TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE Review

First Thoughts on the TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE

Shotgun chokes are often an afterthought, a detail glossed over in the pursuit of the perfect load or optic. But any experienced shooter knows that the choke is where the rubber meets the road, dictating the pattern and ultimately, the effectiveness of your shot. Enter the TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE, a seemingly simple cylinder choke for the Mossberg 835 shotgun. The TRU brand promised reliable performance at an affordable price, a claim I was eager to investigate.

As a seasoned hunter and tactical instructor, I’ve relied on various choke constrictions over the years. My personal journey with shotguns started with a hand-me-down Mossberg 500, but the 835, known for its overbored barrel and ability to handle 3.5-inch shells, always intrigued me. I needed a cylinder choke for close-range work, specifically for home defense and for situations where tight patterns are detrimental, like shooting snakes or dispatching wounded game at point-blank range. This is where TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE comes in.

The choke arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was of a well-machined, solid piece of steel. The black finish was even and appeared durable. Compared to a Carlson’s extended choke I use for waterfowl, this TRU FLUSH choke was noticeably shorter and lighter. I’ve always preferred flush-mounted chokes for their unobtrusive profile and reduced chance of snagging on brush.

I chose this over similar offerings from other manufacturers like Briley or Patternmaster primarily because of the price point. At $19.99, it seemed like a low-risk investment. I was also drawn to the TRU brand’s reputation for producing functional, if not flashy, products. I was cautiously optimistic. Could such an inexpensive choke actually deliver consistent performance?

Real-World Testing: Putting TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE was at my local shooting range. It was a crisp autumn day, perfect for patterning various loads. I wanted to gauge its effectiveness with buckshot and slugs, the two primary loads I intended to use it with. I was shooting through my Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag.

The choke threaded into the barrel smoothly and tightened securely with a choke wrench. I started with some standard 2 3/4″ 00 buckshot at 15 yards. The pattern was predictably wide, approximately 15 inches in diameter. There were no noticeable flyers or gaps in the pattern. Next, I moved on to slugs at 25 yards. The choke didn’t seem to negatively impact accuracy, with groups hovering around 4 inches. I noticed a slight increase in felt recoil compared to shooting with a modified choke, likely due to the lack of constriction.

Ease of use was excellent. The choke installed and removed without issue. I didn’t experience any loosening during my range session. The only surprise was the pronounced muzzle blast with buckshot. The wide pattern and minimal constriction allowed for a significant amount of gas to escape, resulting in a noticeable concussion.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, the TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it in various scenarios, from plinking at steel targets to practicing close-quarters drills. It has become my go-to choke for any application requiring a wide, forgiving pattern.

Durability has not been an issue. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, despite exposure to rain and humidity. The black finish has shown minimal wear, even after repeated installation and removal. Cleaning is simple. A quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent is all it takes to remove any residue.

Compared to previous cylinder chokes I’ve used (mostly generic, unbranded models), the TRU FLUSH choke provides a slightly more consistent pattern. My previous experiences involved more “flyers” outside the main pattern. This one is an upgrade. While not a drastic difference, it inspires more confidence.

Breaking Down the Features of TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE

Specifications

• Caliber: 12 Gauge. This choke is specifically designed for 12 gauge shotguns.
• Constriction: Cylinder. This provides no constriction, resulting in the widest possible pattern.
• Compatibility: Mossberg 835. It is crucial to note that this choke is only compatible with the Mossberg 835 shotgun.
• Material: Steel. The choke is constructed from steel for durability and resistance to wear.
• Finish: Black Oxide. The black oxide finish helps prevent rust and corrosion.
• Installation: Tru-Lock. The Tru-Lock system allows for easy installation and removal.

These specifications are essential for ensuring proper fit and performance. Using an incorrect choke can damage your shotgun or result in unpredictable patterns. The cylinder constriction is ideal for close-range applications where a wide pattern is desired.

Performance & Functionality

The TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE performs its job admirably. It delivers a consistent, wide pattern with buckshot and allows for reasonable accuracy with slugs at close ranges. For home defense, it provides a significant advantage by increasing the likelihood of hitting a target in a high-stress situation.

The choke’s strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. It’s a no-frills, functional accessory that does exactly what it’s supposed to do. The only weakness is the increased muzzle blast with certain loads.

It meets my expectations for a cylinder choke at this price point. It’s not a match-grade, precision-engineered choke, but it’s a solid performer for its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is good, especially considering the price. The steel construction feels robust, and the black finish is evenly applied. Its weight is negligible. You’re not going to notice a difference.

It is very user-friendly. Installation and removal are straightforward, requiring only a choke wrench. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, I expect the TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE to last for many years with proper care. The steel construction and black finish provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion.

Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient to keep it in good working order.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE itself doesn’t offer any customization options. It’s a simple cylinder choke with no adjustable features.

Compatibility with accessories is limited to choke wrenches designed for Mossberg 835 shotguns. There are no other aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this choke.

Pros and Cons of TRU FLUSH MOSS-835 12GA CYL CHOKE