The Mossberg 835: A Foundation of Reliability
The thrill of the turkey hunt, the quiet anticipation as dawn breaks, the rustle of leaves, and the heart-pounding gobble – these are the moments that draw hunters back to the woods year after year. To be successful in this challenging pursuit, having the right equipment is paramount. One configuration gaining popularity among turkey hunters is the Mossberg 835 with a pistol grip, turkey stock, and camo finish. This article dives deep into this specific setup, exploring its benefits, considerations, and why it might just be the ultimate companion for your next turkey hunting adventure.
Before we delve into the specifics of the pistol grip, turkey stock, and camo, it’s essential to understand the foundation upon which this configuration is built – the Mossberg 835 shotgun itself. Renowned for its ruggedness and dependability, the 835 has earned its place as a favorite among hunters. This pump-action shotgun is built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. Its robust design is a testament to Mossberg’s commitment to quality, making it a firearm that can reliably perform season after season.
Typically chambered for 3.5-inch shells, the Mossberg 835 provides hunters with the power they need to reach out and effectively harvest a turkey. The extra-long chamber isn’t just about power; it also allows for a variety of shot options, maximizing flexibility in the field. This ability to adapt to different hunting scenarios is one of the many reasons why the 835 is so popular. From the thickest cover to open fields, the 835 can be configured to handle almost any hunting situation.
The versatility of the 835 is further enhanced by its choke system. Chokes are critical in turkey hunting, as they determine the pattern of the shot. The 835 typically uses a screw-in choke system, enabling hunters to swap out chokes to optimize their shot pattern for different ranges. With the correct choke, hunters can maximize the effectiveness of their shots, leading to cleaner and more ethical harvests.
The Pistol Grip: Enhancing Control and Maneuverability
One of the key elements of our featured configuration is the pistol grip. The traditional pistol grip, often favored for its ergonomic advantages, transforms the handling characteristics of the shotgun. Unlike a standard stock, the pistol grip allows the shooter to maintain a firm, secure grasp on the firearm. This can lead to several advantages, especially in the dynamic environment of turkey hunting.
The primary advantage of the pistol grip lies in its potential for increased control. The ergonomic design allows for a more natural wrist position, making it easier to point and control the shotgun, especially when quickly acquiring a target. This can be a significant benefit when a gobbler appears unexpectedly. The pistol grip can help you quickly bring the shotgun to your shoulder and on target.
Moreover, the pistol grip can be particularly advantageous in situations where maneuverability is crucial. Whether you’re hunting from a blind or navigating thick brush, the pistol grip can make it easier to handle the shotgun in confined spaces. The pistol grip can allow for faster movement and reduced snagging on obstacles.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the pistol grip isn’t without its potential drawbacks. One consideration is recoil management. Some shooters find that the pistol grip can make managing the kick of a 12-gauge shotgun more challenging, especially with heavier loads. Proper technique and a firm grip are essential to mitigate this effect.
Legal considerations also need to be taken into account. In some areas, regulations may restrict the use of pistol grips on shotguns. Hunters must always ensure they comply with all local, state, and federal laws before using a pistol grip.
The Turkey Stock: Designed for Comfort and Precision
The “Turkey Stock” is designed with a few things in mind, namely the specific challenges that come with turkey hunting. This type of stock is generally engineered for an optimized shooting position, often with a higher comb and a shorter length of pull than standard stocks. These features are designed to help the shooter quickly align their eye with the sights, even when seated or in awkward positions, making it easier to acquire and track a moving turkey.
The elevated comb of the turkey stock provides a more comfortable cheek weld. This, in turn, can lead to improved accuracy. By allowing the shooter to consistently and comfortably position their head, the turkey stock helps to reduce the potential for inconsistencies in aiming.
The shorter length of pull is another key feature. This often makes the shotgun easier to maneuver, particularly when used in conjunction with a pistol grip. Hunters using blinds or hunting in close-quarters can find the shorter length of pull to be advantageous.
Furthermore, turkey stocks often incorporate recoil pads designed to absorb some of the energy of the shotgun’s powerful shots. This can help make long days in the field more comfortable and allow for better follow-up shots if needed.
Camo Finish: Merging with the Environment
In turkey hunting, concealment is everything. Turkeys have incredibly sharp eyesight, and the ability to blend into the surrounding environment is critical to success. This is where the camo finish of the Mossberg 835 plays a vital role.
A well-chosen camo pattern helps to break up the outline of the shotgun, making it less likely to be detected by wary turkeys. By disrupting the gun’s shape, the camo finish makes it harder for birds to identify a hunter. The goal isn’t invisibility, but rather blending into the background and eliminating the sharp lines that signal danger to a turkey.
Several camo patterns are available on the Mossberg 835, including industry favorites like Mossy Oak and Realtree. These patterns are carefully designed to mimic the textures and colors found in specific environments, such as forests, fields, and swamps. Choosing the right camo pattern for your hunting location can significantly enhance your chances of success.
Moreover, the camo finish isn’t just about aesthetics. Many camo finishes also provide a level of protection to the shotgun’s metal surfaces. The durable coatings used in modern camo applications can help to prevent rust and scratches, keeping your 835 in top condition for years to come.
The Synergy: Putting It All Together
When the pistol grip, turkey stock, and camo finish are combined on the Mossberg 835, the result is a versatile and effective turkey hunting setup. This configuration provides the hunter with a range of advantages specifically tailored to the challenges of pursuing gobblers.
The pistol grip provides maneuverability and control, allowing for quicker target acquisition and easier handling in tight spaces. The turkey stock is designed for comfort and precision, promoting consistency and accuracy with every shot. Finally, the camo finish enhances concealment, helping to keep the hunter hidden from the keen eyes of the turkey.
This combined approach makes this setup a compelling option for turkey hunters of all experience levels. The shooter can enjoy the responsiveness and control of the pistol grip and turkey stock, while the camo finish helps to keep them hidden, creating a powerful combination that translates to more opportunities in the field.
Choosing the Right Components
Selecting the right configuration for your Mossberg 835 is crucial. Careful consideration should be given to barrel length, choke selection, and sighting system, and the hunter must also be certain that all the components are legal in the hunting location.
The choice of barrel length will depend on the type of hunting you’ll be doing. Shorter barrels are generally more maneuverable, while longer barrels can provide a slight advantage in pattern density at longer ranges. Most turkey hunters prefer a shorter barrel, typically 24 inches or shorter.
Choke selection is critical for achieving tight, effective shot patterns. Extra-full turkey chokes are designed to deliver the tightest patterns at longer ranges, making them a popular choice for turkey hunting.
A proper sighting system is also critical. Many hunters choose to equip their Mossberg 835 with a red dot sight or a fiber optic sight for faster target acquisition. The best choice will depend on personal preference.
Maintaining Your Turkey Hunting Companion
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your Mossberg 835 performing at its best. Cleaning the shotgun after each hunt is crucial to remove powder residue, debris, and moisture. This will help prevent rust and corrosion, and prolong the life of your firearm.
Also, be sure to check the camo finish regularly for signs of wear and tear. Some camo finishes are more durable than others, but all will eventually show wear. Proper cleaning and periodic touch-ups can help maintain the appearance and effectiveness of the camouflage.
Moreover, always store your shotgun in a safe and secure location, away from children and unauthorized users.
Final Thoughts
The Mossberg 835 with a pistol grip, turkey stock, and camo finish is a compelling choice for any turkey hunter looking for a versatile and effective shotgun. The pistol grip provides enhanced maneuverability and control, the turkey stock is engineered for accuracy, and the camo finish enhances concealment. When combined with the proven reliability of the Mossberg 835, this configuration offers a potent blend of performance and practicality.
By carefully considering your needs and preferences, selecting the right components, and properly maintaining your shotgun, you can create a turkey hunting setup that will help you experience the thrill of the hunt and bring home a trophy tom. So, prepare your gear, hit the woods, and enjoy the challenge that comes with hunting the elusive turkey. Now, get out there and see if the Mossberg 835 Pistol Grip Turkey Stock Camo is truly the ultimate turkey hunting companion for you.
