First Thoughts on the Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black
Turkey hunting is more than a hobby; it’s an obsession that’s gripped me for over a decade. The pre-dawn chill, the nervous anticipation as a gobble echoes through the woods – it’s an experience that demands precision and reliability from every piece of gear. That’s why when I heard about the Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black, I knew I had to try it.
My old choke, while reliable, wasn’t delivering the tight patterns I needed for those long-range shots. I was specifically looking for a choke that could maximize the performance of modern turkey loads, especially those with shot-lok technology. The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black promised just that: tighter patterns and longer downrange reach.
Out of the box, I was immediately impressed with the Carlson’s choke’s robust construction and sleek black finish. The extended design looked aggressive and purposeful. Compared to my previous choke, a simple flush-mounted model, the Carlsons choke felt significantly more substantial.
I had been considering a similar choke from a competing brand, but I’d read reports of inconsistent patterns. The Carlsons choke had a consistently positive reputation, and the price point of $49.75 was hard to beat. My initial excitement was definitely justified; the choke felt like a quality piece of equipment, ready to deliver on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black was at my local shooting range, patterning my Mossberg 835 with various turkey loads, including Winchester Long Beard XR. The weather was clear and calm, perfect for observing pattern density and consistency. I set up targets at 30 and 40 yards, the typical ranges I encounter when hunting.
The difference was immediately noticeable. With my old choke, the Winchester Long Beard XR produced a decent pattern, but with noticeable gaps. The Carlsons choke, however, delivered a significantly tighter and more consistent pattern, with a dense core and fewer stray pellets. There was no needed acclimation period for the choke; it was ready to go right away and performed above and beyond my initial expectations.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season and numerous range sessions, the Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black has proven to be incredibly reliable. It consistently produces tight, even patterns with various turkey loads. The black finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear despite being exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Cleaning the choke is simple; a quick scrub with a solvent and a bore brush is all it takes to remove residue. Compared to my previous choke, the Carlsons choke provides significantly better performance and has become an indispensable part of my turkey hunting setup. It has exceeded expectations, providing consistent results and unwavering reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black
Specifications
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black is an extended turkey choke designed specifically for Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. It’s optimized for use with Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads, leveraging their Shot-Lok Technology. The choke itself is finished in a durable black coating.
The “Turkey” choke size designation indicates a very tight constriction, designed to produce dense patterns at longer ranges. This constriction is key to its performance with modern turkey loads. The extended design provides a longer parallel section, which helps to stabilize the shot and improve pattern consistency.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black is to deliver tight, consistent patterns for ethical and effective turkey hunting. It excels at this, providing a significant increase in pattern density compared to standard chokes. The increased range and pattern density ensures more pellets on target at longer distances.
Its major strength lies in its ability to maximize the performance of Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. However, it also performs well with other quality turkey loads. While optimized for specific loads, it delivers acceptable and improved results compared to the factory choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black features a simple yet effective design. The extended length provides a visual confirmation that it’s properly installed. The black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and provides corrosion resistance.
It requires no specialized tools for installation or removal. This user-friendly design makes it easy to switch chokes in the field. Its simplicity ensures ease of use for both seasoned hunters and newcomers.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black is constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring long-lasting durability. The black finish helps to protect against rust and corrosion. This ensures the choke withstands the rigors of hunting in various weather conditions.
Maintaining the choke is straightforward; regular cleaning with a solvent and bore brush is all that’s needed. Proper care ensures consistent performance and extends the choke’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic use. However, a choke tube wrench can be helpful for installation and removal, especially if the choke becomes tightly seated. There are no specific “customization” options beyond selecting different choke constrictions for different hunting scenarios.
It is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Mossberg shotguns. The simplicity of the design limits customization but ensures reliable performance straight out of the box.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent patterns, especially with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. This leads to more ethical and successful hunts.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear. The build quality makes it a reliable piece of equipment.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring no specialized tools or expertise. It is a user-friendly design, even for beginners.
- Affordable price point makes it an accessible upgrade for any turkey hunter. The value for money is undeniable.
- Extended design provides visual confirmation of proper installation and contributes to improved pattern consistency. Peace of mind while using in the field.
Cons
- Optimized for specific ammunition, primarily Winchester Long Beard XR. Performance may vary with other loads, though still improved compared to factory chokes.
- Limited customization options beyond selecting different choke constrictions. This is a functional tool, not a customizable accessory.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black?
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black is perfect for turkey hunters seeking to improve the pattern density and effective range of their Mossberg 835 or 935 12-gauge shotgun. It particularly benefits those who use Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.
Hunters prioritizing versatility might want to consider a choke system that allows for multiple constrictions. Those who prefer a flush-mounted choke or require specialized chokes for non-turkey hunting applications may want to look elsewhere. A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for easy installation and removal in the field.
Conclusion on Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black is a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter using a Mossberg 835 or 935. Its ability to produce tight, consistent patterns, especially with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition, is undeniable.
At a price of $49.75, the performance gains and increased confidence in the field make it a justified purchase. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any hunter looking to maximize their shotgun’s potential. Upgrade your turkey gun today and experience the difference a quality choke can make!