Description
I’ve been in the turkey woods at dawn more times than I can count, and I’ve learned one thing for sure: you need a shotgun that’s as patient and focused as you are. That moment when a tom’s head pops into view, you don’t want to be fumbling with a safety or worrying about your pattern. You want a tool built for that single, decisive shot. That’s the mindset behind the Mossberg 535 Turkey Pump 12 Ga 20″ 3.5″ FO/Red Dot Synthetic Stock, PG Mossy Oak. It’s a purpose-built, no-nonsense turkey gun designed to deliver a dense, lethal pattern at the ranges where it matters most.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a general-purpose shotgun you’re trying to make work for turkeys. This is a dedicated predator. The 20-inch barrel is short and maneuverable for tight blinds and quick swings, while the 3.5-inch chamber gives you the option to run the heaviest, most potent turkey loads on the market for maximum reach. The fiber-optic front sight and included Picatinny rail for a red dot mean you can get a precise, fast bead in any light. At a weight of around 7.5 pounds, it’s light enough to carry all morning but heavy enough to soak up recoil from those magnum loads.
Key Features
Let’s talk about what makes this gun hunt. The Mossberg 535 Turkey Pump is built around Mossberg’s proven and rugged dual-action bar system, which I’ve found to be incredibly reliable in all conditions—mud, rain, you name it. The synthetic stock in Mossy Oak camouflage isn’t just for looks; it’s durable, weather-resistant, and helps you disappear against a backdrop of spring foliage. The real star for me is the factory-installed rail. Mounting an optic is drop-in ready; you can slap on a compact red dot from a brand like Vortex or Burris without any gunsmithing required, which is a huge advantage for achieving a perfect point-of-aim, point-of-impact setup.
The safety is located on the tang, right under your thumb. This is a superior setup for a hunting gun, in my opinion. You can disengage it instinctively as you mount the stock, without breaking your grip or looking away. The 535 also features Mossberg’s famous Accu-Choke system, and it typically comes with a turkey-specific extra-full choke tube installed. This combination is what creates that tight, punishing pattern essential for clean turkey harvests. The price point of $531.00 puts it in a very competitive spot for a dedicated, optics-ready turkey gun.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 40.5 Inches (Approx.) |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Stock | Synthetic, Mossy Oak Camo |
| Sights | Fiber Optic Front, Picatinny Rail |
Pros & Cons
Pros: The dedicated turkey features are spot-on—short barrel, camo finish, optics rail, and turkey choke. The 3.5″ chamber offers maximum load versatility. Mossberg’s tang safety is intuitive and safe. The pump action is famously reliable and simple to maintain. It represents solid value for a specialized tool.
Cons: As a dedicated turkey gun, it’s not the most versatile for other types of hunting like waterfowl or clays. The synthetic stock, while tough, doesn’t have the warmth or classic feel of wood. Recoil with 3.5″ magnum loads is stout, as expected with any lighter shotgun.
Who This Is For
This shotgun is for the Missouri turkey hunter who wants a rifle-like setup for the woods. If you’re tired of stretching the effective range of your field gun or missing because of imprecise bead sights, this is your answer. It’s also a great first dedicated turkey gun for someone ready to step up their game. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What choke tube does it come with?
A: It comes from the factory with an extra-full turkey choke tube installed, designed to produce extremely tight patterns at 40+ yards with the right ammunition.
Q: Can I use it for deer hunting with slugs?
A: You can, but it’s not ideal. The rifle-style sights are minimal, and the barrel isn’t optimized for slug accuracy. For dedicated deer hunting, a rifled barrel or a different model would be a better choice.
Q: What red dots fit the rail?
A: The Picatinny rail is a standard size, so it will accept any micro or compact red dot with a Picatinny mount, such as models from Holosun, Sig Sauer, or primary arms.
If you’re ready to close the distance this season, this Mossberg 535 Turkey Pump provides a serious foundation. Check its availability and get your hunt planned.
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