Description
The Mossberg 835 Pump 12ga 28″ 3.5″ Synthetic Realtree Max-4 Finish is a versatile, hard-hitting pump-action shotgun built for waterfowl and turkey hunters. It’s a 12-gauge workhorse that handles everything from light 2.75″ target loads up to punishing 3.5″ magnum shells, all wrapped in a durable synthetic stock with an effective Realtree Max-4 camouflage pattern. I’ve put a mix of target and heavy turkey loads through this platform, and its overbored barrel design really does help manage recoil and improve patterns.
Key Features
- 3.5″ Chamber: The big one. This lets you run the heaviest waterfowl and turkey loads on the market for maximum reach and knockdown power.
- Realtree Max-4 Camo Finish: More than just looks, this full-coverage pattern on the stock and barrel breaks up your outline in a variety of wooded and marsh environments.
- 28″ Overbored Barrel: Mossberg’s “Accu-Mag” bore is slightly wider than standard. Here’s the thing—this reduces felt recoil and can produce more consistent shot patterns, especially with steel shot.
- Dual Extractor System: Two strong extractors grip the rim of the shell for ultra-reliable ejection, a feature I appreciate when the action gets muddy or cold.
- Ambidextrous Safety: The tang-mounted safety is easy to operate with either hand, right where your thumb naturally rests.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | 48.5 Inches (Approx.) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (Approx.) |
| Finish | Realtree Max-4 Camo |
| Stock | Synthetic |
Weighing in at roughly 7.5 pounds, the 835 carries well in the field without being too light to soak up the punch of those 3.5″ shells. The synthetic stock is tough as nails, shrugging off moisture, bumps, and temperature swings. A key detail is the factory-installed vent rib with a bead sight—it’s a simple, effective setup for wing shooting. This model is also drilled and tapped for optics, so adding a red dot or scope for turkey is drop-in ready with bases from brands like EGW or Warne. The 835’s design is compatible with a wide range of Mossberg 500-series accessories, giving you options for customization down the line.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is a hunter’s shotgun, first and foremost. It’s built for the guy or gal who spends mornings in a duck blind or stalks spring turkeys. The 3.5″ chamber is its raison d’être, offering that extra edge for long-range geese or stubborn toms. That said, it’s also a perfectly capable all-arounder for clays or deer hunting with slugs. If your primary need is home defense, the 28″ barrel makes it less than ideal—but for dedicated field use, it’s a proven performer. The price point of $461.91 positions it as a serious tool for serious hunters without breaking the bank.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The ability to fire 2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ shells gives you incredible ammunition flexibility. The overbored barrel truly does make a noticeable difference in recoil management with heavy loads. The camo finish is functional and well-applied. Mossberg’s pump action is famously robust and reliable, even in adverse conditions.
Cons: It’s a long gun—that 28″ barrel is great for swinging on birds but can be cumbersome in tight brush. The synthetic stock, while durable, may not fit every shooter perfectly off the rack (spacers can help). And let’s be honest, firing 3.5″ magnums is never a gentle experience, even with the overbored barrel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot 2.75″ target loads through this 3.5″ chamber shotgun?
A: Absolutely. The Mossberg 835 cycles lighter 2.75″ target and field loads without issue. The overbored barrel can sometimes cause lighter target loads to pattern a bit looser, but for practice or skeet, it works just fine.
Q: Is the camo finish applied to the metal barrel and receiver?</n
A: Yes. The Realtree Max-4 pattern is a durable finish applied to both the synthetic stock and the metal components (barrel and receiver). This provides full visual concealment and corrosion resistance.
Q: What is the magazine capacity?</n
A: With the 28″ barrel, the tubular magazine typically holds 4 rounds of 2.75″ shells (plus one in the chamber). Capacity decreases by one when using longer 3.5″ shells. Remember, FFL transfer required for firearm purchases when ordering online to your local dealer.
Look, if you need a single, do-it-all shotgun for waterfowl and turkey that can handle the heaviest loads, the Mossberg 835 in Realtree Max-4 is a compelling choice. Its proven action, thoughtful features like the overbored barrel, and ready-to-hunt camo make it a tool you can rely on season after season. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check current inventory to see if it’s ready to ship to your FFL.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.