Description
The Mossberg 535 ATS Turkey 12 Ga, 22″ Vent Rib, 3.5″, 6rd, Fiber Optic is a purpose-built pump-action shotgun designed for the demanding turkey hunter. It combines a versatile 3.5-inch chamber for maximum payloads with a compact 22-inch barrel, a high-visibility fiber optic sight system, and a six-round capacity to handle multiple gobblers or follow-up shots in dense cover. This is a tool for closing the distance and making the shot count when the moment arrives.
Key Features
- Versatile 3.5″ Chamber: Handles everything from light 2.75″ target loads to heavy-hitting 3.5″ magnum turkey loads, giving you the flexibility to match your ammunition to the hunt.
- 22″ Vent Rib Barrel: Provides a compact, maneuverable profile perfect for tight blinds and thick woods, while the vent rib aids in quick target acquisition and reduces mirage.
- High-Visibility Fiber Optic Sights: The green front and red rear fiber optic beads gather ambient light, creating a bright aiming point in low-light dawn conditions when turkeys are most active.
- 6-Round Total Capacity: Offers one in the chamber and five in the magazine tube, providing extra rounds for those rare scenarios with multiple legal birds or necessary follow-ups.
- Durable All-Terrain Stock (ATS): The synthetic stock and forend are weather-resistant and camo-finished to withstand the elements and minimize your profile in the field.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 22″ Vent Rib |
| Overall Length | Approx. 43.5″ |
| Capacity | 5+1 Rounds |
| Sights | Fiber Optic Front & Rear |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland Camo |
Weighing in at around 7.5 pounds, the 535 ATS Turkey strikes a practical balance between heft for recoil management and lightness for all-day carries. The pump action is a known quantity—reliable under pressure, simple to maintain, and ready when you are. Here’s the thing—this shotgun is drop-in ready for the season. You can mount popular optics like a Vortex Venom or Burris Fastfire on a rail if desired, but the fiber optic system is more than capable straight from the box. At $438.69, it represents a focused investment in a dedicated hunting tool without superfluous features.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the Missouri turkey hunter who stalks the Ozark hardwoods or sets up in a river bottom blind. It’s for the shooter who needs a shotgun that can swing easily through brush, present a clear sight picture at first light, and deliver a decisive pattern with modern heavy turkey loads. It’s also a solid choice for a utilitarian, high-capacity home defense shotgun where the shorter barrel and six-round capacity are significant assets in a defensive scenario. The synthetic furniture shrugs off moisture and rough handling, making it a true all-weather companion.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The 3.5-inch chamber is its biggest asset, allowing the use of super-heavy payloads for dense patterns at extended ranges. The fiber optic sights are a major upgrade over standard beads for hunting. The six-round capacity is above average for a hunting gun, offering a tangible advantage. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo is effective and durable.
Cons: The 3.5-inch magnum shells generate significant recoil—practice with lighter loads is advised. The 22-inch barrel, while maneuverable, may not be ideal for waterfowl hunting over decoys where longer barrels are often preferred. As a pump-action, its rate of fire is slower than a semi-auto, but that’s the trade-off for absolute reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this shotgun shoot lighter 2.75″ target loads for practice?
A: Absolutely. The Mossberg 535 ATS is designed to safely and reliably cycle 2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ 12-gauge shells. This makes it economical to practice with low-recoil target loads before switching to expensive turkey ammunition.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for choke tubes?
A: Yes, it comes equipped with Mossberg’s Accu-Choke system. It typically includes a turkey-specific choke tube (like an Extra Full or XX Full), but you can use any Mossberg Accu-Choke tube, allowing you to tailor your pattern for different loads or even switch to a more open choke for other types of hunting.
Q: Is it suitable for home defense?
A: While purpose-built for turkey, its characteristics—compact 22-inch barrel, six-round capacity, and rugged synthetic stock—translate very well to a home defense role. The pump action is a proven defensive mechanism. Just remember, FFL transfer required for firearm purchases when you order. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states.
Ready to add this dedicated turkey tool to your arsenal? See the Mossberg 535 ATS Turkey in our online inventory.
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