835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I've been shooting my 870 Express for over 20 years and love the gun. I've only been turkey hunting for a few seasons tho, and that 28" barrel I have is just a bit long for the job, and I'm not completely thrilled with my patterns. I was thinking about getting a 24" barrel for the gun and also, getting a new camo stock for it. Also thought about putting a Sims recoil pad on the new stock (don't think they make them for the old wooden 870 stocks except for slip on or grind to fit...) After adding up the costs, I'm not too far from the cost of a new gun. I have heard a lot of good things about the Mossberg 835 and like the tang mounted safety (never did care much for the location of the 870 safety). I'm convincing myself (and my wife) that a dedicated turkey gun is going to be my next new toy. I'd like some opinions from you fine turkey hunters on whether to go with an 870 or an 835 and why. It seems that the 835 is a nice gun and a bit cheaper than a special purpose 870, although I do like those 870's ;) . Thanks in advance for your feedback, and my appologies for the long post.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Hey RI, well from my experience with hunting with both guns, i choose the 870 myself. As for the 28" barrel i read that it is suppose to be better than a shorter barrel for more knock down power(ill read it again and let u know the exact details). Try to change your shot, i use hi velocity hevi shot with a beveli hevi shot choke, at 45 yds it holds a great pattern for me. So good luck,

"ALWAYS LEAVE THE WOODS WITH SOMETHING"

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

strutstopper buy the mossberg the 1 that takes the 3.5" shells. You'll get a great pattern out to 60 yards with it. Good luck!

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I also shoot an 870 and I love mine as well. I put tru glo sights and sling on the gun, but like you I would like a shorter barrel too. It patterns great and I would not hesitate to take a turkey at 50yds. My buddy has two 835's one is camo and he likes tem both. He just recently bought Remington express super mag just to have one and he really likes it. I am thinking about buying either one as well and in my thinking it is all in what you want to spend and feel comfortable shooting. Some are die hard to one or the other, but look a round you never know what kind of deals can be made on both guns.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

870 express mag mine shoots awesome with hevishot using a full choke

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I grew up on the 870 and love them. However, the 870 special purpose with the extra full choke that I owned didn't pattern worth a darn. I have a couple of buddies that own the 835 Mossberg with 3.5 capability and theirs would pattern great. After doing the comparison I purchased a 835/3.5 and love it. I still like my Remingtons but I will have to say that Mossberg got something right with those 835's.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I have both an 835 with factory turkey xfull and an 870 Express with 21" barrel. My wife uses the 835 because I think it feels like a boat paddle in my hands.
That said, the 835 will outpattern the 870 by a wide margin. I love the way the short barreled 870 feels and have spend many dollars on different loads trying for a better pattern. Of the 3 chokes I have tried, the regular Undertaker patterns best.
The 835 (since I burnished the bore) shoots like a house afire with every 3" load I have put through it. It has always functioned fine, but I still take the 870 because the 835 feels so clumsy.
Incidentally, she smacked a gobbler stone dead at an actual 47 yards last week (she guessed the range at less than 40 yds). She used a garden variety Federal 3" #5 shell.
They are both good reliable guns. Take your choice.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Strutstopper, I have owned one of the first 835's made, and every time I have pulled the trigger on a tom, I've been eating turkey for dinner ...End Of Story!!

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Its a personal choice, I like them both. I now have a 870 supermag and shoot well with it.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

835 for me:D got 2 of them

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Thanks for the replies guys, but its still a tough decision. 870 guys, how many different chokes did you all try before you got your guns patterning good? When you finally got it right, what did you end up with? 835 people, did your guns all pattern well right out of the box? Did any 835 guys have to get aftermarket chokes? Turkey Fan, I thought that the 28" barrel doesnt shoot any better or more knock down power than a shorter barrel, its just the longer sight plane makes it easier to keep on a bird when wing shooting. Anybody else care to chime in on that one?

Thanks-
Paul

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Here's my $.02:

1. Mossberg Safety is ambidexterous; Remington is not. (If you shoot right handed it's no problem. If you're a lefty you will have to convert the safety on a Remington).
2. Remington chokes only work in Remington guns. Mossberg, Browning Invector, Winchester, SKB, Savage, & Weatherby chokes are all interchangeable. Mossberg chokes are cheaper by far than Remington.

3. Remington comes with 1 choke; Mossberg with 3.

4. Remington has a 1 year warranty; Mossberg a 10 year warranty.

5. Mossberg costs less than Remington. (Mossberg isn't cheap; rather inexpensive - a big difference).

6. Mossberg comes with sling & swivels, Remington Express does not.

Remingtons are great guns; as are Mossberg. It all comes down to what feels/shoots best for you.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

This is my first turkey season, and I'm using an 870 Wingmaster. I bought a 26" replacement barrel, got a M.A.D. Max extra full choke, and a set of Bearooth neoprene camo sleeves. The 835 is not a bad shotgun, but I prefer Remingtons for my shotgunning. Mine has a 2¾" chamber, but I'm still good out to 40 yards. During my last two patterning sessions I got an average of ten pellets in the vitals at that distance.

P.S. I'm using Winchester Supreme Double-X Magnum 1-5/8 oz. #4 loads.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I would recommend looking at the Benelli Nova for a turkey gun. Other than that I would recommend the 835, I have killed birds with all three and would rank the guns ..1)Nova
2)835 3) 870

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I grew up shooting 870's and am a Remington fan. That being said, I bought a 835 when they first came out with the 3 1/2" 12 ga. and even though they are a bit "clunky" they pattern far better with 3 1/2" shells than the 870s. In my opinion it is due to the ported and back-bored barrell. I also recently bought an 870 special purpose in 3 1/2" and loved the look and feel of the gun but could never get it to pattern anywhere near as well as the Mossbergs. My 835s put nerly twice as many pellets in the kill zone at 40 yards with every variety of 3 1/2" shells and chokes tried. The 870 has moved on to a new home. Good luck with your decision.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

If your just looking for a great turkey gun, look at the Ithaca Turkeyslayer.

Costs a little bit more at ~$425, only handles 3 inch loads, but puts an extremely tight pattern out to 40-60 yards. Fixed free-floating barrel. Comes complete with synthetic stock & forarm, complete camo dipped, parkerized metal, sling studs, ported 24" barrel, Itha-choke full turkey choke (0.665 constriction), Sims recoil pad and a lifetime warranty.

Rated one of the best turkey guns by Field & Stream ~3 years ago, when they were first introduced.

I just picked up a Deer/turkeyslayer combo for ~500 with camo dipped synthetic stock & forarm, drilled & tapped receiver and with 24" interchangeable barrels---ported with the full turkey choke and a fully rifled slug barrel. Both topped with tru-glo sights, .

With #4 & #5 heavishot, a tech from Ithaca was reporting devasting results out past 50 yards.

Check 'em out, and be sure to read the article under "great reads" about the recoil and velocity concerning 3.5" 12ga. loads.

www.ithacaguns.com

I've had one for almost 10 years, won't own another brand...

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Hey, RIS...
I have an 870 Express with a setup similar to what you want and I love it. A few years ago I bought a "deer barrel" for it...smooth bore, 28" long, with a rifled choke and rifle sights. Used it very sucessfully for deer on several occasions. Then, one day while getting ready for turkey hunting I pulled it out of the closet and noticed I had put it away with the deer barrel still on it. I realized I could pull out the rifled choke and put in my turkey choke so I decided to try it. Man, do I love it! The shorter barrel is lighter and much easier to handle, plus I loved the confidence I felt when I put those rifle sights on the bird's neck. I've turkey hunted with this setup ever since. I think the barrel was about $80...pretty cheap "new gun".
Good luck!
SC

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I love my 835. It w/ factory extra full choke puts approx. 60 3" Rem 4x6 in the neck and head at 40 yrds.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I was dead set on an 870 sps-t. When I went to the shop I picked up the 835 bfor a look. I thought the stock matched the receiver much nicer and it was more ergonmic, read safety and release. It was a bit heaver but I figured it should help the recoil. I preferered the tru-glo sights. So for 100 bucks cheaper and a case, I took the 835. My wife was also pleased, she could get some new clothes :D. As for shooting, the recoil on the 3.5" are not much, if at all, different from the 3". I was pleasantly surprised by the patterns straight out of the box. The 3.5" #6 winchester hi V pattern easily to 50 yards. Before next year I will look into different choke tubes that actually open the pattern up for when I might need a really close shot in the timber. One thing I find slightly bothersome is the loose spring in the tube...but not enough to not recommend the 835 for the money.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

That noise is from the plug moving with in the spring in the tube; same as on a Mdl 500. I removed the plug; stuck it in some vinyl/rubber tubing & reinserted. END OF PROBLEM.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Both are great guns for turkey - IF you get the correct combination of choke tube and load. I had one of the first 870 3" Express Magnums to arrive in Alaska and I loved the way it handled for wingshooting and its balance. When I started with turkey I had one of the first 835s up here, also - and I have been pleasantly surprised at its reliability under tough conditions ever since.

I use the 835 for turkey and while I believe I could do better with patterning with a Rhino tube and Nitro Hevi-Shot ammo - the Mossberg Xtra-Full choke does a pretty good job with the Federal 2-1/4 ounce Premium Turkey loads in #5.

Seeing as you already own the gun, I'd invest in a shorter barrel for the 870. Make certain that the forcing cone is absolutely polished, then match it up with a reliable tube and see what it will do with your favorite loads.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Just purchased a Ithaca Turkey Slayer Storm. Shot Paper last saterday 40 Yrd Win 3" 2oz #5 were putting Appr 30 pelets in the kill zone.
Going to try some Rem Hivi Shot 3" #5 this weakend to see how far it can be afective.
The gun cost $429.00


Leon

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Where are you located & where did you buy it? Enquiring minds want to know.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Yup...fixes it. Thanks!

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I from Dover Delaware Area, the gun was purchased from Smyrna sporting goods.
Tryed the Rem Hevi shot at 40yrd not to happy with it, then tryed soom Rem 3" #5 1 3/4 HV shot at 40yrd it shot as well as the Win with less open areas, it seemed more consistent.

I would not want to shoot more than 40yrds with the shot i have tryed so far.
Want to try soom #6 shot to see how it does.

Leon

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

i shoot the mossberg 835......with the xxx full choke from comp in choke..kill a turkey out to 50 yards .....easy......love the 835.....3 1/2 shell puts them down....

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Is the gun 3½" capable or just 3"? I have always thought Ithaca® made such high quality guns. Sure hope you smack a big Tom with it!

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

This has nothing to do with turkey guns, but does RI stand for Rhode Island?

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Colin3, The RI does stand for Rhode Island. Thats where I live now. Everybody, thanks for the responses regarding guns. I'm still not sure what I'm going to get yet. Since the RI season starts this thursday, I'm gonna just stick with my current 28" 870 for now. I may have a new gun by the end of the season, or definitely before next season.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I live in Rhode Island too. :D

this is a great rhode island hunting website if you don't already know of it huntri

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Colin, I am registered on HuntRI as Paul_P. You planning to get out this Thursday for the opener?

Paul

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

Im registered as 'Colin' on there (surprise).. im not going out opener have to wait for the weekend. GOOD LUCK :)

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I have both an 870 Express and an 835 Ulti Mag. I've taken 4 birds with my 870 and 5 with my 835. The longest shot with the 870 was 42 yards and 53 with the 835. In both guns I use The Undertaker choke tubes and think it throws a FANtastic pattern, especially for the affordability of the tubes compared to some of the more expensive ones. I have found in all my guns that the Winchester Supreme turkey loads give me the best results, and I use No. 5 shot. Like anything else, go with what feels right for you. I will make one suggestion though; go with an aftermarket tube, as I tried both the super full and the UltiFull in the 835 both made by Mossberg and was very displeased with the results. I now use a Browning Invector 10 gauge for turkeys, as I call for myself and in my area hunting pressure is very heavy. The have rapidly become call wise and tend to lock up at 50+ yards. I use a Tru Glo Strutt Stopper choke tube in the 10 gauge and WOW!!! I am not exaggerating one bit when I say it will literally take their heads off if they get to within 35 yards as I actually got one that close to me last year, it took me a couple minutes to actually find his head...hahaha:D Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will work well as today's technology is fantastic and I know we all look for an EDGE! Good luck to all this year!

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

From what I hear, both guns are pretty good. I'd keep the 870 you got and for better patterns try a different choke. Paying $40 for a choke beats buying a new gun any day. I have never really though camo was a major importance. I recently bought a Remington 11-87 with the 3.5 in chamber and I love it. If you're going to buy a gun just for turkey hunting, take your time to pick one out that fits you best.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

No it only Handles 3" that is what i wanted,i did not want the recoil of the 3 1/2".
And i agree with the Mosberg being a nice gun i just like the safty on trigger gard rather than on top.
I will soon find out if i can bag one this thursday,friday or Saterday those are my days to hunt Public ground, Keeping my fingers crossed some other hunter hasent got him by then.

Leon

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

http://www.ithacagun.com/experience/...ing/myth.shtml

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

If you are looking for an all-around shotgun for multiple hunting applications, I would go with the 870, Very Solid.

If you are turkey hunting only, reports show that the 835 is very popular. Seems like the 835 is geared specifically for turkey hunting applications.

I don't own an 835 so I cannot down it.
I do have an 870, it's the kind of gun you would pass on to your children and then on to their children. The 870 has been and always will be a solid choice.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I remember in the past there are places that you can send your gun to and they will patttern it and put the best choke in it for you for a nominal fee. beats buying multiple chokes and loads yourself. Bad thing is I can't remember who does this. Used to be advertised in the magazines. Anyone know of companies doing this?

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

835 all the way. love that gun to death. i have the turkey combo w/ teh rifled slug barrel.

RE: 835 or 870? Looking For Opinions
 

I have to agree with you about the 3½" shell. The recoil is Absolutely Brutal! If you read the Itacha site there is analysis of the 3½" ammo and it's pros & cons. Here is the link:

http://www.ithacagun.com/experience/...ing/myth.shtml

Many swear by them and many swear at them. I admire those who shoot them consistently.

I find that as I get older (54 in a couple of weeks) & the miles get longer I am far less tolerant of recoil. I use a Mossberg® Mdl 500 20GA. Not only is the gun lighter but so is the ammo. I helped a close friend pattern his Turkey Gun last month; it was an H&R® 12Ga 3" Mag. It weighed less than 6 lbs. Shooting 3" 2oz Federal® would knock the S!@#$%^&*T out of Superman! One shot was enough to last me a life time! I can just imagine what a 3½" would be like! My late father used a Winchester® Mdl 37 3" 12GA. The gun however weighed 8lbs; I could handle that.

Good luck in your hunt. I'll be hunting Fri & Sat this week myself. Stay in touch.