Description
The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Turkey 12 Ga, 3.5″, is a pump-action shotgun purpose-built for turkey hunting, designed to handle powerful 3.5-inch magnum shells for maximum knockdown power at range. It features a specialized turkey-focused configuration right from the factory, offering hunters a dedicated, hard-hitting platform that delivers serious performance without a custom shop price tag. This model represents a classic workhorse approach to scatterguns—delivering reliability and specialized features where they count most.
Key Features
- 3.5″ Chamber: The headline feature. This allows you to run the heaviest, hardest-hitting turkey loads on the market for extended range and pellet count.
- Dedicated Turkey Configuration: Comes from Mossberg with a camouflaged finish, a fiber-optic rifle-style sight system for precise bead alignment, and a sling for easy carry in the field.
- Overbored Barrel (Accu-Mag): Mossberg’s proprietary overbored barrel design reduces felt recoil and improves shot patterns—a major benefit when shooting heavy magnum loads.
- Dual Gas System: A unique design that allows the gun to safely and reliably cycle everything from light 2.75″ target loads up to the punishing 3.5″ magnums.
- Pump-Action Reliability: The simple, robust pump mechanism is less fussy than a semi-auto in all conditions, a key factor when a single shot is often all you get.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge: | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber: | 3.5″ |
| Action: | Pump |
| Barrel Length: | 24″ (typical for this model) |
| Capacity: | 4+1 Rounds |
| Finish: | Mossy Oak or Realtree Camo |
Weighing in around 7.5 to 8 pounds, the 835 Ulti-Mag Turkey manages the hefty recoil of 3.5-inch shells better than many lighter shotguns. The weight adds stability for a steadier aim on a distant tom. The 24-inch barrel provides a good balance between maneuverability in blind or brush and the necessary sight plane for accurate shooting. Here’s the thing—while it’s a turkey specialist, that dual gas system means you can absolutely use it for other tasks. You can run cheaper, lighter 2.75″ or 3″ shells for clays or waterfowl (with a non-toxic shot), making it a versatile single shotgun for a budget-conscious hunter who wants one gun to do several jobs. The price point of $444.33 is a critical data point. It sits squarely in the value segment, significantly undercutting many dedicated semi-auto turkey guns while still delivering the essential magnum capability.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the shotgun for the hunter who prioritizes raw stopping power and reliability over fast follow-up shots. It’s for the Missouri turkey hunter who sets up carefully and believes in making the first shot count with the most effective shell available. It’s also an excellent choice for a new hunter or someone on a tight budget who wants a serious turkey gun without the semi-auto premium. If you occasionally hunt waterfowl or deer (with a slug barrel), this platform can serve that role too, maximizing your dollar. The gun is drop-in ready for the season—no gunsmithing required to get it field-ready.
Pros & Cons: The Practical Tradeoffs
Pros: The 3.5″ chamber is the biggest pro, offering unmatched power in its class. The overbored barrel genuinely helps with recoil management. Pump-action reliability is legendary in mud, rain, and cold. The included camo and sights mean you’re not spending extra on basic upgrades. The dual gas system allows for cheap practice with light loads. Finally, the price is its ultimate advantage—this is a lot of specialized gun for the money.
Cons: Recoil with 3.5″ magnums is stout, no way around it. The pump action requires manual cycling, which is slower than a semi-auto. The factory choke may be a bit tight for some hunters’ preferences in dense woods, but aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or TruGlo are readily compatible. It’s not a lightweight mountain gun, so if you’re hiking miles, the weight is a factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot 2.75″ and 3″ shells in this 3.5″ chamber?
A: Absolutely. The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag’s dual gas system is specifically designed to reliably cycle all three shell lengths (2.75″, 3″, and 3.5″). This makes it versatile for practice, hunting other game, or just using more affordable ammunition.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for chokes?
A: Yes, it comes equipped with Mossberg’s Accu-Choke system, accepting all standard Mossberg 835 choke tubes. The gun typically includes a turkey-specific extra-full choke tube installed from the factory.
Q: How does it compare to the Mossberg 500 or 590 for turkey hunting?
A: The key difference is the chamber. The 835 Ulti-Mag handles 3.5″ shells, while the 500/590 are limited to 3″ shells. The 835 also has the overbored Accu-Mag barrel for potentially better patterns. If you want the maximum power option for turkey, the 835 is the pick. For general use where 3.5″ isn’t a need, the 500 series offers fantastic value.
When you break it down, the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Turkey 12 Ga, 3.5″, delivers a specific kind of bang-for-your-buck: magnum power at a non-magnum price. It’s a straightforward, durable tool that gets the job done without frills. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. If a reliable, powerful, and purpose-configured turkey gun is what you need, this Mossberg deserves a close look.
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