How far off poa is to far?

[Okiehntr12]

I have a 28inch older not porter Mossberg 835. Got a stardot choke for it and patterned some loads shot about a 1ft low and to the left about 6 inch. Thought maybe it was the choke. Sold it bought another stardot choke. This one is shooting about 6 inches low and about 4 inches to the left. Is the sometimes normal and just make due and adjust my sights? I have eventually tried factory turkey choke and other loads as well.  I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post a pattern pic on this page.

[chatterbox]

I have a 28inch older not porter Mossberg 835. Got a stardot choke for it and patterned some loads shot about a 1ft low and to the left about 6 inch. Thought maybe it was the choke. Sold it bought another stardot choke. This one is shooting about 6 inches low and about 4 inches to the left. Is the sometimes normal and just make due and adjust my sights? I have eventually tried factory turkey choke and other loads as well.  I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post a pattern pic on this page.

It isn't uncommon for POA and POI to differ in shotguns. A good set of adjustable open sights like Truglo or Williams will do the trick, or a red dot sight will get you all set. Good luck!

[Okiehntr12]

Thanks a bunch. Have plans to order a red dot soon.

[L.F. Cox]

Try a different shot size...when the 835 first came out mine shot way off with one shot size but straight down the road with a different shot size. Back then the only 3 & 1/2" ammo was Federal.

If that doesn't correct it I'd try a different brand of ammo....next step would be a quality turkey choke such as a Comp N Choke.

[Okiehntr12]

Thanks Mr Cox I will do that.

[Tom Foolery]

All of my guns have adjustable sights do to POA/POI.  Sounds like you need some adjustable sights or an optic.


If you are shooting a StarDot you have one of the best chokes made for the 835, hold onto it and fix your POA/POI problem.

[Dtrkyman]

I had an 835 that was off nearly that far, different chokes and loads didn't matter, back to mossberg it went, new barrel and bang dead on with everything!

Thats way too much IMHO!

[drenalinld]

All of my guns have adjustable sights do to POA/POI.  Sounds like you need some adjustable sights or an optic.


If you are shooting a StarDot you have one of the best chokes made for the 835, hold onto it and fix your POA/POI problem.

Star Dot has a reputation for the tightest pattern at 40 yards with and 835. That in itself does not make it the best choice for choke. That has little if any indication of how squarely/accurately the choke is machined. It is worth trying a different choke imo. It was one of the least expensive chokes ever made so I don't know if quality control and/or tolerences are up to other choke manufacturer's standards. They may be, I just think it is worth trying a different choke as suggested.

[mikejd]

I am not a fan of any sights on my turkey guns. Therefore I play with as many choke and shell combos I can until im happy.

My dad shoots a Browning gold and last year he picked up an IC choke
a few days before the season. Went out opening morning and missed
I broke his chops something fierce for not patterning first. Went to the board that afternoon.
well 2' to the right and 2' low. He switched to a truglo gobblestopper
mark banser that I had and bullseye first shot. So just play around until your on.

[Tom Foolery]

All of my guns have adjustable sights do to POA/POI.  Sounds like you need some adjustable sights or an optic.


If you are shooting a StarDot you have one of the best chokes made for the 835, hold onto it and fix your POA/POI problem.

Star Dot has a reputation for the tightest pattern at 40 yards with and 835. That in itself does not make it the best choice for choke. That has little if any indication of how squarely/accurately the choke is machined. It is worth trying a different choke imo. It was one of the least expensive chokes ever made so I don't know if quality control and/or tolerences are up to other choke manufacturer's standards. They may be, I just think it is worth trying a different choke as suggested.

That's understandable and trying chokes if certainly an option. 


I figure put $60 in a new choke and have it hit in the same place as the StarDot and then put $40 in adjustable sights to get your POA/POI fixed is a good idea, always nice to keep spending money........


I shot a StarDot - $5
Factory .695 - $15
SSX .670 - $45
Kicks .670 - $55
Pure Gold .670 - $60


That's $180

They all hit low left from my 835 without sights, everyone of them was off center.  So I bought adjustable sights ($40) and shot my $5 StarDot because it outshot them all. 

[Okiehntr12]

That's a lot of good info guys. I will say with my 28 inch barrel on that gun I was shooting turkey thugs and the shot group was a nice even pattern at 30 and 40, just not where I was aiming. If I get it dialed in that load and choke combo will be a keeper. I'm going to try a tru glo smackdown and a IC, after I see what a sight will do.