i was wondering if anyone shoots a 535 or 835 mossburg with the 20" barrel? i was wondering what kinda of patterns and what kind of range you were getting out of them. im really looking into one of the 535 tacticals.

I have a 535 thumbhole with the 20" barrel. I bought an Indian Creek choke for it and it throws a devastating pattern at 50 yards with Hevi-13 3" #7's. I've never tried the 3 1/2" Hevis since the cheaper 3"-ers do just fine. I had an 835 several years back (which was a great shotgun), and I prefer my 535 since it is lighter. Now, I'll warn you ahead of time. It will thump you with big shells! But it won't kill you. I handled a few of the tactical Mossys, and I didnt' like them. They look and feel cool, but they don't seem very sturdy. I have actually heard stories of the adjustable stocks closing up under heavy recoil. The thumbhole makes this gun an extension of your arm. I love it. And on top of all that... With an imp cyl choke, I've got an awesome slug gun. I shoot fist-sized groups with cheapo Winchester 2 3/4" rifled slugs at 50 yards using my turkey sights.

I have the 535 thumbhole too. I love it and I have a SSX choke .643 and it does a great pattern. I shoot Federal #6 in 3" and have over 50 in a kill zone at 40 yards. I know it isn't the 209 but mine is conventional shells. I love the gun.

I have a Mossberg 835 with a 24" barrel and red dot. Drops Toms dead every shot out to 50 yards with hevi-shot or Winchester extended range. I've patterned it out to 60 yards with ok results but I would never take a shot that far. I used to have a sling on it but in the turkey woods it just gets in the way.

I have the 835 also.Great gun!

I've got an 835 with a 20" barrel. It throws an awesome pattern with 3.5" 2.25 oz #6 Hevi 13s. It puts almost 200 pellets into a 10 inch circle at 40 yards. Never shot that load at 50 so I can't tell you what it will do for sure, but I'm sure it would do the job just fine.

thanks for all the input guys. going to gun shop tomm

I've got a Remington 870 super mag and mine throws awsome patterns with #9's at 50 plus yards

You using the choke that it comes with, or an aftermarket choke? I just got an 835 with a 20" barrel, and have pretty good patterns using the Rem Wingmaster HD 3.5" # 6's I was shooting out of my 870 with a 26" barrel, but not quite as good. Just got tired of hanging it on every limb in the woods. After you put a choke in it, you're at 28", and I am already a bit over 6'3".

There is a noticeable difference in recoil between the two guns...the new 835 will SLAM you compared to my old 870. As mentioned, it won't kill you, but you may feel it for a couple days.