overall setup. It also provides clearance for the shotgun's action.

Where to Find Authentic Weaver Mounts and Firearm Accessories

When investing in firearm accessories that impact your accuracy and performance, it’s crucial to purchase from a reputable source. For the authentic Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs and a wide array of other high-quality firearm accessories, look no further than DEGuns.com. As a trusted retailer, DEGuns.com is committed to providing genuine products, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. You can be confident that you are receiving a legitimate Weaver product, ensuring the durability and performance you expect.

By choosing the Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs from DEGuns.com, you are making a smart investment in your shotgun's capabilities, transforming your Mossberg 500 or 835 into a more versatile, accurate, and enjoyable firearm.

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Weaver Mounts
Model	Top Mount Base Pairs
SKU	48473
UPC	076683484734
Category	Optics Bases
Firearm Fit	Mossberg 500 / 835
Color	Matte Black
Material	Aluminum
Firearm Type	Shotgun
Mount Type	To Receiver
Rings Included	No (Accepts Weaver Cross-Lock Rings)
Style	Weaver Cross-Lock
Includes	Mounts / Mounting Hardware (2 Pieces)