Remington 870 vs Mossberg 835

[Bigeclipse]

I recently made a thread about semi-autos but now im also considering pump actions for a dedicated turkey gun. I know these two guns have been reviewed over the years and I'm likely opening up a can of worms but I would like to get everyone's current opinions on the Remington 870 magnums vs Mossberg 835s, especially in the most recent years since Remington's manufacturing quality has gone down quite a bit (I have first hand experience with this in their 700 rifles). From what I read is in the past the 870 won out in terms of fit/finish, after market support, functionality of the pump action and that the Mossberg was a bit cheaper cost wise, not as nice fit and finish, might rattle but typically threw better patterns. Personally, I do not care too much about fit and finish, however, loud rattles would concern me with a turkey that might be 10-20 yards away. I like that the 835 has a tang safety and overbored barrel to help with patterns. I also like that their is a specific Mossberg 835 turkey model which has recoil reduction and such. My two priorities in this shotgun for turkey hunting would be first good patterns to 50 yards and second loud rattles would definitely be a no go. Please do not bash for the 50 yard comment as yes I always try to call them in as close as possible but I have had one incident where the bird was further than i had ranged and luckily I did not wound it (maybe shouldnt have shot) but also turkey land near me is hard to come by and if im getting close to the end of the season i will shoot at further distances to get some meat in the fridge. I welcome all thoughts!

[dirt road ninja]

870 or 835. It really makes no difference to the bird, both will pattern and both go bang when you pull the trigger. Handle both and purchase the one you like best. Your goal can be accomplish with either.

Not going to bash your 50 yard comment, just tell ya my philosophy. Don't take a shot on the last day that you wouldn't on the first. Never pass on an animal on the first day that you would be happy with on the last day.

[Bigeclipse]

870 or 835. It really makes no difference to the bird, both will pattern and both go bang when you pull the trigger. Handle both and purchase the one you like best. Your goal can be accomplish with either.

unfortunately I cannot handle both. I only live near 2 dealers and they tend to only carry the basic models. I would be ordering one through them (likely a turkey specific model).

[dirt road ninja]

I'd go Mossy. They are already drilled and tapped and a few bucks cheaper. The money save on the gun could be put toward ammo. The ammo makes the gun not the other way around. My cheap 935 with good ammo will embarrass guns costing 3x as much.

[Bigeclipse]

I'd go Mossy. They are already drilled and tapped and a few bucks cheaper. The money save on the gun could be put toward ammo. The ammo makes the gun not the other way around. My cheap 935 with good ammo will embarrass guns costing 3x as much.

thanks!

[SumToy]

both are good guns.  Alot of parts around for them.  Now the 870 is easier to work the trigger on. 

[Double B]

To me the 835 ulti-mag is THE turkey gun, you gotta have one. 

[Happy]

Mossy gets mt vote. Nothing wrong with the 870 though. The "rattle" can be fixed by some adhesive felt between the barrel and forearm.

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[Tennessee Lead]

To me the 835 ulti-mag is THE turkey gun, you gotta have one. 

X2
I would get the 835



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[greencop01]

Do your homework, handle both guns, shoot them if you can and go with your gut. Both will do the job but there are 10,000,000 Rem 870's out there. 

[jordanz7935]

Ive had both guns and am a big fan of em both. It really comes down to minute details and specific  models... Remington is lighter, trigger is an easy fix, fit and finish is probably better overall. Most of the current 870 Turkey models come drilled and tapped nowadays too. The 835 is probably gonna throw a better overall pattern, especially with 3.5" mags. If it were me, it would end up coming down to whether i was looking to shoot 3" or 3.5" shells... No since in carrying the extra weight of an 835 if your only interested in shooting 3", IMO... This would be my pick out of any current manufacture 870 or 835. https://www.remington.com/shotguns/pump-action/model-870/model-870-sps-super-mag-turkey-predator-w/scope  Sweet handling guns and the shurshot stock really helps tame recoil in the one i shot.

[Jobofly]

I did quite a bit of research on the Mossy and 870.  Too me it came down to the weight. The 870 is lighter so lugging it to my spots will be easier. I'm pretty happy with the 870 so far. I have ordered a few different chokes to see what patterns best.

[compton30]

Weight is the absolute last thing I worry about when it comes to a hunting weapon. I'll shave a pound or two off my gut first.

I vote Mossberg. Tough to best an 835's pattern.

[LaLongbeard]

870 no question.

[trkehunr93]

Mossberg 835 turkey model weighs 7.5lbs, Remington 870 turkey model weighs 7.25lbs.  I don't find the weight savings a valid argument unless your backcountry hunting.  However they are both proven turkey guns, I am a Mossberg man simply for the fact that I'm a lefty and I like the ambidextrous safety.  Remington makes an 870 thats a lefty but I was given a Mossberg 500 20 years ago as a college graduation gift and liked the feel and I now tote an 835. Its all about personal preference, both a solid guns.