Elevate Your Shotgun's Performance: A Comprehensive Guide to the Weaver Mounts Top Mount Base Pairs for Mossberg 500/835

For serious shotgun enthusiasts, hunters, and sport shooters, maximizing your firearm's potential often means equipping it with the right optics. But before you can mount a precision scope or a rapid-acquisition red dot sight, a rock-solid foundation is absolutely essential. This is where the Weaver Mounts 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs in Matte Black for Mossberg 500/835 shotguns become an indispensable accessory. This detailed guide explores how these meticulously engineered bases solve common mounting challenges, enhance shooting precision, and provide the reliability demanded by today's discerning shotgun owners.

Why a Reliable Scope Base is Crucial for Your Mossberg Shotgun

Many shotgun owners grapple with the challenge of consistently hitting targets, especially at extended ranges or in dynamic scenarios. While the Mossberg 500 and 835 are legendary for their rugged dependability and versatility, their factory configuration isn't always optimized for precision optic use. Traditional bead sights, while effective for close-quarters bird hunting, fall short when aiming for tighter groups with slugs or achieving rapid target acquisition in competitive shooting. This necessitates the addition of an optic, but an optic is only as good as its mount. A flimsy or poorly designed base can lead to:

• Zero Drift: Your point of aim constantly shifts, leading to missed shots.
• Mount Failure: The optic detaches during recoil, causing damage or injury.
• Inconsistent Accuracy: Even if it holds, minor shifts impact grouping.
• Frustration: Ultimately, a lack of confidence in your setup.

The Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs are specifically engineered to eliminate these concerns, providing a secure, unwavering platform for your chosen optics. This means you can focus on your shot, not on whether your equipment will hold up.

Understanding the Mossberg 500 and 835: Why These Shotguns Deserve the Best Mounts

The Mossberg 500 and 835 series shotguns are among the most popular and versatile firearms ever produced. Renowned for their robust pump-action mechanisms, user-friendly design, and vast aftermarket support, they serve diverse roles from hunting large game like deer and turkey to home defense and competitive shooting disciplines. Their inherent adaptability is a key reason why many owners seek to enhance them with optics.

• Mossberg 500: An iconic all-purpose shotgun, available in various barrel lengths and configurations, making it suitable for anything from waterfowl to tactical applications. Its drilled and tapped receiver is designed to accept scope mounts like the Weaver 48473.
• Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag: Known for its ability to chamber 3.5-inch magnum shells, the 835 is a powerhouse, particularly favored by waterfowl and turkey hunters who demand maximum payload and range. The significant recoil generated by these magnum loads makes an incredibly robust scope base an absolute necessity. The Weaver 48473's tough construction and secure fit are specifically designed to withstand such forces.

Whether you're using slugs for deer hunting, buckshot for home defense, or engaging steel targets at a shooting range, a well-mounted optic on your Mossberg transforms its capabilities, and the Weaver 48473 is purpose-built to facilitate this transformation.

What Makes Weaver Mounts a Trusted Choice for Firearm Optics?

Weaver Mounts has a long-standing heritage in the firearms industry, synonymous with reliability and practical innovation. Their reputation is built on producing high-quality, dependable mounting solutions that stand up to the rigors of real-world use. The 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs exemplify Weaver's commitment to excellence through several key design features:

• Tough, Lightweight Aluminum Construction: The choice of high-grade aluminum ensures these bases are incredibly strong yet surprisingly light. This minimizes added weight to your shotgun, maintaining its balance and maneuverability, while providing exceptional durability to withstand repeated recoil and harsh environmental conditions. Aluminum is also naturally corrosion-resistant, extending the lifespan of your mount.
• Weaver Cross-Lock Design: This proprietary design is the cornerstone of Weaver's secure mounting philosophy. The cross-lock mechanism ensures a tight, positive engagement with the firearm's receiver, preventing any forward or backward movement of the base under recoil. This superior locking system is critical for maintaining zero, especially on shotguns known for powerful recoil.
• Accepts All Weaver Top Mount Cross-Lock Rings: This crucial compatibility means you're not locked into a specific type of ring. The Weaver system is widely adopted, offering a vast array of scope rings in different heights and materials, allowing you to perfectly match your chosen optic to your shooting style and preferences. This versatility makes it easier to find the ideal setup for your red dot sight, holographic sight, or traditional rifle scope.
• Dedicated Front and Rear Bases: The 48473 comes as a pair, meticulously designed to provide optimal spacing and alignment for a wide range of optics on your Mossberg 500 or 835. This eliminates the need to search for individual components, simplifying the mounting process and ensuring a cohesive, stable system.

Choosing Weaver means investing in a proven system that professionals and enthusiasts have relied upon for decades.

Real-World Applications: How the Weaver 48473 Enhances Your Shooting

The practical benefits of installing the Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs on your Mossberg are immediately apparent across various shooting disciplines:

• Deer Hunting with Slugs: For hunters pursuing whitetail or other big game with slugs, precision is paramount. A mounted scope allows for accurate shot placement at distances beyond what bead sights can offer, transforming your shotgun into a highly effective deer rifle. The robust Weaver bases ensure your scope maintains its zero through dense brush, rapid movement, and the powerful recoil of slug loads.
• Turkey Hunting: Turkey hunting often involves precise shots at wary birds, frequently requiring optics like red dots or low-power scopes for quick target acquisition and accurate patterning. The Weaver bases provide the stable platform needed to ensure your patterned shot goes exactly where you intend.
• Home Defense: In a critical home defense scenario, every second counts. A red dot sight mounted on secure Weaver bases offers rapid target acquisition in low-light conditions, crucial for effective self-defense. The durability of the mount ensures it will perform under extreme stress.
• Sport Shooting (e.g., 3-Gun Competition): Competitive shooters demand speed and accuracy. The ability to mount a magnified optic for slug stages or a red dot for birdshot stages dramatically improves performance. The Weaver system's reliability means you won't lose precious time re-zeroing or worrying about your optic coming loose.
• Target Shooting and Plinking: For those who simply enjoy refining their marksmanship at the range, adding an optic greatly enhances the experience. The Weaver 48473 allows you to experiment with different optics, improving your grouping and understanding your shotgun's true capabilities.

These bases are not just an accessory; they are a critical upgrade that unlocks the full optical potential of your Mossberg 500 or 835.

Step-by-Step: Installing Your Weaver Mounts Base Pairs

Installing the Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs is a straightforward process, even for those new to firearm accessories. While professional gunsmithing is always an option, many users can accomplish this at home with basic tools.

Tools You'll Likely Need:

1. Small flat-head screwdriver or an appropriate Torx/Allen key (depending on included hardware).
2. Non-marring punch or a soft-faced hammer (optional, for stubborn screws).
3. Gun cleaning solvent and cotton swabs/pads for cleaning the receiver.
4. Degreaser (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
5. Thread-locking compound (e.g., blue Loctite, non-permanent).
6. Torque wrench (recommended for precise installation).

Installation Process:

1. Safety First: Ensure your Mossberg shotgun is unloaded and safe. Double-check the chamber and magazine tube.
2. Clean the Receiver: Thoroughly clean the top of your shotgun's receiver where the bases will sit. Use a gun cleaning solvent to remove any oil, grease, or debris from the drilled and tapped holes. A degreaser like rubbing alcohol can also be used. A clean surface ensures proper adhesion and prevents screws from loosening.
3. Identify Front and Rear Bases: The Weaver 48473 set typically includes distinct front and rear bases, which are shaped to match the contours of your Mossberg receiver. Often, the front base is shorter or has a different screw hole pattern. Match them to the corresponding holes on your shotgun.
4. Position the Bases: Carefully place the front base over the front screw holes on your receiver. Do the same for the rear base.
5. Apply Thread Locker (Optional, but Recommended): For maximum security, apply a small drop of non-permanent (blue) thread-locking compound to the threads of each mounting screw. This prevents vibration and recoil from loosening the screws over time.
6. Insert and Hand-Tighten Screws: Insert the mounting screws provided with the Weaver bases into their respective holes and hand-tighten them. Do not overtighten at this stage.
7. Final Torque: Using a small screwdriver or a torque wrench, tighten the screws gradually and evenly. If using a torque wrench, consult the instruction manual for your Weaver bases (or a general guide for scope base screws, typically around 15-20 inch-pounds). Over-tightening can strip threads or deform the receiver; under-tightening can lead to a loose mount. Ensure the bases are firmly seated and do not wiggle.
8. Inspect: Once tightened, visually inspect the bases to ensure they are flush with the receiver and appear secure. Give them a gentle wiggle to confirm stability.

With the Weaver bases securely installed, your Mossberg 500 or 835 is now ready to accept your preferred Weaver-style scope rings and optics, providing an optimized platform for enhanced accuracy and versatility.

Optimizing Your Shotgun Setup: Complementary Accessories and Tips

While the Weaver 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs provide an excellent foundation, a few additional considerations can further enhance your shotgun's performance:

• Weaver-Style Scope Rings: Choose the correct ring height for your optic to ensure proper eye relief and clearance over the receiver. Low rings are generally preferred for red dots, while medium or high rings may be necessary for larger objective lenses on traditional scopes.
• Optic Selection:
  • Red Dot Sights: Excellent for fast target acquisition, particularly in close-to-medium range scenarios (e.g., turkey hunting, home defense, 3-Gun).
  • Low Power Variable Optics (LPVOs): Offer versatility with magnifications like 1-4x or 1-6x, suitable for both close-quarters and extended slug range.
  • Fixed Power Scopes (e.g., 2.5x, 3x): Popular for dedicated slug guns, providing good magnification without excessive weight or complexity.
• Pattern Your Shotgun: After mounting an optic, it is absolutely critical to pattern your shotgun with your chosen ammunition (slugs or turkey loads) at various distances. This verifies your point of impact and helps you understand your firearm's unique characteristics with the new setup.
• Recoil Pad Upgrade: For Mossberg 835 users or anyone frequently shooting magnum loads, upgrading the factory recoil pad can significantly improve shooting comfort and reduce felt recoil, allowing for more consistent practice.

Maintain Your Investment: Care and Longevity of Your Weaver Bases

The Weaver 48473 bases are built for durability, but a little care goes a long way in ensuring their long-term performance:

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, wipe down the bases and the area around them to remove any gunpowder residue, dirt, or moisture. A lightly oiled cloth is sufficient.
• Check Torque Periodically: Especially after initial installation and after a few shooting sessions, check the torque on your mounting screws. Recoil can, over time, slightly loosen even thread-locked screws.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When cleaning your firearm, avoid spraying harsh cleaning chemicals directly onto the aluminum bases, which could potentially damage the matte black finish.
• Proper Storage: Store your shotgun in a dry environment to prevent corrosion, even on aluminum parts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shotgun Optic Mounting

Are these bases compatible with Picatinny rings?

No, the Weaver 48473 bases are designed for Weaver-style rings, which have a specific cross-slot width and design. While Weaver and Picatinny rails look similar, their slot dimensions and spacing differ, meaning Picatinny rings will not securely fit on Weaver bases, and vice-versa, for optimal performance.

Do I need a gunsmith to install these?

While a gunsmith can ensure a perfect installation, many users can successfully install these bases at home with basic tools and careful attention to the instructions provided. The process primarily involves cleaning, positioning, and tightening screws to the correct torque.

Will these bases withstand the recoil of 3.5-inch magnum shells in an 835?

Yes, the Weaver 48473 bases are constructed from tough, lightweight aluminum and feature the proprietary Weaver cross-lock design specifically engineered to hold up to powerful recoil, making them an excellent choice for the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag and its magnum loads.

What kind of optics can I mount with these bases?

Once the Weaver 48473 bases are installed, you can mount any optic that uses Weaver-style scope rings. This includes a wide range of red dot sights, reflex sights, fixed-power riflescopes, and variable-power riflescopes.

Enhance Your Mossberg with Confidence – Available at DEGuns.com

The Weaver Mounts 48473 Top Mount Base Pairs in Matte Black are more than just a piece of hardware; they are an investment in your shooting accuracy, versatility, and confidence. By providing a stable, durable, and reliable foundation for your optics, these bases unlock the full potential of your Mossberg 500 or 835 shotgun, transforming it into an even more capable and precise firearm for any application. Experience the difference a quality mount makes – find your Weaver Mounts 48473 and a full range of compatible accessories at DEGuns.com, where you'll discover everything needed to optimize your shotgun setup.

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Brand	Weaver Mounts	Trusted industry leader in mounting solutions.
Model	Top Mount Base Pairs	Specifically designed for optimal optic placement.
Firearm Fit	Mossberg 500 / 835	Precision fit for popular shotgun models.
Color	Matte Black	Non-reflective, durable finish.
Material	Aluminum	Lightweight yet extremely tough for heavy recoil.
Firearm Type	Shotgun	Engineered for the unique demands of shotguns.
Mount Type	To Receiver	Direct, secure attachment to the firearm's frame.
Rings Included	No	Allows for custom ring selection based on optic.
Style	Weaver	Compatible with a wide range of Weaver-style rings.
Includes	Mounts / Mounting Hardware	Complete set for immediate installation.
Pieces	2 (Front & Rear)	Ensures proper optic spacing and stability.
UPC	076683484734	Unique product identifier for easy lookup.