Description
It’s a purpose-built, camo-clad turkey-hunting shotgun from Mossberg, chambered for potent 3.5″ 12-gauge shells. The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Turkey Thug 12 Ga 3.5 Inch Chamber 20 Inch Vent Rib Barrel Synthetic Stock Full Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity Camouflage Finish With Rail And Truglo Red Dot Sight 5 Round comes ready for the woods with an integrated optic and a short, maneuverable barrel. I’ve put a variety of turkey loads through this platform, and its combination of power and pointability is hard to beat for the price. This isn’t a general-purpose field gun; it’s a specialized tool designed for one job and it does it very well.
Key Features
- Ulti-Mag Versatility: Handles 2 ¾”, 3″, and 3.5″ 12-gauge shells, letting you tailor your load to the hunt.
- Turkey-Ready Package: Comes from the factory with a mounted Truglo red dot sight on its integrated rail—no gunsmithing required.
- Full Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity Camo: Complete coverage from buttstock to barrel for effective concealment.
- 20″ Vent Rib Barrel: Short for quick swings in tight brush, with a vent rib for a clean sight picture.
- Durable Synthetic Stock: Built to withstand the elements and the rigors of the turkey woods.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge/Chamber | 12 Gauge / 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 20″ Vent Rib |
| Overall Length | Approx. 40.5″ |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity |
| Sights | Integrated Rail with Pre-mounted Truglo Red Dot |
Look, the specs tell a clear story. That 20-inch barrel keeps the overall length down to a highly manageable 40.5 inches or so, perfect for setting up against a tree or navigating thick timber. The weight, typically around 7.5 pounds, helps manage the stout recoil of heavy turkey loads. The real kicker is the included Truglo sight—it’s a legitimate hunting-grade optic, not a cheap afterthought. Having it pre-zeroed and ready to go means you can head to the range, confirm your pattern, and be hunt-ready faster. At $483.62, this package represents serious value when you consider the cost of the shotgun and a quality red dot separately.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the dedicated turkey hunter who wants a no-fuss, dedicated rig. It’s for the hunter who doesn’t want to piece together components, mount an optic, or worry about camo tape on a blued barrel. If your primary goal is tagging a tom and you appreciate gear that’s configured correctly from the start, this Mossberg is speaking your language. It’s also a solid choice for those in states with specific shotgun-only hunting zones who need a reliable, optic-ready firearm.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The out-of-the-box readiness is the biggest advantage. The camo finish is comprehensive and durable. The 835’s overbored barrel (it’s a bit wider than standard) can produce excellent, consistent patterns. The ability to shoot 3.5″ magnums gives you access to the heaviest payloads on the market for maximum knockdown power at extended ranges.
Cons: That 3.5″ chamber comes with a trade-off—the recoil with maximum loads is punishing, no two ways about it. The synthetic stock, while tough, may not have the ergonomic refinements of higher-end models. The short barrel and specialized choke make it less ideal for other types of hunting like waterfowl or clays. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases when ordering online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What choke tube does it come with, and is it compatible with other Mossberg chokes?
A: It typically comes with a turkey-specific Accu-Choke tube (often an Extra Full). It uses the standard Mossberg Accu-Choke system, so you can swap in other compatible tubes, but for turkey, you’ll likely stick with the provided one.
Q: Can the red dot sight be removed to use the vent rib sights?
A: Yes. The sight is mounted to a rail that is attached to the receiver. You can remove the Truglo unit if desired, but the rail itself is a permanent fixture. The vent rib remains fully functional underneath.
Q: Is this shotgun reliable with lighter target loads for practice?
A: Generally, yes. The 835’s action is proven. However, the overbored barrel and extra-full choke are optimized for dense turkey patterns, so your spread with light target loads at the range will be very wide. It’ll function fine, but patterning performance is all about the heavy hunting loads.
If you’re after a turn-key turkey solution that brings proven Mossberg reliability, serious firepower, and critical gear like an optic together in one smart package, this Thug deserves your attention. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check the product page for current availability and to start the simple ordering process.
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