Both of them will kick the crap out of you without modification shooting max turkey loads.Currently my 870 with factory pad and factory extra-full, non-ported choke kicks harder than my 835. It is a sharp, hard kick, whereas the Mossburg now is just a big push.

I had to modify the Mossburg, however, in order to tame it. Without these modification I wouldn't be shooting that thing because itwouldabsolutely stomp you shootingthe max Nitro Triplex load in stock configuration. With double porting (barrel and choke) and the installation of the Sims Limbsaver pad it completely changed the felt recoil. By adding a scope to it I increased the weight by about a pound and that helps reduce recoil also.

Iown and love hunting with both guns. In my opinion the 870 is a higher quality gun in terms of fit and finish. If you are looking to be a one-gun man and most of you hunting is non-turkey (wing shooting, waterfowl, etc) then I would recommend you go with the 870. If, conversly, this will primarily be a turkey gun then I would go with the 835.

Or do what I do, own them both. My 835 is a dedicated turkey gun (no other use intended for that firearm) so it should last me the rest of my lifetime.

Free advice and worth every penny.

Mouthcaller