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Turkey Guns & Shooting => Turkey Guns => Topic started by: Philippe on March 09, 2016, 06:57:34 PM

Title: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 09, 2016, 06:57:34 PM
Picked up a mint condition old school Real Tree camo 835 with a 20-21 inch unported barrel. Going to do some experimenting with this one and make it a dedicated turkey gun for when the hunts get up close and personal. Probably going to stick with LB #4 or 5's and most likely going to begin testing with the classic Star Dot choke and go from there. Sigh...... so many choke choices, I'm thinking something in the .676-683 range will be hot with this gun and shot size...

I'll put up pictures later this week when I get back.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: jordanz7935 on March 09, 2016, 07:26:53 PM
Sounds like a good one! Gotta be from the early 90s with that camo pattern.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Farmboy27 on March 09, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
I thought that the shortest barrel they put on them up till a few years ago was a 24".  An old school realtree 835 should have a 24" barrel if its original. 
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 09, 2016, 07:56:19 PM
Quote from: jordanz7935 on March 09, 2016, 07:26:53 PM
Sounds like a good one! Gotta be from the early 90s with that camo pattern.

Yeah, I believe it is what they called Grey Leaf camo from the late 80's.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: TallTimberGabriel on March 09, 2016, 08:10:16 PM
I found one of these a couple months back at a pawn shop. Baby shows almost no wear. It's in the original Mossy Oak Treestand.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Farmboy27 on March 09, 2016, 08:27:50 PM
The very first 835 models in realtree were in realtree brown.  There were 2 original realtree patterns, brown and grey.  Mossberg never turned out a gun in original realtree grey. 
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 09, 2016, 08:34:33 PM
Quote from: Farmboy27 on March 09, 2016, 08:27:50 PM
The very first 835 models in realtree were in realtree brown.  There were 2 original realtree patterns, brown and grey.  Mossberg never turned out a gun in original realtree grey.

This one looks similar to the Mossy Oak Green Leaf
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: decoykrvr on March 09, 2016, 09:34:54 PM
I had an 835 in the Realtree Green Leaf pattern which I bought in 1989 or 1990. In an effort to eliminate  or mollify the horrible forearm rattle, I fabricated a variety of rubber gaskets and washers of different thickness and designs to no avail.  Although the shotgun produced great patterns w/ a GT tube and was responsible for the demise of several turkeys, it was sold to a friend who didn't mind the weight and rattle.   My 835 came with a 28" barrel and was initially purchased for hunting geese. I looked long and hard for a shorter factory barrel to match the Realtree Green Leaf pattern and was told by Mossberg at that time the short barrels were not available.  I would bet that your gun barrel was cut-down and rethreaded.  I bought two of the 835's and paid $290 each.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Farmboy27 on March 09, 2016, 10:40:07 PM
There has never been a realtree green leaf pattern.  Mossy oak yes. 
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 10, 2016, 12:02:54 AM
Yep, and I do believe this specific shotgun is in the Realtree Grey pattern.
Title: Old school 835
Post by: Tennessee Lead on March 10, 2016, 12:32:36 AM
Awesome pick up.
My Dad is still using his.


Sent from the barrel of a model 70 at 3300 fps
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: outdoorsmen on March 10, 2016, 03:38:15 PM
How about a pic of the gun. Don't forget about store exclusive guns that get special treatments. And aftermarket camo dipping that anyone can pick about any pattern they want.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: paboxcall on March 10, 2016, 03:49:19 PM
Quote from: outdoorsmen on March 10, 2016, 03:38:15 PM
How about a pic of the gun. Don't forget about store exclusive guns that get special treatments. And aftermarket camo dipping that anyone can pick about any pattern they want.

:agreed:
A picture would be helpful for this discussion.  Like to see it!
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Farmboy27 on March 10, 2016, 05:29:11 PM
Quote from: outdoorsmen on March 10, 2016, 03:38:15 PM
How about a pic of the gun. Don't forget about store exclusive guns that get special treatments. And aftermarket camo dipping that anyone can pick about any pattern they want.
That is very true! Didn't even think about that :-[
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Stickbow98 on March 10, 2016, 10:10:19 PM
According to Blue Book of Gun Values, 835 was available in Realtree AP Grey from 1996-1999.
I had one of them in that pattern myself... Good gun, kicked like S.O.B.!!

MODEL 835 ULTI-MAG TURKEY

12 ga., 3 1/2 in. chamber, 6 shot, 24 in. VR ported overbored barrel, Ulti-Full choke tubes, adj. fiber optic sights, synthetic stock with OFM Woodland Camo (all-purpose camo, combo. only with dual comb stock, mfg. 1997-99), Advantage Timber (mfg. 2001-2002), Brown Leaf (disc. 1999), Realtree (mfg. 1993-99), Realtree AP (all purpose grey, mfg. 1996-1999), Realtree Hardwoods (mfg. 2002-disc.), Realtree Xtra Brown (mfg. 2000-2002), Mossy Oak (mfg. 1994-99), Mossy Oak Forest Floor (mfg. 2003 only), Mossy Oak New Break-up (mfg. 2003-2011), Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity (mfg. 2011-2015), Mossy Oak Obsession (mfg. 2004, reintroduced 2007-2010, 2016), Realtree Hardwoods HD Green (disc. 2012), or Woodlands (mfg. 2000-2011) finish, 7 1/2 lbs. There is pricing information available for purchase for this model. This data is available in the following options:
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Fullfan on March 11, 2016, 07:33:39 AM
I bought and still have one of the first 835's that were available where I live. I know I had it prior to my Deployment to the Gulf back in 1991, but do not remember the purchase date   The gun did not come ported and had the standard 2 bead sight system. It is painted black with some military od green splotches on it.  The pump forearm rattled bad, and the gun kicked like a mule.  The gun has not hunted since prob 93-94. A 11-87 sps-t in Bottomland green took it's place. I will get a pic in a few.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: TrackeySauresRex on March 11, 2016, 10:33:20 AM
This one was purchased NIB before my Dads passing,which was in 1994. I don't know exactly. It may have been in early spring of 94 or sometime earlier. It does not have the fluted barrel. The length is 24". I thought it was original green reel tree green.

(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg299/TrackeySauresRex/image.jpg1_zpsky8p4oav.jpg) (http://s251.photobucket.com/user/TrackeySauresRex/media/image.jpg1_zpsky8p4oav.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: surehuntsalot on March 11, 2016, 11:17:08 AM
there were 835's made in realtree grey
I had a realtree brown 835 bought in 1990
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: wvmntnhick on March 11, 2016, 05:02:20 PM
No clue how old mine is. It's for the nwtf medallion in the stock and is painted black and green. Appears to have a rattle can job but I believe it's factory. At least I've seen enough to lead me to believe so. I'll try and post a pic later if I remember.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 05:18:48 AM
I bought this one new in 1999 or 2000.

(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d81/01Foreman400/C8E92AC0-459B-4EAF-862B-0E98C5E2A432_zpsmsjq1in2.jpg) (http://s33.photobucket.com/user/01Foreman400/media/C8E92AC0-459B-4EAF-862B-0E98C5E2A432_zpsmsjq1in2.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Farmboy27 on March 12, 2016, 06:44:05 AM
Quote from: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 05:18:48 AM
I bought this one new in 1999 or 2000.

(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d81/01Foreman400/C8E92AC0-459B-4EAF-862B-0E98C5E2A432_zpsmsjq1in2.jpg) (http://s33.photobucket.com/user/01Foreman400/media/C8E92AC0-459B-4EAF-862B-0E98C5E2A432_zpsmsjq1in2.jpg.html)
My cousin has the same one. I think he got his for a graduation gift so it would have been 1999.  Still his one and only turkey gun.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: TrackeySauresRex on March 12, 2016, 09:02:14 AM
Quote from: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 05:18:48 AM
I bought this one new in 1999 or 2000.
Don't waist your time. That choke doesn't shoot all that well in the 835. Send it to me,I'll even pick up the shipping for ya.  :funnyturkey:
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 12, 2016, 09:02:54 AM
I'll get pictures up when i'm back in town tomorrow. I'm actually excited to scrub and polish this barrel!
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 09:06:35 AM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on March 12, 2016, 09:02:14 AM
Quote from: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 05:18:48 AM
I bought this one new in 1999 or 2000.
Don't waist your time. That choke doesn't shoot all that well in the 835. Send it to me,I'll even pick up the shipping for ya.  :funnyturkey:

LOL!!  That's what I been hearing.  I've got 3 of the originals.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 12, 2016, 09:10:49 AM
Quote from: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 09:06:35 AM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on March 12, 2016, 09:02:14 AM
Quote from: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 05:18:48 AM
I bought this one new in 1999 or 2000.
Don't waist your time. That choke doesn't shoot all that well in the 835. Send it to me,I'll even pick up the shipping for ya.  :funnyturkey:

LOL!!  That's what I been hearing.  I've got 3 of the originals.

The real trick is getting the original Star Dot and the Matching re branded Pittman version!
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: TrackeySauresRex on March 12, 2016, 09:13:36 AM
Quote from: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 09:06:35 AM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on March 12, 2016, 09:02:14 AM
Quote from: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 05:18:48 AM
I bought this one new in 1999 or 2000.
Don't waist your time. That choke doesn't shoot all that well in the 835. Send it to me,I'll even pick up the shipping for ya.  :funnyturkey:

LOL!!  That's what I been hearing.  I've got 3 of the originals.

I love my awesome patterning ugly Ol Mossy,with the rattling fore arm stock. Lol! I wouldn't trade it for the world. Lots of memories with her.  :z-guntootsmiley:
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 12, 2016, 09:20:37 AM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on March 12, 2016, 09:13:36 AM
Quote from: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 09:06:35 AM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on March 12, 2016, 09:02:14 AM
Quote from: 01Foreman400 on March 12, 2016, 05:18:48 AM
I bought this one new in 1999 or 2000.
Don't waist your time. That choke doesn't shoot all that well in the 835. Send it to me,I'll even pick up the shipping for ya.  :funnyturkey:

LOL!!  That's what I been hearing.  I've got 3 of the originals.

I love my awesome patterning ugly Ol Mossy,with the rattling fore arm stock. Lol! I wouldn't trade it for the world. Lots of memories with her.  :z-guntootsmiley:

Some folks just do not realize how good of a turkey rig they are. I was conned out of my last 835/Star Dot by a hunting buddy after 3 of us went to the patterning boards together and I completely creamed his and the other fellers 1200+ dollar (wont mention brand) turkey rigs. A bidding war started right there at the range lol. Those two dopes live by the idea that more expensive means it will always perform better....
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: TrackeySauresRex on March 12, 2016, 09:42:07 AM
^ right on Philippe!
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Mike Honcho on March 12, 2016, 10:36:49 AM
Great find Phillipe !  I found one for my stepson a couple of years ago that is just like the one TrackerSaurusRex has....
for $ 175.

Now I suppose I will have to find him a more expensive shotgun and trade him out of it...he doesn't  hunt turkeys.

Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 12, 2016, 10:45:25 AM
Quote from: Mike Honcho on March 12, 2016, 10:36:49 AM
Great find Phillipe !  I found one for my stepson a couple of years ago that is just like the one TrackerSaurusRex has....
for $ 175.

Now I suppose I will have to find him a more expensive shotgun and trade him out of it...he doesn't  hunt turkeys.

Talk him out of it! Every one of these old 835's I've either owned or worked on have produced monster patterns. This specific one I wont be chasing 40 yard numbers, i'm going to set it up for 30 and under due to where i'm limited to hunting this year. Lots of thickets, overgrowth and very tight pine groves, just never know where the bird will pop out!
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Mike Honcho on March 12, 2016, 10:56:20 AM
Phillipe, If you could find an earlier Ballistic Specialties  choke Angle Port , from Batesville,AR... they produce an outstanding 3o-35 yard hunting pattern....very even about 15" at 30, 20" at 35.

I just sold mine as I don't  have an 835 anymore.

I see they have a new design now...I haven't tried it.



Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 12, 2016, 11:11:56 AM
Quote from: Mike Honcho on March 12, 2016, 10:56:20 AM
Phillipe, If you could find an earlier Ballistic Specialties  choke Angle Port , from Batesville,AR... they produce an outstanding 3o-35 yard hunting pattern....very even about 15" at 30, 20" at 35.

I just sold mine as I don't  have an 835 anymore.

I see they have a new design now...I haven't tried it.

I'll have a look around and see if I can locate one. I've got about 15 other chokes to try as well, obviously going to start with the classics for this gun.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 14, 2016, 02:55:28 AM
Ok i'm back and snapped a teaser photo :wave:
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: tha bugman on March 14, 2016, 10:02:41 AM
+1
Quote from: Farmboy27 on March 09, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
I thought that the shortest barrel they put on them up till a few years ago was a 24".  An old school realtree 835 should have a 24" barrel if its original.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: trkehunr93 on March 14, 2016, 10:22:50 AM
Look forward to seeing your results.  I bought an 835 turkey gun from Dicks in 2006, woodland camo.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that gun!!!  No amount of money will ever convince me to sell it.  I got a Pittman Bossbuster choke (just like the star dot) from davisd9 about 5 years ago and that combo is deadly with Hevi 3.5" 6's and 7's and Win HV 3.5" 5's.  Shoots Win HV 3" 4's pretty good as well, but is better for 30-35 yd shots with that load.   
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 14, 2016, 12:15:07 PM
The deep clean and polish turned out really well. Now I'm just waiting on the optics and mount and its patterning time. Optics going on is the Bushnell TRS-25. My three top choices to test with will be the pictures Star Dot, PG .670, IC .675. Shells will be Longbeard 3 1 7/8 5's and 4's.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 14, 2016, 10:39:16 PM
Got a killer deal on a new Bushnell 1x MP Red Dot so I upgraded from the TRS-25 :OGturkeyhead:
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: SCDieselDawg on March 15, 2016, 12:29:24 AM
Quote from: Mike Honcho on March 12, 2016, 10:56:20 AM
Phillipe, If you could find an earlier Ballistic Specialties  choke Angle Port , from Batesville,AR... they produce an outstanding 3o-35 yard hunting pattern....very even about 15" at 30, 20" at 35.

I just sold mine as I don't  have an 835 anymore.

I see they have a new design now...I haven't tried it.

I've got one of the Roy Rhodes signature chokes made by ballistic specialties.  I wonder what the difference is between them and the normal Ballistic Specialties chokes are.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 15, 2016, 01:43:44 AM
Quote from: SCDieselDawg on March 15, 2016, 12:29:24 AM
Quote from: Mike Honcho on March 12, 2016, 10:56:20 AM
Phillipe, If you could find an earlier Ballistic Specialties  choke Angle Port , from Batesville,AR... they produce an outstanding 3o-35 yard hunting pattern....very even about 15" at 30, 20" at 35.

I just sold mine as I don't  have an 835 anymore.

I see they have a new design now...I haven't tried it.

I've got one of the Roy Rhodes signature chokes made by ballistic specialties.  I wonder what the difference is between them and the normal Ballistic Specialties chokes are.

I was thinking the same thing, probably not a damn thing.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Mike Honcho on March 17, 2016, 07:22:10 AM
My stepson called last night wanting to sell a rifle to pay some bills....I offered to buy his old school 835 instead...we'll see if he decides to sell it. 
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 17, 2016, 10:48:57 AM
Quote from: Philippe on March 14, 2016, 10:39:16 PM
Got a killer deal on a new Bushnell 1x MP Red Dot so I upgraded from the TRS-25 :OGturkeyhead:

Well the 1xMP Red Dot is not going to work for shotguns like they claim. You would have to have a comb riser 3 inches high lol. So sending it back and ordered up the Mueller.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Farmboy27 on March 17, 2016, 09:05:27 PM
You got an old school gun, so go old school and just use the beads!!  Trust me, it can be done!
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: Philippe on March 17, 2016, 10:49:19 PM
Quote from: Farmboy27 on March 17, 2016, 09:05:27 PM
You got an old school gun, so go old school and just use the beads!!  Trust me, it can be done!

I have stacked beads on it for backup incase something happens to the optics while out.
Title: Re: Old school 835
Post by: sierra6 on March 20, 2016, 09:37:53 AM
My "Old School" 835.  I bought this one new in 1990 I believe.  It's at the bottom of the photo with the pistol grip stock I added about 10-12 years ago.  The 835 is a hammer.  I've takeen more birds with it than I can remember.  It patterns fantastic and has an appetite for the "old school" Federal Premium 3.5" 2&1/4oz #4 copper coated lead loads. I've had great luck with the factory full choke tube and the Jellyhead you see in the photo.

(http://i66.tinypic.com/outzr6.jpg)