Hey guys I thought it'd be a cool thread to start for people that own and shoot the tried and true mossy 835 to share info on their setups. How old it is roughly, camo or not, barrel length, favorite choke/chokes, what shells you use preferably. There's so many people using these guns and their popularity is still growing it'd be a great way to help out other guys still experimenting with theirs or guys that make the switch and are looking for a good starting point as far as choke brand, sizes, and shell brand and shot sizes too. I still enjoy reading up on the various information I run across pertaining to these guns any way.
So if you have one or two of these guns and want to share some info on them, stories, pics, or anything else feel free to.
I bought mine new in 2014 If I remember correctly. It's the 20" barrel grand slam model with real tree green camo. I use a Tru Glo holographic sight on it and currently use a kicks GT .670 choke. It loves the winchester 3 1/2" DoubleX 2 1/4oz 6 shot shells(167 in 10" @ 40) with the high velocity 3 1/2" 2oz 5's not far behind.
Also had crazy good luck with an H.S. Strut Undertaker Choke .695 and Longbeard 3 1/2" 2oz 4's.(177 in 10"@40) I no longer mess with the long beards though since I ran into serious issues with Poa/Poi several years back. Not sure if it was a certain run of shells or not but I just no longer trust them.
I have 2 of the old beast, 1 bought around 1989-90 one of the original ones, 24" barrel "corn cob" pump handle, old realtree camo.
It wears a .676 stardot choke and is deadly with almost any lead load you put in it.
The other one is around 12-13 years old, 26" barrel, realtree max-4 camo, has a carlson long beard choke in it, shooting 3" #5 long beards
Surehuntsalot I love those old school models in the real tree or mossy oak with corn cob pump handles. I've always wanted one but never ran into one for sale until a few weeks ago. It's in overall good condition mechanically but on the top left of the receiver the camo is worn clean down to the metal. About a three to four inch long by 2 in section. Also a little worn around the edges of the action but the rest looks good. I believe the worse part of wear is from being carried so much slung over a shoulder. It's the old real tree and corn cob pump. It'd be nice to have a mint one but at the same time this one has a lot of character to it. No telling the stories it could tell or how many miles this gun has been carried. The action is smooth as silk. They wanted to much for it in my opinion so I passed but I still haven't ruled out going back and making them an offer.
One day I'll run into a star dot to try myself. I just can't bring myself to pay the high price they go for now.lol
I also have one from the late 80's in the Spartan Realtree. It wears a set of Tru Glo FO sights and eats 3 1/2 Long Beard 6's through an old Hastings .675 choke. I also have a Tru Glo SSX 670 choke for her. I inherited it from my father in law and all I can say is it kicks like a mule, but does throw a great pattern.
I have 2. I bought one new back in the early 90s. When I got it I also purchased a box of 3.5" 00 buckshot. So I shot it to see what it was like and it was a new recoil experience for me to say the least. I've killed deer, bear, geese, ducks and turkey with that gun. A couple of years ago I purchased a 24" barrel, pistol grip stock and synthetic forearm for it, painted it OD green and put a Vortex Venom on it.
Also about 2 years ago I saw a camo 835 with a 20" barrel and thumbhole stock for $199. I purchased it and slapped a Burris FF3 on it and told my teenage son that was his turkey gun.
I have IC .675 chokes on both. I'm not sure it makes much difference what you shoot out of them for turkey. We've killed most of our turkeys with 3.5" Longbeard #6s. Last year I tried some Apex TSS with good results as you may imagine. I generally shoot 3.5" shells because that's why I bought the 835 to begin with.
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Bought mine also about later 80s. It has shot the Winchester supremes since than. Recently they're impossible to find so I started with the grand slams. They are fine as well. I always shot #4 til maybe 10 years ago. I've gone to 5 than 6. It's now wearing a scope. Great blue collar work gun
I bought my 835 in the new Bottomland with a 26" barrel early this year. It will be my first fully dedicated turkey gun. Putting a Fast Fire 3 on it with a Sumtoy mount and running an Indian Creek choke. I'll be running 3.5" Longbeard XR 6 shot and 3.5" Hevi 13 7 shot where I can't use lead. I bought an ATI pistol grip stock for it when it was on sale through Mossberg, but it was kinda an impulse buy and not 100% sure if I'll use it right away since I'm not sure if the LimbSaver recoil pad I bought for the 835 will work on it.
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Not to be a bummer but I put down my 835 after dozens of failed to fire at the range for zero checkup. Replaced it with a BPS. The 835 is only 3 years old and not even 50 shots through. Can't trust it snd now it's in the safe for good unless someone I know ends up wanting it.
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The 835 is a tank based on my single experience with one.
Never owned one of these 835s, but I found one during spring season few years back laying in the wet, tall grass at a trail head in the middle of a huge tract of public ground. Pretty obvious someone leaned it against their vehicle, packed their stuff and pulled away leaving the 835 behind. I actually drove over it with front driver's side wheel pulling into that spot, a full sized pick up, and missed it when I stepped out of my truck in the dark. Could tell it had been lying there a good two weeks.
It was the old style camo, early model. Been carried a lot from the wear marks. Started to rust on the action from the rain, and the factory xtra full choke tube was seized up. Took it back to camp, disassembled it, got it cleaned up, penetrating oil in the threads and got the choke tube out and cleaned. Thing was in fine working condition after a bit of needed attention.
Left notes saying I found a gun, but caller had to describe it. Posted those notes in the area's general stores. No one ever called for the 835, but I did get a couple calls from guys who had lost guns in the woods, just not that particular one I found. :z-dizzy:
I dropped it off as 'lost/found' with the local state police barracks. Called the trooper who took the information 6 months later, and learned someone had claimed the 835.
Mossberg 835 in Mossy Oak Bottomland with Indian Creek .675 choke, Docter Red Dot 3 MOA sight. Bought the setup in 2019 been using Longbeard XR 3" #5 1 7/8 oz with great success and patterns. But this year I bought some Apex TSS to try out. Had to see what all the excitement was about. 38 yards and 20 hard with Longbeard XR(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210214/082e08e5c71d10748265cab6b5802bad.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210214/7892922d77b5130d1f926f85b4943294.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210214/0fe86d001e179ac679193080c833279b.jpg)
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YukonC I understand that. No matter what gun it is the confidence factor is number one in my book when it comes to my gear and turkey hunting. That's why I no longer shoot the Longbeard shells. Deep down I know it was probably just a bad run of them but I still refuse to take a chance on them. As far as the misfires I had a box of ten win super X 3" 1 7/8oz 5's I was going to pattern. The first three shells would not fire in my 835, even on second and third tries. I put them up and patterned the other shells I had to try. But I have fired lots and lots of different shells in this gun in all different lengths and sizes with zero issues. I'm positive those shells had primer hardness issues since there was a good indent in them when struck by the firing pin. Even the same shells from different lots that I had the issues with have always shot great. It's a shame you can't get yours back up and running. Did you try different shells? Or make sure the firing pin wasn't gunked up?
Paboxcall that's a cool story. I bet someone was sick over that when they realized what they'd done. And it was good of you to seek out the rightful owner.
I had no idea the newer mossberg 835's were being offered in mossy oak bottomland! I like it a lot!!
I own 2. They are both NWTF 30 year medallions in Realtree Hardwoods. 24 inch barrels. Have a Primos Jellyhead in one right now. Other one is unfired in box. Dont really use it for turkey hunting. It's my main gun of choice for coyotes. Last 3 I've killed have been 2 at 40+ yards and one big Male at 50 yards. I shoot Winchester Varmint X Copper plated BBs. However, I'll probably carry it to Oklahoma this spring. It also has a great pattern with Longbeard XR # 6.
Quote from: Cowboy on February 14, 2021, 10:13:06 PM
I own 2. They are both NWTF 30 year medallions in Realtree Hardwoods. 24 inch barrels. Have a Primos Jellyhead in one right now. Other one is unfired in box. Dont really use it for turkey hunting. It's my main gun of choice for coyotes. Last 3 I've killed have been 2 at 40+ yards and one big Male at 50 yards. I shoot Winchester Varmint X Copper plated BBs. However, I'll probably carry it to Oklahoma this spring. It also has a great pattern with Longbeard XR # 6.
Well guys, just shot both of these 835s at 40 yards with 3 1/2 inch 2 1/8 oz.. # 6. Both are shoot to the RIGHT! Thought it might be me, so my brother shot it. Both to the right. The one 835 handles 3 inch Longbeards ok. Any comments or ideas? What's going on?
Did anyone ever see or own the 835 Tactical Turkey. It's a tricked out 835 with a Magpol type stock, 20 inch barrel, shell holders on the stock, fiber optic sights, and drilled and tapped receiver. It comes with a custom long range turkey choke. Looks like an interesting gun?
Those are $529 at Academy.. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mossberg-835-ulti-mag-tactical-turkey-shotgun
I don't own one but bet it's a hammer.
Quote from: RiverBuck on February 27, 2021, 07:04:35 PM
Those are $529 at Academy.. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mossberg-835-ulti-mag-tactical-turkey-shotgun
I don't own one but bet it's a hammer.
Thanks for the info. I might look into one, they look unreal.....be safe, thanks.....
Quote from: Tom007 on February 27, 2021, 06:59:14 PM
Did anyone ever see or own the 835 Tactical Turkey. It's a tricked out 835 with a Magpol type stock, 20 inch barrel, shell holders on the stock, fiber optic sights, and drilled and tapped receiver. It comes with a custom long range turkey choke. Looks like an interesting gun?
I've been trying to buy that gun up here for 3 years,I had one in my hands in 2018 and set it down at a gun show,brand new in the box,went for lunch to "think' about it and It was gone after my bacon cheeseburger,I regret that. I can't find one anywhere and have given up.
I'm an 835 guy. I was introduced to turkey hunting about 15 years ago. Killed my very first bird with a Remmy 1100 with 2 3/4 1 1/2 oz lead number 5's that I had handloaded for ducks. HOOKED! Started my search for a dedicated turkey killing machine. Got an 835 with a 24 inch barrel in my hands and the rest is history. My 835 had a POA/POI issue so I chose a Bushnell Red dot to remedy that. Added a .670 Pure Gold choke and 3 1/2 inch Hevi 7's (when Hevi 7's were the RAGE 10-12 years ago) in the pipe at the recommendation of several guys on this site and I've never looked any further. GREAT GUN IMO. If I do my job, the 835 does hers!
Quote from: The Heartbreak Kid....... on February 27, 2021, 07:50:12 PM
Quote from: Tom007 on February 27, 2021, 06:59:14 PM
Did anyone ever see or own the 835 Tactical Turkey. It's a tricked out 835 with a Magpol type stock, 20 inch barrel, shell holders on the stock, fiber optic sights, and drilled and tapped receiver. It comes with a custom long range turkey choke. Looks like an interesting gun?
I've been trying to buy that gun up here for 3 years,I had one in my hands in 2018 and set it down at a gun show,brand new in the box,went for lunch to "think' about it and It was gone after my bacon cheeseburger,I regret that. I can't find one anywhere and have given up.
Wow, do they still make it do you know?
If It is on their website, I believe it is still being built. The distributors only bring in so many guns, from each company, and make/model seems to be geared more towards waterfowl or bland firearms than turkey guns. Our shops then put in orders for what guns etc. It really is slim pickings for some models and that seems to be one of them, at least in this area, and I can't locate it online. Most shops don't cater to the hardcore turkey hunter and never bring them in,they just don't. It can be frustrating at times when I want a gun.
It is hard to find a solid place to give my business as I have found that most shops do not really care,they try and sell you what they have,not what you want.I just buy from where I can get what I want now,I have no emotional attachment to any shop,just myself. Some are just useless and should close.
Quote from: The Heartbreak Kid....... on February 27, 2021, 09:35:58 PM
If It is on their website, I believe it is still being built. The distributors only bring in so many guns, from each company, and make/model seems to be geared more towards waterfowl or bland firearms than turkey guns. Our shops then put in orders for what guns etc. It really is slim pickings for some models and that seems to be one of them, at least in this area, and I can't locate it online. Most shops don't cater to the hardcore turkey hunter and never bring them in,they just don't. It can be frustrating at times when I want a gun.
It is hard to find a solid place to give my business as I have found that most shops do not really care,they try and sell you what they have,not what you want.I just buy from where I can get what I want now,I have no emotional attachment to any shop,just myself. Some are just useless and should close.
Thanks for the info. The ironic thing is that I saw it yesterday used at a gun show. They wanted 695 for it. Did not know anything about it, so I didn't grab it. Academy sports sells them for around 550. So 695 used was a bit high. I am going to check with our local shops, one is listed as a distributor. Will let you know if I find anything....be safe...
Cowboy if I remember correctly most long beard loads usually impact differently than most standard loads in a lot of guns. I had some long beards that the poi was walking all over the pattern board that's why I don't shoot them anymore. Are you shooting bead, rifle sights, or red dot?
Tom007 I'm not sure if they're still making that model or not but you might keep an eye out on used gun racks and especially pawn shops. With the economy like it is and the amount of people out of work due to the virus a lot of guns are being pawned, sold, or traded. Good luck on your search.
Quote from: old3toe on February 28, 2021, 03:02:40 AM
Cowboy if I remember correctly most long beard loads usually impact differently than most standard loads in a lot of guns. I had some long beards that the poi was walking all over the pattern board that's why I don't shoot them anymore. Are you shooting bead, rifle sights, or red dot?
Tom007 I'm not sure if they're still making that model or not but you might keep an eye out on used gun racks and especially pawn shops. With the economy like it is and the amount of people out of work due to the virus a lot of guns are being pawned, sold, or traded. Good luck on your search.
Old3toe, Shooting just double bead on both. My brother recommended adding on a red dot to move my pattern. I thought maybe it was the shells. Never shot 3.5 inch til today.
Quote from: Cowboy on February 27, 2021, 06:00:20 PM
Quote from: Cowboy on February 14, 2021, 10:13:06 PM
I own 2. They are both NWTF 30 year medallions in Realtree Hardwoods. 24 inch barrels. Have a Primos Jellyhead in one right now. Other one is unfired in box. Dont really use it for turkey hunting. It's my main gun of choice for coyotes. Last 3 I've killed have been 2 at 40+ yards and one big Male at 50 yards. I shoot Winchester Varmint X Copper plated BBs. However, I'll probably carry it to Oklahoma this spring. It also has a great pattern with Longbeard XR # 6.
Well guys, just shot both of these 835s at 40 yards with 3 1/2 inch 2 1/8 oz.. # 6. Both are shoot to the RIGHT! Thought it might be me, so my brother shot it. Both to the right. The one 835 handles 3 inch Longbeards ok. Any comments or ideas? What's going on?
My 835 shot about 3 inches right and 3 inches low on initial patterning session at 12 yards with dove loads. Red dot cured that.
I guess they all pattern differently because my 835 hits exactly where i put the bead. if I'm taking 40 yarders all I have to do is aim a little high to compensate for the natural drop but mine is a straight shooter with all the shells I've tried.
I have one I purchased in 2006, woodland camo,24" ported barrel. Put a Brileys turkey choke in it and shot the old white 3" Hevi 6's until I ran out. Right now it has a Star Dot and shoots Hevi 3.5 7's great and Win HV 5 3.5's great as well. The factory ulti full shoots Fed TSS 9's really well also. I scoped it in 2014 but not because of POA/POI issues, just helped me keep from looking over the barrel and missing. For fifteen years it's shot flawlessly, and has seen a lot turkeys killed.
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Cowboy the longbeards impacted different than regular lead loads in mine but I have a red dot on it and shoot off of bags. Its much easier to deal with if you have an optic on there. I think different chokes affect the poi quite a bit as well. Especially the tightest chokes. Going with a red dot or scope might be the best bet if you want to go with those loads.
My 835 is just a backup gun now. I got it about 30 years ago, and was originally shooting the old olive drab Remington 3.5" shells thru a Hastings choke. I added some Williams adjustable sights (pre-Firesights) and switched to Winchester HV shells when they came out. Fast forward to today, I shoot 3.5" Nitro 4x5x7 hevishot thru a Rhino .690 choke. But it's been a few years since I needed to use it.
Quote from: Matt76cmich on February 14, 2021, 10:48:52 AM
I bought my 835 in the new Bottomland with a 26" barrel early this year. It will be my first fully dedicated turkey gun. Putting a Fast Fire 3 on it with a Sumtoy mount and running an Indian Creek choke. I'll be running 3.5" Longbeard XR 6 shot and 3.5" Hevi 13 7 shot where I can't use lead. I bought an ATI pistol grip stock for it when it was on sale through Mossberg, but it was kinda an impulse buy and not 100% sure if I'll use it right away since I'm not sure if the LimbSaver recoil pad I bought for the 835 will work on it.
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Got it setup today. Now I just have to sight in the FF3 and start patterning. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210303/ce136c94b811bcb8fc1e361bffe5f062.jpg)
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I have owned, and sold more 835s than a man probably should. Lol. At one time I owned 7. Everything from the gold trigger, walnut stocked crown field to the nwtf medallion gun and everything in between. I've spent anywhere from $650 all the way down to $90 bucks for brand new guns and you simply will not find a better patterning shotgun around. My current and now only 835 left is a former crown field that has had a slug gun trigger job, a 24" mirror polished and then chrome lined barrel, thumbhole stock with Sims pad and extended length forearm, a bushnell red dot and quite literally shoots anything I feed it well. Its taken multiple birds' heads clean off to as far out as 18 yards and has killed birds with Heavyweights and tss to ranges I won't talk about on this forum. Mine wears a .670 truglo Bone Collector Smackdown and throws just ridiculous patterns with straight Hevi, Magblends, Heavyweights, and TSS and even lead.
Quote from: YukonC on February 14, 2021, 10:50:01 AM
Not to be a bummer but I put down my 835 after dozens of failed to fire at the range for zero checkup. Replaced it with a BPS. The 835 is only 3 years old and not even 50 shots through. Can't trust it snd now it's in the safe for good unless someone I know ends up wanting it.
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Have to remove the bolt, clean firing pin and spring. Probably packed full of grease.
Did you ever call or email Mossberg? They will get you right.
Quote from: Tom007 on February 27, 2021, 06:59:14 PM
Did anyone ever see or own the 835 Tactical Turkey. It's a tricked out 835 with a Magpol type stock, 20 inch barrel, shell holders on the stock, fiber optic sights, and drilled and tapped receiver. It comes with a custom long range turkey choke. Looks like an interesting gun?
Yes Academy Sports in Gulfport and D'Iberville have them every year Dec, Jan and Feb before Turkey season here in MS. Good luck.
I've been shooting one since the 90's. This past year I found a new new 835 Turkey/Deer combo gun. I specifically wanted this package because it comes with the adjustable comb on the stock. Now when I mount the red dot on the receiver my cheek weld will be perfect. Worked like a charm.
A bunch of great info on here. Anyone have a good recoil pad recommendation? The 3.5"s I shoot out of my 835 kicks like a mule.
I put a limbsaver slip on pad on mine along with a beartooth comb raising kit, the recoil was one thing but the cheek slap was another. Felt like I was punched in the face, hurt for a couple of weeks. I put in just enough of the padding to make it bearable shooting 3.5 inch shells, I now shoot 3" fed tss and they have alot of recoil too.
Quote from: Dieselfitter on May 15, 2021, 10:30:20 AM
I've been shooting one since the 90's. This past year I found a new new 835 Turkey/Deer combo gun. I specifically wanted this package because it comes with the adjustable comb on the stock. Now when I mount the red dot on the receiver my cheek weld will be perfect. Worked like a charm.
With a Red dot, the only time you need to have a good cheek weld is when you are sighting it in. Once you have it initially sighted in, you can roll the gun in any direction in your shoulder or lift your head off the stock and the pattern will be where the dot is. I have rolled my 835 almost 90 degrees in my shoulder to get around trees and the pattern goes exactly where the dot is when I pulled the trigger.
Quote from: Tally Turkey on May 16, 2021, 08:51:08 PM
A bunch of great info on here. Anyone have a good recoil pad recommendation? The 3.5"s I shoot out of my 835 kicks like a mule.
I only shoot 3 1/2's in my 835 and I added a Limbsaver to mine. I also added the Beartooth Comb Raising sleeve and padding to mine as well to take away any cheek slap. And the last thing I did was add about 4 ounces of lead shot to the rear of the stock. This accomplished 2 things, it moved the balance of the gun aft and helped lessen the recoil by adding a little weight. I took the butt plate off, got a piece of styrofoam and cut it to fit the inside of the stock, put about 4 ounces of lead shot in a sock, put duct tape around the sock and fit it in the end closest to my shoulder, before adding the Limbsaver. I don't even notice the recoil.
Quote from: Tally Turkey on May 16, 2021, 08:51:08 PM
A bunch of great info on here. Anyone have a good recoil pad recommendation? The 3.5"s I shoot out of my 835 kicks like a mule.
Limbsaver slip on. My 870 Super Mag made me see stars the first time I shot it and that was with 3" Hevi-13. I like myself too much to abuse my body shooting 3.5s and besides, there`s not a turkey walking the planet that a 3"shell won`t take down. Also, my understanding is that many chokes pattern better with 3" vs. 3.5".
Quote from: paboxcall on February 14, 2021, 11:35:49 AM
The 835 is a tank based on my single experience with one.
Never owned one of these 835s, but I found one during spring season few years back laying in the wet, tall grass at a trail head in the middle of a huge tract of public ground. Pretty obvious someone leaned it against their vehicle, packed their stuff and pulled away leaving the 835 behind. I actually drove over it with front driver's side wheel pulling into that spot, a full sized pick up, and missed it when I stepped out of my truck in the dark. Could tell it had been lying there a good two weeks.
It was the old style camo, early model. Been carried a lot from the wear marks. Started to rust on the action from the rain, and the factory xtra full choke tube was seized up. Took it back to camp, disassembled it, got it cleaned up, penetrating oil in the threads and got the choke tube out and cleaned. Thing was in fine working condition after a bit of needed attention.
Left notes saying I found a gun, but caller had to describe it. Posted those notes in the area's general stores. No one ever called for the 835, but I did get a couple calls from guys who had lost guns in the woods, just not that particular one I found. :z-dizzy:
I dropped it off as 'lost/found' with the local state police barracks. Called the trooper who took the information 6 months later, and learned someone had claimed the 835.
Right On! ;)
I really like this gun,I just bought a ssx .670 for it. I put a set of williams fiber optics on it,dialed it in and then put a bushnell reflex on it and sighted it in.I would really like to get this gun dipped in Greenleaf finish,the finish wears real quick and bad with bug juice,I never had that issue on any other gun.