The Mossberg 835 is a legendary name in the world of shotguns, particularly among turkey hunters. Known for its reliability, power, and unique design features, the 12 gauge Mossberg 835 has earned a devoted following. This in-depth review will explore its key features, strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for various shooting applications.
Understanding the Mossberg 835's Design and Function
The Mossberg 835 stands out due to its innovative design, specifically engineered for the demands of turkey hunting. Key features include:
- Oversized Shell Capacity: The 835 boasts a significantly larger bore than standard 12-gauge shotguns, allowing for improved patterning and velocity, especially with larger turkey loads. This translates to increased stopping power at longer ranges.
- Reduced Recoil: While powerful, the 835's design helps mitigate felt recoil, enhancing shooter comfort and follow-up shot capabilities during fast-paced hunts.
- Durable Construction: Built with Mossberg's renowned ruggedness, the 835 is known for its durability and ability to withstand the rigors of hunting in various conditions.
- Versatile Choke System: The interchangeable choke system allows for customization of shot patterns to optimize performance for different hunting scenarios and distances. This adaptability is a significant advantage for versatile hunters.
Strengths of the Mossberg 835
- Powerful Performance: The enlarged bore significantly increases downrange energy, providing excellent stopping power for large game like turkeys.
- Reliable Function: Mossberg shotguns are known for their reliability, and the 835 lives up to this reputation, consistently performing under pressure.
- Comfortable Shooting Experience: Despite the power, the 835's design minimizes felt recoil, leading to a more comfortable shooting experience, especially during extended hunting sessions.
- Affordability: Compared to some high-end turkey guns, the Mossberg 835 offers excellent value for its performance and features.
Weaknesses of the Mossberg 835
- Weight: The 835's robust build contributes to its weight, which might be a consideration for hunters who prioritize lighter carry.
- Limited Applications: While versatile with the right choke, it's primarily designed for turkey hunting and may not be the ideal choice for other types of shooting, such as waterfowl hunting or trap shooting.
The Mossberg 835 in Different Hunting Scenarios
While exceptionally well-suited for turkey hunting, let's examine its performance in other contexts:
Turkey Hunting:
The 835 truly shines in turkey hunting. Its powerful performance, manageable recoil, and ability to handle heavy loads make it a top contender for taking down this challenging game.
Other Hunting Applications:
While not its primary design purpose, the 835 can be adapted for other game with the correct choke tubes. However, its weight and design might make it less ideal for smaller game or situations requiring rapid target acquisition.
Conclusion: Is the Mossberg 835 Right for You?
The Mossberg 835 12 gauge is a powerful and reliable shotgun, particularly well-suited for turkey hunting. Its strengths lie in its powerful performance, manageable recoil, and durable construction. However, its weight and primary focus on turkey hunting might make it less suitable for other shooting disciplines. If you're looking for a dedicated turkey gun that delivers exceptional performance at a reasonable price, the Mossberg 835 is certainly worth serious consideration. However, if you need a more versatile shotgun for multiple applications, you might want to explore other options.
