The Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey shotgun has carved a niche for itself among serious turkey hunters. Known for its unique features and powerful performance, it's a popular choice, but is it the right gun for you? This in-depth review will explore its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey deserves a place in your hunting arsenal. We'll cover everything from its handling and accuracy to its overall value proposition.
Powerful Performance: The 3.5-Inch Magnum Advantage
The Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey's most defining feature is its ability to handle 3.5-inch magnum shells. This translates directly to increased power and range, crucial advantages when hunting elusive turkeys. These longer shells pack a bigger punch, extending effective shooting distance and offering increased stopping power at longer ranges. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with wary birds or those in open terrain.
Ballistics and Range
The 3.5-inch magnum shells available for the 835 generate significantly higher muzzle velocities compared to standard 2 ¾-inch shells. This increased velocity translates to flatter trajectories, allowing for more accurate shots at longer distances. While precise range figures vary based on ammunition, many hunters report consistent effectiveness out to 40-50 yards, although ethical shot distances are always a matter of hunter skill and judgement.
Recoil Management
The increased power of 3.5-inch magnum shells does come with a trade-off: higher recoil. However, the Mossberg 835 incorporates several features designed to mitigate this. The larger, heavier receiver absorbs some recoil, and many hunters find the gun's overall balance helps to manage the recoil more effectively than some lighter shotguns. Adding a recoil pad further reduces felt recoil, making it manageable for most shooters.
Key Features and Design Elements
Beyond the magnum capability, the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey boasts several features designed specifically for turkey hunting:
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Adjustable Stock: An adjustable comb allows for precise cheek weld, crucial for consistent sight alignment and shot accuracy. This customizability ensures a comfortable and effective shooting position for hunters of various builds and preferences.
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Ghost Ring Sights: The gun typically comes equipped with a ghost ring sight system, offering a fast target acquisition in the heat of the hunt. These sights are simple yet effective, providing a clear sight picture even in low-light conditions. Many hunters appreciate their simplicity and reliability.
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Durable Construction: The 835 is built to withstand the rigors of the field. Its robust construction ensures long-term reliability and durability, even under harsh conditions.
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Mossberg's Reliability: Mossberg shotguns are renowned for their reliability. The 835 Tactical Turkey continues this tradition, known for its smooth action and consistent performance. This reliability is a major selling point for hunters who demand dependability in their equipment.
Handling and Accuracy
The Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey is generally considered a well-handling shotgun. Its balance, combined with the adjustable stock, allows for quick target acquisition and smooth swings. While recoil is noticeable with magnum loads, it remains manageable for most hunters.
Accuracy depends greatly on the ammunition used, but reports generally indicate good accuracy within reasonable hunting ranges (under 40 yards). The simple ghost ring sights are largely responsible for this ease of use.
Case Study: Comparing the 835 to Competitors
Let's compare the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey to a popular competitor, the Benelli Super Black Eagle III. While both are high-performing shotguns, they cater to slightly different needs:
| Feature | Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey | Benelli Super Black Eagle III |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Capacity | 4+1 | 4+1 |
| Shell Length | 3.5" Magnum | 3.5" Magnum |
| Stock Adjustability | Yes | Yes |
| Recoil Management | Moderate | Superior |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Generally more expensive |
The Benelli often boasts a smoother action and superior recoil reduction, but comes at a higher price point. The Mossberg 835 offers comparable performance at a more budget-friendly price.
Conclusion: Is the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey Right for You?
The Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey is a powerful and reliable shotgun ideal for serious turkey hunters seeking a balance of performance and affordability. Its ability to handle 3.5-inch magnum shells, combined with its adjustable stock and durable construction, makes it a strong contender. While recoil is a factor, it's manageable with proper techniques and accessories. If you're looking for a robust and effective turkey gun without breaking the bank, the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey deserves serious consideration. However, if ultimate recoil reduction and a smoother action are paramount, higher-end options like the Benelli may be worth exploring.