Description
The Mossberg 835 Pump 12ga 28″ 3.5″ Realtree Max-5 Synthetic Stock Finish is a versatile, camo-clad pump-action shotgun built for waterfowl and turkey hunters who need to handle the heaviest 3.5-inch magnum loads. It’s a workhorse designed for harsh environments, offering reliable performance where it counts. I’ve put a mix of light target loads and punishing 3.5″ turkey loads through this platform, and it handles the spectrum without complaint. The price point of $394.79 makes it a serious contender for hunters who want Mossberg’s over-bored barrel advantage without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- Ulti-Mag Versatility: Chambers 3.5″, 3″, and 2.75″ 12-gauge shells, giving you unmatched load flexibility from light target to heavy magnum.
- Realtree Max-5 Camo Finish: Full synthetic stock and forend are dipped in an effective, durable camouflage pattern for immediate field readiness.
- Over-Bored 28″ Barrel: The 835’s signature “Accu-Mag” bore reduces recoil and improves shot patterns, especially with modern non-toxic shot.
- Dual Extractor System: Provides a solid, reliable grip on the shell rim for positive ejection, a feature I appreciate when the action gets dirty.
- Tang Safety & Slide Release: Ambidextrous, easy-to-reach controls that are intuitive to use, even with gloves on.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 48.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds (with plug) |
| Stock | Synthetic, Realtree Max-5 Finish |
The synthetic stock is tough as nails and shrugs off moisture, mud, and rough handling. Here’s the thing—the 28-inch barrel with its Accu-Mag bore really does make a noticeable difference in felt recoil and pattern density compared to a standard bore, especially with steel shot. The gun comes ready to hunt, with a factory-installed choke tube (often a Modified choke) and the required magazine plug. It fits out of the box with most standard sling swivels, and the finish is durable enough that no gunsmithing required is needed to start using it hard. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is a dedicated hunter’s tool. It’s perfect for the Missouri waterfowler chasing geese and ducks in flooded timber or fields, or the turkey hunter who needs that extra reach and payload of a 3.5″ shell. It’s also a great choice for anyone needing a rugged, all-weather shotgun for predator control or general property defense where longer range and heavy shot are considerations. If you primarily shoot clays or light 2.75″ loads, a standard 500 or 590 might be a better fit, but for magnum-specific tasks, this is the Mossberg.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Legendary Mossberg pump-action reliability. The 3.5″ chamber offers maximum power and versatility for large game and birds at distance. The Realtree camo is effective and durable. The over-bored barrel improves performance with modern ammunition. It’s a straightforward, no-frills tool that works when you need it.
Cons: At nearly 7.5 pounds, it’s not a lightweight—you’ll feel it after a long carry. The 28″ barrel can be cumbersome in tight blinds or thick brush. Shooting 3.5″ magnums delivers significant recoil; it’s not a gun you’d want to shoot hundreds of rounds through in a day at the range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot 2.75″ shells in this 3.5″ chamber?
A: Absolutely. The Mossberg 835 handles 2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″ 12-gauge shells interchangeably. You’ll get reliable cycling and function with the shorter shells, though the ejection port is longer to accommodate the 3.5″ hulls.
Q: What choke tubes does it use, and is it threaded for them?
A: The Mossberg 835 uses Mossberg’s own Accu-Choke thread pattern (not the more common Benelli/Beretta Mobil style). It comes from the factory with one tube installed, and additional tubes from Mossberg’s Accu-Choke line, like the Turkey Extra Full or a dedicated waterfowl pattern, are easy to find.
Q: Is the camo just on the stock or the metal too?
A: The Realtree Max-5 finish is a hydro-dip applied to the synthetic stock and forend. The barrel and receiver have a standard matte blue or parkerized finish, which is non-reflective and blends well with the camo furniture—a practical setup that keeps cost down while maintaining functionality.
Look, if your season demands a shotgun that can handle the toughest conditions and the heaviest loads, the Mossberg 835 in Realtree Max-5 is a proven platform. It’s a purpose-built tool that delivers Mossberg’s legendary reliability where it matters most. Check availability and see if it’s the right fit for your next season.
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