CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 Review

First Thoughts on the CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12

The CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 is a turkey choke designed for Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. CMB isn’t exactly a household name, at least not in the circles I frequent, so my initial reaction was one of cautious curiosity. At a price point of just over $30, it’s targeting a budget-conscious customer, making me wonder if performance will be sacrificed for affordability.

I was looking for a reliable and effective turkey choke that wouldn’t break the bank. My old choke, after years of service, wasn’t patterning as tightly as it used to, leading to some frustrating hunts. I needed a replacement that could deliver consistent results.

Upon unboxing, the choke had a simple black finish. It felt solid enough, though not exceptionally robust. Compared to some of the premium extended chokes I’ve used, it lacks the heft and refined machining of those models. I picked the CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 because I was curious if a budget choke could deliver comparable results to those costing significantly more. My first impression was a mix of hope and skepticism – could this inexpensive choke really perform?

Real-World Testing: Putting CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 to my local shooting range, which has a dedicated patterning board. The weather was fairly mild, with a slight breeze, which is pretty typical for spring turkey season here. I used a variety of turkey loads, from budget-friendly to some of the premium stuff, to see how the choke performed with different ammunition.

The choke screwed in easily and securely into my Mossberg 835. After the first few shots, I was pleasantly surprised; the patterns were tighter than my old choke and reasonably consistent across different brands of ammunition. There were no immediately apparent issues with installation or performance, even after repeated firing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of use, including several turkey hunts in varying weather conditions, the CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 has held up surprisingly well. Despite not having a fancy finish, it shows minimal signs of wear and tear. I clean it after each use, and it’s been easy to maintain with regular gun cleaning solvent and a choke tube brush.

Compared to my previous experiences with pricier chokes, the CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 doesn’t offer the absolute best performance. However, for its price, it definitely holds its own. It certainly outperforms my expectations given its budget-friendly nature.

Breaking Down the Features of CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12

Specifications

  • The CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns. This makes it compatible with a vast range of shotguns, making it very versatile.
  • It’s designed to fit Mossberg 835 and 935 models. This limits its use to those shotgun models specifically.
  • The choke size is designated as “Turkey.” This indicates that it’s optimized for tight patterns at longer ranges, ideal for turkey hunting.
  • It features a black finish. The black finish provides a degree of corrosion resistance while maintaining a low profile.

These specifications are critical because they dictate the choke’s intended use and compatibility. A turkey choke is designed to produce dense patterns at distances where turkeys are typically engaged. Proper fit within the specified shotgun models is essential for safety and optimal performance.

Performance & Functionality

The CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 performs admirably for its price point. It consistently delivered tight patterns, extending my effective range on turkeys. Its strengths lie in its simplicity and affordability, providing a noticeable improvement over a standard choke tube.

One potential weakness is that it might not deliver the absolute tightest patterns achievable with higher-end, more specialized chokes. The choke definitely meets and even exceeds expectations considering the low price.

Design & Ergonomics

The CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 is a no-frills choke tube with a basic black finish. The build quality is adequate for its intended purpose, and the materials seem durable enough for repeated use.

The simple design makes it extremely user-friendly, with no learning curve involved. It screws in and out easily with a standard choke tube wrench.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and cleaning, the CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 should last for many seasons of turkey hunting. Its simple design reduces the potential for malfunctions.

Regular cleaning with standard gun cleaning products is all that’s required to maintain its performance. This ease of maintenance is a big plus.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 itself doesn’t come with any accessories. As a choke tube, it’s a standalone component. There are no customization options for the choke itself.

It is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for 12-gauge shotguns. While you cannot directly customize the choke, your choice of ammunition can significantly impact performance and pattern density.

Pros and Cons of CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12

Pros

  • Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious hunters.
  • Delivers tighter patterns than a standard choke, improving effective range.
  • Easy to install and use with a standard choke wrench.
  • Durable enough for multiple seasons of use with proper care.
  • Noticeable improvement in pattern density for turkey hunting.

Cons

  • May not deliver the absolute tightest patterns achievable with high-end chokes.
  • Limited to Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge models.


Who Should Buy CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12?

This choke is perfect for turkey hunters who own a Mossberg 835 or 935 12-gauge shotgun and are looking for an affordable upgrade. It’s also great for beginners who want to improve their patterns without spending a fortune.

Those who demand the absolute best possible pattern density, regardless of price, should probably skip this product. A must-have accessory would be a quality choke tube wrench for easy installation and removal.

Conclusion on CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12

The CMB GBL-STPR XT MOS 835 935 12 offers excellent value for money. It provides a tangible improvement in pattern density for turkey hunting at a price that’s hard to beat. The price is definitely justified, especially for hunters on a budget.

I would definitely recommend this choke to Mossberg 835 and 935 owners looking to improve their turkey hunting performance without breaking the bank. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable upgrade that will put more birds in the bag. So, go ahead and give it a try; you might be surprised by how well it performs.


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