New challenge with 835 mag

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In 1997 I was given a new Mossberg 835 ULTI MAG with a 24 inch ported barrel. For the next 15 years I was too busy to hunt and only killed 1 turkey with this gun. Then I retired and my wife bought me a Benelli and I used it last year to kill three gobblers. I like the Benelli but it does not fit me well, so I bought a Remington 870 Shur Shot which fits me much better. Now I am reading the forums about the Mossberg 835s and how good they shoot and  I've got one of those with a ULTI FULL Turkey choke in the gun cabinet. It is a camo pattern.

Here's what I need help with: I want to build it so that it fits me. I am short 5'3" and have a short LOP. How do I alter the stock for a shorter LOP and tame the recoil. I want some type of optics and I want it to look nice. I need a couple of chokes to test and right now I will be using Hevi Shot #7 or the Hevi Shot Blends.

Any suggestions will be appreciated. I will not be able to get this gun ready for this year, but primarily want to put together a gun that I will be proud of and can pass on to my 10th generation grand son in a few years. It will be a work in progress. Thanks everyone.

[Skeeterbait]

Yes you potentially have a great turkey killer there.  You are correct though that the factory stock is probably too long for you.  I suggest taking a look at the ATI Akita stock.  It is adjustable for length of pull while maintaining a traditional stock appearance.  It also has an adjustable cheek pad that can be raised to make shooting an elevated optic sight more comfortable.  It is one button adjustment for length of pull making it instantly adjustable for various size people but it locks up solidly.

The 24 inch barrel is a good choice for the gun.  It is very versatile and gives great turkey patterns.  There are many chokes that shoot well in the 835.  Generally .670 to .680 constrictions perform well with the tightest patterns.  Some people prefer to use a choke in the .690 range to give a little wider, more forgiving pattern.  I have had my best luck with the Indian Creek Choke.  Other chokes that have performed well in my gun are Pure Gold and Kicks.  Hevi 13 shells perform well, but if you want to stick with lead and save some money on shells, the obvious choice are the new Winchester Long Beard XR shells.

You mention that you want to put an optic on the gun.  The sky is the limit on this.  I and a lot of people believe the open lens reflex style sight like the Burris Fast Fire is THE way to go on turkey guns.  They are extremely accurate and give excellent field of view when shooting with both eyes open.  Others go with tube style red dot sights or even scopes.  However I do not care for the tunnel vision they cause and a scope on a high recoil shotgun can be downright dangerous for someone not experienced with shooting scopes.  The easiest solution and best looking is to mount a Fast Fire to the gun using a Burris Marlin 336 base.  It just so happens the base fits the profile of the 835 receiver and the rear mounting holes.  It gives a compact, finished appearance.

Lastly, your not going to accessorize the gun with items that exactly match the existing camo.  If you truly want to give the gun a factory appearance your going to need to send it off to be dipped in the pattern of your choice.  You will need someone who is experienced with stripping the existing finish off and putting a completely new finish on the gun.  The name I see come up most often with best reviews for this is Rob Roberts.

[allaboutshooting]

Yes you potentially have a great turkey killer there.  You are correct though that the factory stock is probably too long for you.  I suggest taking a look at the ATI Akita stock.  It is adjustable for length of pull while maintaining a traditional stock appearance.  It also has an adjustable cheek pad that can be raised to make shooting an elevated optic sight more comfortable.  It is one button adjustment for length of pull making it instantly adjustable for various size people but it locks up solidly.

Doris and I have these stocks on several guns. They also have an excellent recoil pad.

I'd recommend 3" Hevi-13 shotshells with 2 oz. of either #6 or #7 shot. I shoot either the SSX with a .670 e.d. in my 935, 835 and SSi-ONE with great results.

I think you've had some excellent recommendations for sights.

Good luck and have fun with your "new" old gun.

Thanks,
Clark

[davisd9]

When it comes to turkey hunting I am a big 835er and 935er.  I think they are the best pure turkey gun on the market.  It will not be very difficult for you to find killer patterns with the loads you are using and most good chokes.  I would certainly listen to skeeterbait and allaboutshooting suggestions as they are very knowledgeable.  I have an ATI pistol grip stock and I am very happy with it.

As far as optics go I have a Simmons Pro-Diamond scope on my 835.  I use a one piece dead nut scope mount.  The scope comes in matte black but I used some of the mossy oak graphics tape to camo it. 

If you decide to go with a scope type optic then I highly recommend a tactical style safety because it will make turning the safety off and on much easier was the scope. 

Good luck and keep us up to date!

[VAarrowslinger]

add a choate pistol grip stock and a burris fastfire and you will have one of the best turkey rigs going. If you are going to shoot hevi 7's, look into the SSX choke. I personally like a more open choke like a kicks .680, .685 or a jelly head.

[Skeeterbait]

I agree with VAarrowslinger, if a pistol grip is what you want then the Choate Mark 5 is the best choice.  It uses spacers under the recoil pad to adjust the length of pull.  With no spacer it will give you about 13" LOP.  The spacers are readily available from www.midwayusa.com .  I have one on a 935 and really like it.