Description
Picture this: you’re in a Missouri blind at dawn, and a flock of geese is working the decoys. You need a shotgun that can reach out, handle the heavy loads, and do it without breaking the bank. That’s where the Mossberg 835FS 12 3.5 28 PT-IC/M MX4 comes in. It’s a workhorse pump-action shotgun built to handle the punishing 3.5-inch magnum shells for waterfowl and turkey, while still being versatile enough for deer or home defense. With its 28-inch ported barrel and Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat camo, it’s a serious tool for serious hunters who watch their dollars.
What is the Mossberg 835FS 12 3.5 28 PT-IC/M MX4? It is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun chambered for 3.5-inch magnum shells, featuring a 28-inch ported barrel with a Modified choke tube. It comes dressed in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat camo (PT-IC/M) and utilizes Mossberg’s dual-purpose receiver design. This model is a high-value, hard-hitting platform for waterfowl, turkey, and big-game hunting where reach and power are paramount.
Let’s talk about the core of its value. The 835’s claim to fame is that oversized bore. It’s overbored to reduce felt recoil and improve shot patterns with those hefty 3.5-inch loads—a real benefit when you’re shooting a box of goose loads in a morning. The Accu-Mag choke tube system is compatible with Mossberg’s own Accu-Choke and Accu-Mag tubes, giving you pattern control from tight turkey constrictions to more open spreads for ducks. The barrel is ported to help mitigate muzzle jump, which is a welcome feature when you’re pushing two ounces of shot downrange.
The camo isn’t just for show; it’s a full coverage Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat finish that protects the metal and wood from the elements. The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, perfect for muddy fields or damp boat decks. The dual extractors and anti-jam elevator provide reliable feeding and extraction, a must when you’re dealing with a variety of shell lengths from 2.75 inches up to the big 3.5s. The tang-mounted safety is intuitive and easy to operate with gloves on. At a price point of $538.89, it undercuts many competitors offering similar magnum-ready features.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | 48.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Choke System | Accu-Mag (Modified Tube Included) |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat Camo |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: you get magnum power at a very accessible price. The overbored barrel and porting make shooting heavy loads more manageable than you might expect. The full camo dip adds value and utility. Cons? It’s a long, specialized tool. The 28-inch barrel can be cumbersome in tight turkey woods, and the pump action, while reliable, isn’t as fast as a semi-auto for follow-up shots on waterfowl. The trade-off for the price is accepting that pump-action cycle.
Who is this for? This shotgun is for the budget-conscious waterfowler or turkey hunter who needs 3.5-inch capability but can’t justify a four-figure semi-auto. It’s for the hunter who values proven reliability over fast cycling and understands that a pump builds fundamentals. It’s also a solid option for a deer hunter using rifled slugs in open country. This is a no-frills, high-power platform that gets the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot 2.75-inch shells in this 3.5-inch chamber?
A: Yes, the Mossberg 835FS can safely fire 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells in its 3.5-inch chamber. You’ll get reliable function across all standard 12-gauge lengths, which is a huge plus for versatility and practice with cheaper ammo.
Q: Is the camo finish durable?
A: The Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat is a hydro-dipped finish that’s quite resilient to scratches and weather. It’s not indestructible, but it provides excellent corrosion protection and concealment right out of the box—no gunsmithing required to add camo later.
Q: What chokes can I use with it?
A: It uses the Mossberg Accu-Mag choke system. These tubes are specifically designed for the overbored barrel of the 835. While they share some threading with other Mossberg systems, for optimal performance and safety, stick with genuine Mossberg Accu-Mag tubes.
If you’re looking for a magnum-grade shotgun that delivers serious performance without a serious price tag, the Mossberg 835FS warrants a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
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