Description
Picture this: you’re in a Missouri bottomland blind at first light, the chill cutting through your jacket. A flock of geese is circling, but they’re hanging up just out of range of your buddy’s standard 3″ gun. That’s the exact scenario where the Mossberg 835 Pump 12 ga 20″ Barrel, 3.5″, Adjustable Synthetic MOBUI Finish, 5rd earns its keep. It’s the shotgun you hand to the guy who needs to reach out and touch something that other 12-gauges can’t.
So, what is the Mossberg 835 Pump 12 ga 20″ Barrel, 3.5″, Adjustable Synthetic MOBUI Finish, 5rd? It’s a purpose-built, ultra-mag pump-action shotgun built around a longer 3.5″ chamber. Its 20″ vent-rib barrel and adjustable synthetic stock in Mossy Oak Bottomland (MOBUI) finish make it a compact, weather-resistant tool for tight-quarters hunting and serious waterfowl duty where extra power is non-negotiable.
I’ve put a mix of light target loads and punishing 3.5″ magnum steel through this platform, and its overbored barrel is the real star. That extra internal diameter reduces felt recoil and shot deformation, giving you tighter, more consistent patterns. You feel the push of a heavy load, sure, but it’s a manageable shove rather than a sharp jab. The 5+1 capacity gives you a solid string of shots without making the gun overly long or cumbersome. At a weight of around 7.5 lbs, it’s hefty enough to soak up recoil but still quick to shoulder.
The adjustable stock is a feature you don’t realize you need until you use it. Being able to tweak the length of pull means it can fit a wider range of shooters right out of the box—no gunsmithing required. The MOBUI finish isn’t just for looks; it’s a durable, textured coating that shrugs off moisture, mud, and the general abuse a hunting shotgun endures. The 20″ barrel with its vent rib is a dream in a layout blind or a thick timber setup, giving you quick target acquisition without snagging on every branch. Here’s the thing—this isn’t a delicate showpiece. It’s a working gun, and it feels like one in the best possible way.
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 20″ Vent Rib |
| Overall Length | ~41.5″ (Stock Adjusted) |
| Capacity | 5+1 Rounds |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland (MOBUI) Synthetic |
| Stock | Adjustable Synthetic |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: massive 3.5″ chamber capability, durable and effective camouflage, a user-adjustable stock for better fit, and that proven Mossberg pump reliability. It’s a dedicated tool for a specific job. The cons? It’s a bit specialized. If you only shoot 2.75″ target loads, the overbored barrel might not pattern them as tightly as a standard bore. And while the price of $533.35 is fair for what you get, it’s an investment for a gun that truly shines when fed the heaviest loads.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is for the hunter who needs maximum payloads at extended ranges. Think late-season geese, turkey hunters who want dense patterns at 40+ yards, or anyone in a state where magazine plugs are required but you still want a full legal capacity. It’s also a solid choice for a home-defense role where you might want the option of less-lethal 3.5″ rounds or massive slug power. It’s compatible with a wide range of Mossberg 500/835 accessories, like sling mounts and certain choke tubes (it uses Accu-Choke threads).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can it shoot standard 2.75″ and 3″ shells too?
A: Absolutely. The 3.5″ chamber handles all standard 12-gauge shells (2.75″ and 3″) without any issue. It’s versatile, but it’s engineered to perform best with the longer, heavier magnum loads.
Q: Is the stock length of pull adjustable by the user?
A: Yes. The synthetic stock includes spacers to adjust the length of pull, making it easy to customize the fit for different arm lengths or layers of clothing. It’s a simple process that takes just a few minutes.
Q: What’s the real benefit of the “overbored” barrel?
A: The bore diameter is slightly larger than a standard 12-gauge. This reduces internal pressure and friction, which translates to less perceived recoil and less deformation of the shot pellets as they travel down the barrel. The result is a more consistent, effective pattern when it matters most.
If you’ve been in a situation where your current shotgun just couldn’t reach far enough or hit hard enough, the Mossberg 835 platform provides a tangible solution. This specific 20″ MOBUI model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check its current status and see if it’s the missing piece for your gear locker.
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