A Legacy in the Field: A Brief History
The crisp autumn air hangs heavy, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and the promise of a successful hunt. A hunter, rifle at the ready, prepares for that moment of truth. The anticipation builds, the heartbeat quickens, and the crucial decision rests on the quality of the equipment at hand. Among the firearms that have etched their mark on hunting lore, the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun stands out. Its bolt-action precision, combined with its chambering for the potent 12-gauge slug, made it a favorite among deer hunters. Even though it is no longer in production, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many hunters. Let’s explore the attributes that make the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun such a well-regarded firearm and discover why it is still sought after.
A Proud Heritage
Mossberg, a name synonymous with American ingenuity in the realm of firearms, has consistently produced dependable and accessible guns. The company’s commitment to providing hunters and shooters with quality products dates back to the early 20th century. Mossberg’s innovations and competitive pricing led to a substantial presence in the sporting arms market.
The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun, a notable part of this lineage, emerged during a period when slug guns were gaining recognition. Its design was precisely tailored for hunting situations, setting it apart from shotguns primarily designed for bird hunting or defense. The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun aimed to deliver accuracy and efficiency, crucial for effective deer hunting at extended distances compared to traditional smoothbore shotguns. The goal was simple: to provide hunters with a tool capable of delivering pinpoint accuracy and power.
The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun quickly garnered a following. Its bolt-action mechanism, known for its reliability, provided a sturdy platform for firing slugs with exceptional precision. It catered to hunters who valued accuracy, especially those who sought to improve their results.
Although the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun is no longer manufactured, its legacy lives on. It’s sought after in the used market, and many hunters look for a good specimen to add to their collection.
Examining the Features: What Makes it Tick?
The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun possesses a combination of characteristics that made it stand apart.
Power and Precision
One of the core features of the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun is its 12-gauge bore. The 12-gauge is an extremely popular shotgun gauge used for hunting, home defense, and competition. This powerful chambering provides the foundation for an effective hunting weapon. The barrel, specifically designed for use with slugs, is a key part of the gun’s design. The barrel’s construction contributes to the gun’s accuracy, and often features a rifled bore that imparts spin to the projectile. This spin helps the slug maintain a stable trajectory, resulting in improved accuracy, particularly at longer ranges.
The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun employs a bolt-action mechanism. This operation is recognized for its inherent reliability and ability to deliver consistent accuracy. The bolt-action, unlike semi-automatic designs, typically minimizes mechanical complexity, thus contributing to the gun’s durability. The bolt allows the shooter to chamber a round, eject the spent casing, and prepare for the next shot.
The design incorporates a magazine-fed system, and the detachable magazine, often holding two or three rounds, allows for efficient reloading. This feature is very helpful when hunting or participating in target shooting. This streamlined reloading process is a significant advantage over older shotgun designs and is very beneficial for follow-up shots.
The stock of the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun is built for practicality and comfort. It is typically fashioned from materials like wood or durable synthetic polymers. The stock design focuses on ergonomics. The goal is to ensure that the hunter can comfortably mount the gun, aim, and fire. The stock’s design has an impact on the overall feel of the firearm.
The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun usually comes with iron sights, which are great for close-range use. The receiver is typically drilled and tapped for scope mounts, which provide the option for hunters to add optical sights. This allows hunters to acquire their targets more efficiently and to shoot with greater precision at extended ranges.
The overall weight and dimensions of the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun are carefully balanced to provide ease of handling without sacrificing the gun’s stability. The balance is designed to allow for accurate shooting from a variety of positions.
Safety is a crucial factor in firearm design. The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun incorporates safety mechanisms to prevent accidental discharge. These features usually include a manual safety.
Accuracy in Action: Performance in the Field
The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun has gained recognition for its precision, which stems from a combination of engineering and design choices. The rifled barrel is a primary contributor to its accuracy. The rifling, a series of spiral grooves inside the barrel, causes the slug to spin as it exits the muzzle. This spin stabilizes the slug in flight, reducing the effects of external factors such as wind and gravity. The result is tighter groupings, leading to greater accuracy at longer distances.
The bolt-action mechanism also influences the gun’s accuracy. Bolt-action rifles are recognized for their consistency in the firing sequence. This minimizes any movement of the barrel during firing. This enhances the consistency of each shot.
The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun is known to have an effective range that can extend beyond 150 yards, depending on the ammunition used and the shooter’s skill. This range makes it suitable for deer hunting in various settings. The shooter’s skill, the quality of the ammunition, and the conditions also play a significant part in achieving maximum accuracy.
The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun typically shows a good degree of accuracy when tested with different slug types. The gun often performs well with a variety of ammunition. Hunters can experiment to determine which ammunition performs best in their specific gun.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Like any firearm, the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun has its strengths and weaknesses.
Advantages
The most notable strength of the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun is its accuracy. Thanks to the rifled barrel, the bolt-action system, and the quality of its construction, it provides excellent precision. The reliability of the bolt-action mechanism is another major benefit. This reliability contributes to the gun’s longevity and ensures consistent operation in diverse conditions. The bolt-action makes the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun easy to operate. The loading process is simple, making it ideal for hunters of all experience levels. The magazine-fed system offers a marked improvement over traditional shotguns, improving the loading process. The design of the receiver allows for the easy mounting of scopes. This flexibility offers a clear advantage for hunters.
Disadvantages
One notable disadvantage of the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun is the fact that it is out of production. Finding a Mossberg 695 Slug Gun now means relying on the used market, which can vary in terms of price and condition. The bolt-action mechanism, while offering reliability, is slower than semi-automatic systems. This can affect follow-up shots. The magazine capacity is restricted compared to other firearms. The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun might not be the best option for all hunting environments. For example, in areas with dense cover or in situations requiring rapidly repeated shots, a semi-automatic may be preferable.
Hunting and More: Exploring Applications
The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun has been designed primarily for deer hunting. This makes it a perfect choice for hunters in regions that require slug guns due to regulations. The rifle’s accuracy and power can dispatch a deer cleanly. The range allows hunters to take shots at greater distances.
Successful deer hunting requires a combination of skill and knowledge. Hunters must be familiar with deer behavior and movements. Patience, stealth, and effective range management are all essential.
Beyond deer hunting, the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun can be used for target shooting. Always be aware of the regulations.
When selecting ammunition, the hunter should carefully consider the type of game and the hunting conditions. Consult with experienced hunters and ammunition specialists to choose the right ammunition.
Maintaining the Firearm: Care and Preservation
Proper maintenance is key to preserving the function and longevity of the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun. Regular cleaning is a must, removing any residue that could damage the barrel or action. Lubrication is just as important, which keeps the gun parts moving smoothly.
The cleaning procedure typically involves disassembling the firearm. Carefully wipe down the barrel and all components with a cleaning solvent and a brush. It’s recommended to use a lubricant specifically designed for firearms. Store your Mossberg 695 Slug Gun in a dry, secure place, away from extreme temperatures.
Common issues such as jams can sometimes occur. Learning about these potential issues can help with troubleshooting and maintenance.
Alternative Choices: Comparing the Field
While the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun has its own unique advantages, it’s helpful to consider some alternatives. Many slug guns, such as the Remington 870 or Benelli SuperNova, are very popular. These models also feature a focus on durability and practical application.
These weapons vary in operation and features. The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun offers a distinctive option in the field, thanks to its combination of accuracy and dependability.
Choosing between these slug guns depends on individual preferences and hunting needs. The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun stands out as an accurate, bolt-action choice.
Acquiring a Piece of History: Finding a 695 Today
Since the Mossberg 695 Slug Gun is no longer being produced, the only way to acquire one is to seek it in the used market. Evaluating its condition should be the priority. The bore should be examined for any wear or damage. Be sure to inspect the firing mechanism. Examine the stock for damage or wear.
Be sure to follow all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Ensure that all necessary permits and licenses are in place.
The Enduring Legacy
The Mossberg 695 Slug Gun, even though it is out of production, stands as a testament to quality. Its accuracy, reliability, and focused design have made it a favorite of hunters. Its value is maintained by many. It is still an excellent choice for deer hunting. As it stands today, this piece of history is still very relevant, and will continue to be for years to come.
