Mossberg 835?

[thelefthand]

I'm looking to buy a turkey gun. Untill this year I haven't been able to hunt turkey much so I've just used my Mossberg 20ga, but I've never been real happy with the way it patterns. Tried various chokes and types of shot.

I just relocated much closer to where I hunt. Used to have to drive well over 2 hours, now it's basically out my back door I've been looking at the Mossberg 835. It looks like all the new ones are ported and back bored. I've never shot one that has been back bored. Anyone have any comments on how they pattern?

Thanks,
Mark

[Pocampo]

thelefthand,
My son and I both shoot the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag -Turkey version with the 24" overbored, ported barrel.

Using #4 Hevi shot and a H.S.Strutt "Gobblin Thunder" choke tube it is a guaranteed 50yd turkey getter.

Both of our 835's have had trigger jobs and also have scopes mounted on them. I for one like the Leupold dot reticle scope (6x42 multi coat) for the unobstructed field of view.

It gives you a good look at the bird as it's coming in and lets you check out his spurs/beard before you pull the trigger and also has good low light capability.

The NEW Grand Slam Series 835 Ulti-Mag has the NEW X-Factor choke tube and will probably deliver superior patterns with the right shells.

As with all guns it's up to you to find the ammo/shells that shoot/patterns the best and shotguns are no exception to this. Some will definitely pattern better than others!

IMHO if you like a pump gun for Turkey Hunting, for the money ($) spent it would be hard to beat the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag.

Pocampo

[thelefthand]

Does the ported barrel really make that much of a difference in recoil? I have a chance to buy a used 835 in woodland camo for $200, but it's not the actual "Turkey" model. From what I can tell the only difference is that there's no porting on the barrel, and it just has normal shotgun sights. It does have their Turkey choke tube in it though. Wally world wants $300 for the same thing. The sights don't cost that much.

[Chas062]

Ill tell you what, everyone I know around here that had a 835 has gotton rid of it. It shot a decent pattern but was very picky about ejecting the shells, they wouldnt come out of the chamber after it was fired, it seemed to be a common problem with them.

[Johnc]

chas062 said:

Ill tell you what, everyone I know around here that had a 835 has gotton rid of it. It shot a decent pattern but was very picky about ejecting the shells, they wouldnt come out of the chamber after it was fired, it seemed to be a common problem with them.

I had the same ejection problems.I sent it back to Mossberg. They replaced a bunch of parts and fixed the problem--No Charge. Their service is ok.
charlie

[Pocampo]

The two Mossberg 835's that my son and I use have never had any ejection problems from day one. I do know that one of the things that can sometimes cause an ejection problem with a pump shotgun is by short stroking it. This happens sometimes when we get in to big a hurry for a follow up shot and might be more pronounced with the 3-1/2" mag as it has a longer stroke.

I know Ithaca went through a period in the 80's where there model 37 pump guns didn't eject very well at all and this was due to an internal change in the working mechanism, IE: stamped parts.

Marlin also had a real problem with their model 120 pump shotgun which was a wanna be knockoff of the old model 12 Winchester with a few changes. It had a very weak ejection system and this was its down fall.

It's good to know that Mossberg has a good customer service dept and willingly took care of the problem as they should.

The old Mossberg 835 will never be anything but what it was designed for, an economical strictly utilitarian shotgun that will deliver a big payload.. With the right choke tube/shells it is a "turkey getter"!
Pocampo

[bubba]

I have one of the 835's ported, never had an ejection problem, then again, I am not prone to short strokes either

-bubba

[jims]

I have never had an ejection problem with my old 835 but I do not shoot it much either.

[MountainMan]

I believe that all 835's from the time they were introduced (in the early 90's, I believe) have been backbored. I personally would prefer a barrel without porting, which was added in just the last few years. There is just no need for the extra ear drum damage, IMO.

If I could buy a new turkey gun right now, I'd be looking hard at the Mossberg 935. It's the 835's twin, but with a semi-auto action instead of pump. That will reduce felt recoil FAR more than porting.

[Pocampo]

MountainMan,
my son recently (last 6mos) bought and sold a NEW Mossberg 935 Auto Grand Slam turkey version in mossy oak camo. Come to find out It seems as though Mossberg has had a problem with the receivers cracking on some guns. That is why my son decided to go ahead and get rid of his.

I do know that the gun was in production and ready to be released to the general public and a problem came up and it was over a year later before it was finally released for sale.

The gun was actually being advertised for over a year and a half before it actually came out. This is the story/info we got from some of the early ones bought and used in the field. If this is still true or not I can't say. It does seem as though there were some issues here.

Like you, we also thought that a back bored and ported 3-1/2" auto would be just the ticket for turkeys, but have decided to wait and see how this gun proves out.

Pocampo

[gosmokeless]

I have an 835 which is 10 years old and is an excellent turkey killer. In Chinamart yesterday the 835 is $300, excellent price.

[davel]

My 835 is 15 years old. It's a turkey thumper. Hastings choke tube. Wincheser 3.5 inch 2.25 ounce #4s.