I'm looking for a new multi-purpose (mostly waterfowl) shotgun that will handle up to 3 1/2in loads and will take a beating. I'm looking at the Mossberg 835. Is this a good choice??? Any opinions would be very helpful.

I preferr the 870 express super mag.
I have used one for years and it takes a licking and comes back firing.

Also all the 2 3/4" and 3" barrels fit the 3 1/2" 870 ( not the other way) and any other 870 accerorys.

Johnch

I would recommend a Benelli Nova. Myself and a few friends have them and they are very nice guns. They are extremely weather resistant, and cheaper than the 870 super mag. They cost around $350 for cammo. They also have a lot of good features and the forend rattle everyone complains about can be greatly reduced by tightening up the two allen screws on the forend.

The Nova is the only pump shotgun I would own for waterfowl.

I would go with the Rem Super Mag or the Benelli Nova....I have the Rem and a buddy that has a Nova and we beat them to death and they go bang every time we pull the trigger.

REMINGTON HAS BEEN AROUND FOR EVER

YOU WON'T REGRET THE EXPRESS SUPER MAG (GO FULL SYNTHETIC) ALMOST INDISTRUCTABLE

HAD A QUATER INCH OF ICE COVERING THE HOLE GUN AND IT NEVER MISSED A BEAT

I LOVE MINE AND IN 20 YEARS OR SO I WILL GET ANOTHER

I would go with the Benelli SBE II.

IMO the 835, 870 , 500, Nova, 935, 11-87 , and on and on make great guns as long as they feel good to YOU!!! I have a 935 now and a Nova and like them both so far!

Go with the 3 1/2 cause you can always go smaller, but if you aint got it you cant use it. I would say pick the one that fits you the best.

id say remington 870 but that dosnt take 3 1/2 in

If I had the option to go buy another. I would be getting the same as I got. The Beretta Extrama 3.5.
My buddies have the Benelli and I think all but one have been worked on so far. I have never even had the slightest problem with the Beretta. Don't get me wrong I love all that has been mentioned and they are fun too shoot as well. But the Extrema, in my opinion when firing heavy loads has less felt recoil! and better on follow up shots because of this.