Description
You know that feeling when you’re staring at a wall of shotguns, trying to decide between a dedicated turkey gun, a waterfowl rig, and something for the deer woods? I’ve been there. It’s a classic hunter’s dilemma. That’s why I was so interested in getting my hands on the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Combo T/D Pump 12ga 24″ 3.5″ Dual Comb Synthetic Stock MOBUI. This isn’t a one-trick pony; it’s a modular, multi-season workhorse designed to solve that exact problem without breaking the bank.
Here’s the thing—the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Combo is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun built on Mossberg’s iconic Ulti-Mag platform. It’s chambered for 3.5″ magnum shells for maximum power, but handles shorter shells just fine. The “Combo” part is key: it comes with two barrels (a 24″ vent-rib barrel and a 24″ rifled deer barrel) and two stocks (a standard synthetic and a pistol-grip synthetic), all in one box. This modularity lets you configure it for turkey, waterfowl, slugs, or home defense. At a price point of $556.66, it delivers serious versatility. The dual comb stock system is a clever touch for optimizing your sight picture with different setups, and it’s a system I’ve found fits out of the box with no gunsmithing required.
What Makes It Tick
Let’s start with the action. The 835 uses Mossberg’s proven dual extractor system and their anti-jam elevator. I’ve put a mix of light target loads and heavy 3.5″ turkey thumpers through this gun, and the action stayed smooth. The overbored barrel (it’s wider than a standard 12-gauge bore) is a signature of the 835 series. This design reduces felt recoil and can improve pattern density—something you’ll appreciate after a long day at the range or in a blind. The weight, a manageable 7.5 pounds, helps with that recoil management, too.
The real genius is in the combo configuration. Swapping from the vent-rib barrel with Accu-Choke tubes (it includes Modified, Full, and an XX-Full Turkey tube) to the fully rifled deer barrel takes about 30 seconds. The same goes for the stocks. Want a traditional feel for wing shooting? Use the standard stock. Prefer a more compact, maneuverable setup for tight blinds or tactical use? The pistol-grip stock screws right on. This gun is compatible with a huge range of aftermarket Mossberg 500/835 accessories, from magazine extensions to sling mounts, making customization a breeze.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Action | Pump Action |
| Barrel Length | 24″ (Vent-Rib & Rifled) |
| Overall Length | 44.5″ (with standard stock) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 4+1 (with plug) |
| Stock | Dual Comb Synthetic (Standard & Pistol Grip) |
| Chokes | Accu-Choke System (Tubes Included) |
The Good & The Considerations
Pros: Unmatched versatility for the price. Two barrels and two stocks mean you’re essentially getting two+ guns in one. The 3.5″ chamber gives you all the power you’ll ever need for North American game. The overbored barrel is a genuine performance feature. The Mossberg tang safety is intuitive and easy to use with either stock configuration.
Cons: It’s a pump, so follow-up shots are on you, not the gas system. The synthetic furniture is durable but utilitarian—don’t expect fancy checkering. While it handles 2.75″ shells, the action is long, so cycling shorter shells requires a full, firm stroke. That said, it’s a minor trade-off for the magnum capability.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the perfect first serious shotgun for a new hunter who wants to chase turkey in the spring, ducks in the fall, and deer in the winter without buying three separate firearms. It’s also a brilliant choice for the seasoned Missouri outdoorsman who wants a reliable, no-fuss backup gun or a dedicated truck/boat gun that can handle any role thrown at it. If your needs are hyper-specialized (like competitive clay shooting), look elsewhere. But if your needs are diverse and your budget is sensible, this Mossberg combo is incredibly hard to beat. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, and this model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use 2.75″ shells in this 3.5″ chamber?
A: Absolutely. The Mossberg 835 will safely fire 2.75″ and 3″ shells without issue. You just need to be deliberate with your pump stroke to ensure reliable ejection due to the longer chamber.
Q: Is the rifled barrel suitable for saboted slugs only?
A: Yes, that’s correct. The fully rifled barrel is designed specifically to stabilize modern, saboted slug projectiles for maximum accuracy at deer hunting ranges. Do not use foster-type (rifled) slugs in it, as they are for smoothbore barrels.
Q: How difficult is it to change the stocks?
A: It’s very simple. One bolt secures the stock to the receiver. Using the included tool, you can swap between the standard and pistol-grip stock in under a minute. It’s a true tool-less field conversion.
If you’re looking for a single, do-it-all shotgun platform that can adapt to the entire hunting season, the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Combo deserves a close look. See the full details on our site.
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