Description
You’re staring at the pre-dawn marsh, camo netting draped over your shoulders, and you need a shotgun that can handle the extremes. You need something that can take a 3.5-inch magnum for geese at 40 yards and cycle a light 2.75-inch target load for clays, all without breaking the bank. That’s the exact scenario the Mossberg 835 Turkey/Waterfowl Pump 12 Ga, 26″ 3.5″, 5rd, New Bottomland is built for. It’s a versatile, over-bored pump-action shotgun designed for hunters who demand power and adaptability from waterfowl blinds to turkey woods, all wrapped in a proven, budget-friendly platform.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a boutique gun. It’s a workhorse. The 835’s claim to fame is its unique “Ulti-Mag” system, allowing it to safely chamber and fire 12-gauge shells from 3.5-inch magnums down to 2.75-inch standard loads. That flexibility is huge for a budget-conscious shooter. Want to pattern heavy TSS for turkeys in the spring, then switch to steel shot for ducks in the fall, and maybe even run some cheap target loads for practice? One gun does it all, saving you from needing multiple specialized barrels. At $460.50, that’s serious bang-for-your-buck versatility.
Key Features Built for the Field
The 26-inch vent-rib barrel is the centerpiece. It’s ported to help reduce muzzle jump with those punishing 3.5-inch loads, making follow-up shots more manageable. The New Bottomland camo finish isn’t just for show; it’s a durable, dipped coating that provides excellent concealment in a variety of marsh and timber environments, and it covers the entire gun—stock, forend, and barrel. This gun is drop-in ready for your next hunt; just add your preferred choke and shells. The 5-round capacity (4+1) gives you an extra shell over many standard pumps, a small but meaningful advantage when a flock is working.
Mossberg’s proven dual extractors and anti-jam elevator ensure reliable feeding and ejection, a must when you’re kneeling in mud or snow. The safety is tang-mounted, right under your thumb, making it easy to operate without changing your grip. Weighing in at approximately 7.5 pounds, it’s hefty enough to soak up recoil but still swings smoothly for a moving target. The synthetic stock is tough and weather-resistant, built to handle the abuse a waterfowl or turkey hunt will dish out.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds (4+1) |
| Finish | New Bottomland Camo (Full Coverage) |
| Action | Pump Action |
| Choke System | Accu-Choke (Chokes Included) |
| Safety | Tang-Mounted |
Pros, Cons, and Practical Tradeoffs
Pros: The value is undeniable. The multi-chamber capability is its killer feature, offering incredible shell versatility. The full camo dip is a cost-effective finish that performs. Mossberg’s reliability is well-documented, and the 835 platform has a long track record. The 5-round capacity is a practical plus.
Cons: It’s not lightweight. That 7.5-pound heft helps with recoil but can be a factor on long walks. The over-bored barrel (designed to reduce recoil and improve patterns with large shot) can sometimes produce less-than-ideal patterns with very light target loads—but that’s a tradeoff for its magnum performance. The pump action, while supremely reliable, isn’t as fast as a semi-auto for follow-up shots.
Who This Gun Is For
This is the shotgun for the Missouri hunter who wants one do-it-all shotgun for birds and maybe even the occasional deer hunt with a slug barrel. It’s for the budget-minded waterfowler who needs 3.5-inch capability without a $1,000 price tag. It’s for the turkey hunter who appreciates the full camo and wants a dependable, hard-hitting tool. If you prioritize practical versatility and proven performance over lightweight refinement, the 835 makes a compelling case. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use this for deer hunting?
A: Yes, but you’ll need a separate rifled slug barrel. The 835’s receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope mount, and Mossberg sells compatible slug barrels separately, making it a true multi-season platform.
Q: What chokes come with it?
A: It typically includes a set of Accu-Choke tubes (often Modified, Full, and maybe an Improved Cylinder). Always verify the specific inclusions, as they can change. These tubes are also compatible with many older Mossberg 500 and newer 930 choke systems, giving you options.
Q: Is the camo finish durable?
A: The hydro-dipped New Bottomland is quite durable for a finish at this price point. It’s resistant to moisture and scratches from normal field use, though like any camo, it can wear with heavy abrasion. It’s far superior to a plain blued finish in a wet blind.
Ready to add this versatile field gun to your collection? See the Mossberg 835 Turkey/Waterfowl Pump in New Bottomland on our site for full details. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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