I just put a scope (Simmons ProDiamond 2X) on my Mossberg 835 and patterned it this morning. I shot 3.5" 4s and 5s as well as 3" 5s at around 37 yards. I also shot those using 2 different size Hastings chokes.

The 3.5" shells did better than the 3"---but how many hits are enough? I have read the postings about what is considered a vital area. Counting and being very conservative about what constitutes a vital area---I averaged around 15 hits in the backbone and vital head areas. Using an HS Strut target I actually had up to 34 hits in the neck and head area---but I did not consider all of them vital hits (the beak for example). It would seem to me that 15 hits would be plenty lethal. Would you all agree or should I try some more types of shells? Right now I am pleased---both with the scope and with the hits and am biting the bit for the season to open in 3 weeks.

I like to have at least 4 to 5 hits in the vitals(neck vertabre and brain). The more the better. Sounds like your gun is shooting just fine. Good luck

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the more the better obviously. ed owens is right about the one pellet being enough. i was goose hunting with a buddy and we both shot at a single goose at the exact same time and werent sure who killed it. i gave him the benfit of the doubt and said he did. he took the goose to the taxidermist to have it mounted and the taxidermist told him he only had one pellet in him. a copper plated steel #2 thru the spine. my buddy wasnt shooting copper plated shot, i was. that goose now hangs on MY wall<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> sour 1, as long as you dont have holes in you shot pattern you will be plenty good.

&quot;It's WAAAAY too early to have spring gobbler fever already&quot;

5-10 would be a good number for 40 yards