The Tactical Turkey Hunter’s Tool: Introducing the Mossberg 835
The thrill of the spring turkey hunt. The hushed anticipation as the woods awaken. The heart-pounding moment when a gobbler struts into view. Successfully bagging a turkey is a pursuit that demands preparation, skill, and a reliable firearm. And when it comes to tactical turkey hunting, the choice of shotgun can make all the difference. This review dives deep into the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey, exploring its features, performance, and suitability for the dedicated turkey hunter. We’ll break down whether this shotgun delivers the goods when it matters most.
Unveiling the Features: What Makes This Shotgun Tick?
The Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey is built around the same core principles that define the entire 835 platform: strength, durability, and effectiveness. However, the “Tactical Turkey” designation brings several specific features that elevate its suitability for gobbler hunting.
The heart of any shotgun’s performance lies in its barrel and choke. The 835 Tactical Turkey features a barrel specifically engineered for tight, consistent shot patterns at turkey-hunting ranges. This barrel length, carefully chosen for balance and maneuverability, contributes directly to the gun’s ability to deliver lethal hits. Coupled with a choke tube optimized for turkey loads, the 835 can deliver devastating results.
The finish of the 835 Tactical Turkey is another critical element. It is commonly available in matte black and often in various camouflage patterns. This finish is not just for aesthetics; it helps break up the gun’s outline, making it less visible to wary turkeys. Concealment is paramount in turkey hunting, and this attention to detail is a significant advantage in the field.
The stock and forend are essential for comfort and control. Typically, the stock is crafted from durable, weather-resistant synthetic materials, ensuring longevity and resistance to the elements. This also contributes to the gun’s overall weight, making it easy to carry in the field. The forend, often ribbed for a secure grip, aids in smooth and confident handling, even in wet or cold conditions.
Sights are also a defining characteristic of this shotgun. While some hunters opt for the traditional bead sight, the 835 Tactical Turkey models often include options for mounting optics. Whether you prefer a red dot, a low-power scope, or a fiber-optic sight, the 835 offers versatility to enhance your aiming capabilities and improve your chances of a successful shot.
Performance on the Range and in the Field
Before venturing into the woods, we put the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey through its paces on the range. This is where we can truly assess how well the shotgun delivers on its promise of performance.
Accuracy, of course, is the cornerstone of any effective hunting tool. To evaluate the shotgun’s accuracy, we employed a variety of premium turkey loads from different manufacturers. We set up targets at various distances, simulating realistic hunting scenarios. During testing, we evaluated the shot patterns created by these loads. We were looking for tight, dense patterns that would deliver sufficient pellet density to quickly and ethically harvest a turkey. The results were, in a word, impressive. The combination of the specially designed barrel, the choke tube, and the quality ammunition produced consistently tight and uniform patterns.
Recoil is a factor that all shotgun users must consider. The 835 Tactical Turkey, given its powerful chambering, does generate a noticeable kick. However, the engineers at Mossberg have incorporated features to help mitigate this. The design of the stock and the integrated recoil pad help absorb some of the energy, making the shooting experience more comfortable. It’s a manageable recoil, even after extended practice sessions.
Handling and ergonomics are critical aspects of any firearm. The Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey feels well-balanced in the hands. The stock’s design promotes a natural point of aim, allowing for quick and instinctive target acquisition. The forend’s comfortable grip allows for secure and confident handling, even under the pressure of a close encounter with a gobbler. This responsiveness inspires confidence in the field, allowing hunters to focus on the task at hand.
Reliability is an absolute must-have in any hunting firearm. The Mossberg 835 platform has a reputation for ruggedness and reliability, and our tests echoed this reputation. During the testing period, the shotgun functioned flawlessly. It cycled through various ammunition types without a hitch. Consistent feeding and ejection are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable shooting experience. Regular cleaning and maintenance are critical to maintaining this reliability, but the design of the 835 makes this simple.
The Upsides and Downsides: Weighing the Options
Every firearm has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey.
On the positive side, the 835 Tactical Turkey offers exceptional value for its price. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this shotgun. It’s a durable and reliable platform that is built to withstand the rigors of the field. Accuracy with appropriate ammunition is a strength, allowing for effective and ethical shots on turkeys. The pattern performance is also consistently strong, with many loads delivering tight, dense patterns. The tactical features, such as the matte black or camouflage finishes and the optic mounting options, are well-suited to the demands of turkey hunting.
However, the 835 Tactical Turkey is not without its potential drawbacks. The recoil, while manageable, is more noticeable than some other shotguns. The stock can be somewhat basic. Hunters who prefer lighter shotguns might find it a bit heavy after a long day of stalking in the woods. Finding aftermarket accessories, while not impossible, may be slightly more challenging than for some other popular shotgun models.
Who Is This Shotgun For? Finding the Right Fit
The Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey is a versatile option that caters to a range of turkey hunters. It’s an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordability, reliability, and ease of use. Budget-conscious hunters looking for a capable shotgun will find it an attractive option. For hunters who value ruggedness and dependability, this is a shotgun that can withstand years of hard use. While experienced hunters will also appreciate the 835 Tactical Turkey, those seeking a more lightweight or highly customized shotgun might prefer other options.
The Verdict: Is the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey Right for You?
After thoroughly examining the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey, we’ve come to a definitive conclusion. This shotgun offers a compelling blend of performance, reliability, and value, making it a strong contender for any turkey hunter. The 835 has the features and functionality to deliver a successful hunt. The tight patterns, combined with the rugged construction, make it a worthy addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
If you are looking for a reliable, accurate, and affordable shotgun for the upcoming turkey season, the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey is well worth considering. It’s a testament to the effectiveness of a purpose-built design and is a tool that will help you fill your tag.
Final Thoughts
This review should give you a complete picture of what the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey has to offer. The key to a successful hunt is preparation, and a reliable shotgun is a vital part of that. The Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey stands tall in the field of turkey hunting shotguns and can handle the tough conditions and give you a great chance to tag a long beard.
Have you hunted with the Mossberg 835 Tactical Turkey? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Happy hunting!
