Understanding the 835 Platform
Brief History/Overview of the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag
The Mossberg 835 shotgun has earned a reputation as a powerhouse in the world of hunting. Its combination of rugged reliability, potent performance, and affordability has made it a favorite among sportsmen and women across the globe. Central to the versatility of the 835 is its ability to be configured for different shooting applications, and one of the most common and effective configurations involves the 835 slug barrel smooth bore. But what exactly is a smooth bore slug barrel, and why is it a worthwhile choice for the 835 owner? This guide will delve into the specifics, exploring the capabilities, applications, and important considerations that come with this popular barrel configuration.
The heart of any shotgun’s performance lies in its barrel. The 835 slug barrel smooth bore is a specialized barrel designed to fire slug ammunition while still allowing for the use of traditional shotshell loads. Unlike a rifled barrel, which has grooves cut into the interior to impart spin to the projectile, a smooth bore barrel has a plain, unobstructed interior. This distinction is crucial to understanding how this barrel functions and what it’s best suited for.
Let’s begin by examining the broader context. The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag is more than just a shotgun; it’s a platform. Designed to handle the demands of the powerful 3.5-inch magnum shells, it boasts features intended to manage recoil and ensure shooter comfort. The “Ulti-Mag” designation highlights this capability to cycle and fire larger shells. Its overbored barrel design is another key element, contributing to improved patterns and recoil reduction, making it more manageable, particularly when shooting heavy loads. The 835 is widely recognized and frequently selected for various hunting pursuits. From whitetail deer to black bear, from turkey to feral hogs, the 835 has proven its worth in the field.
Available in various barrel lengths, the 835 offers adaptability. While the standard configuration often caters to shot shells for wing shooting, the 835 slug barrel smooth bore presents a direct and cost-effective pathway into slug shooting for those pursuing larger game. The barrel’s construction ensures durability and, typically, a straightforward setup. The most frequently encountered caliber will be twelve gauge, allowing for a wide selection of slugs and shotshells to be used. The 835 slug barrel smooth bore provides a practical option that doesn’t necessitate significant financial investment or complex installation.
Advantages of the Smooth Bore Slug Barrel
One of the major advantages offered by the 835 slug barrel smooth bore is its exceptional versatility. It provides the ability to switch between different types of ammunition with relative ease. You’re not limited to only slugs; the barrel can also effectively fire standard shotshells, allowing you to transition seamlessly between hunting various game, from upland birds to waterfowl. This flexibility alone makes it a valuable asset for hunters facing diverse environments and quarry.
Beyond versatility, there’s also cost-effectiveness to consider. In comparison to rifled barrels, which often come at a higher price point, the 835 slug barrel smooth bore represents a more budget-friendly option, allowing you to enter the world of slug shooting without breaking the bank. The price of slugs for the smooth bore tends to be lower than the cost of specialized slugs required for rifled barrels. This can translate into significant savings, particularly for those who engage in frequent practice or plan on shooting a high volume of ammunition.
Looking into hunting applications, this barrel configuration shines. Whether you’re pursuing whitetail deer in a forested environment or facing the challenge of a bear hunt, the smooth bore slug barrel offers the stopping power and accuracy necessary for success. Its suitability extends to turkey hunting, too, where the use of specialized shotshells and the option for slug selection provides an advantage. It’s crucial to remember the range limitations associated with this configuration, but within these limitations, the 835 slug barrel smooth bore is a reliable and effective tool in the hands of a skilled hunter.
Choosing Slugs for Smooth Bore Barrels
Choosing the right slugs is paramount to getting the most from your 835 slug barrel smooth bore. Several different slug types are available, each with its own characteristics and intended use. Foster slugs are a classic choice, typically featuring a hollow base and a design that allows for rapid expansion upon impact. Their relatively short effective range, typically within one hundred yards, makes them well-suited for close-range encounters.
Brenneke slugs, on the other hand, often showcase a unique design with a conical head and a wad that separates from the slug after exiting the barrel. This design often enhances accuracy compared to Foster slugs, and they are known for delivering high levels of penetration. Understanding the design and purpose of the slug you use for your 835 slug barrel smooth bore is essential.
While there are some specialized offerings that resemble sabot slugs, the truth is that most slugs shot from the 835 slug barrel smooth bore are designed for optimal performance within a smooth bore. The design of these offerings will typically favor a rapid expansion and impact.
Before heading into the field, testing and patterning different slug types is essential. Firing groups at various distances allows you to determine the slug that performs best in your specific barrel and with your particular sighting system. Patterning helps you learn your shotgun’s capabilities and identify its effective range, ensuring you can make ethical and effective shots.
Practical Usage and Techniques
Effectively using your 835 slug barrel smooth bore requires a few key techniques. Correctly setting up and zeroing your sights is crucial. This can involve using open sights, a bead sight, or a scope, depending on your preference and the intended application. The zeroing process involves adjusting your sights so that the point of impact matches the point of aim at a specific distance.
Shooting techniques also play a vital role. Maintaining a proper stance, grip, and recoil management will help you control the weapon and maintain accuracy. Aiming and follow-through are equally important. Maintaining a steady aim and following through the shot will help ensure consistent shot placement. Range estimation becomes critically important with the 835 slug barrel smooth bore. Understanding the drop of your chosen slug at different distances is essential for compensating and making accurate shots. This skill is often honed through practice and experience.
Hunting strategies should always prioritize ethical and effective shot placement. Knowing your effective range and only taking shots within that range is paramount. Understanding the terrain and the behavior of your target game is important. Be prepared to be patient, and take the time for a clean and ethical shot.
Maintenance and Safety
Taking care of your 835 slug barrel smooth bore is a continuous process of maintenance and safety. Proper cleaning is essential to preserve the performance and longevity of the barrel. After each shooting session, the barrel should be cleaned to remove any buildup of powder residue, lead, or debris.
Proper storage of your firearm and ammunition will also have an impact on safe practices. When not in use, your shotgun should be stored in a secure location, unloaded, and ideally with a trigger lock. Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry place, separate from the firearm.
Most importantly, adherence to safety rules is paramount. Always handle firearms as if they are loaded, even if you believe they are not. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Be aware of your surroundings and the backstop before taking a shot. Wear eye and ear protection whenever shooting, and never consume alcohol or drugs before or during shooting.
Comparing Smooth Bore to Rifled Slug Barrels
The performance of the 835 slug barrel smooth bore differs in several respects from that of a rifled slug barrel. The most significant difference lies in accuracy potential. Rifled barrels, with their ability to impart spin to the projectile, generally offer better accuracy at longer ranges.
However, the smooth bore slug barrel offers a more cost-effective entry point for slug shooting. The lower cost of the barrel and the ammunition, combined with its versatility in shooting both slugs and shot shells, makes it a compelling choice. The effective range of a smooth bore will usually be slightly less, which needs to be considered for any hunting situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 835 slug barrel smooth bore offers a compelling combination of versatility and practicality for the 835 owner. It provides an accessible and cost-effective way to engage in slug shooting, while still allowing the use of shotshells for a variety of game and purposes. It provides an excellent tool for hunting and self-defense.
Understanding the strengths and limitations of the 835 slug barrel smooth bore will allow you to utilize it most effectively. This barrel provides the ability to explore a wide range of applications. However, like any firearm, it requires careful attention to safety and responsible handling. It is recommended that you practice and consider the available ammunition options to discover which performs best within your barrel. With proper knowledge, preparation, and practice, the 835 slug barrel smooth bore can be a valuable asset for any hunter or shooting enthusiast.
