I put a Simmons Pro Diamond x4 on my 835 last fall and love it. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, and the magnification is nice. At close range with a tight shooting choke I think it is an advantage to have one. Provided that you have done a good job sighting it in. I tried a red-dot before, but had trouble seeing the head and neck during low light conditions. So, is it necessary? No. Is it helpful? Definitely.