The TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE MOSS 835 935 12GA Made a Bold First Impression
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE MOSS 835 935 12GA promises to deliver tighter, more consistent patterns for turkey hunting with Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. Designed for use with high-performance turkey loads, including Hevi-Shot, Winchester Long Beard XR, and Federal Premium 3rd Degree, this choke tube boasts multi-phase groove technology and heat-treated steel for enhanced durability. This combination is intended to extend your effective range and provide the confidence needed for a successful hunt.
My quest for the TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE began with frustration. I was missing too many birds, and my patterns were consistently inconsistent at ranges beyond 30 yards with my trusty Mossberg 835. I needed a choke tube that could reliably tighten my patterns, especially when using modern turkey loads with specialized wads.
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The matte black finish and the prominent TRUGLO logo give it a tactical, no-nonsense appearance. The choke tube felt solid and well-made, and the polished end face gave me confidence in its ability to seal properly within the shotgun barrel.
I had previously considered the Carlson’s Long Beard XR Choke Tube and the Primos Jelly Head Maximum Choke. I picked the TRUGLO HEADBANGER because of its affordable price point and claims of compatibility with a wide range of premium turkey loads. I hoped this would give me the best balance of performance and value.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The choke tube looked the part, but the real test would be how it performed in the field. I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype and finally put an end to my frustrating turkey season.
Real-World Testing: Putting TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE MOSS 835 935 12GA to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE took place at my local shooting range. I set up a turkey target at 40 yards and patterned the choke tube with several different turkey loads. The day was clear and calm, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the choke’s performance.
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER immediately showed a noticeable improvement in pattern density compared to my factory choke tube. Even with a slight crosswind, the pattern remained tight and consistent. The installation was straightforward, although I did need a choke tube wrench to ensure a secure fit.
The only initial issue I encountered was with one particular brand of ammo. The wad seemed to be separating erratically, resulting in a flyer or two outside the main pattern. After switching to a different load, this problem disappeared.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I’ve gained a solid understanding of the TRUGLO HEADBANGER’s performance. I’ve used it extensively during turkey season in various weather conditions, including light rain and moderately humid conditions. The choke tube has consistently performed well, providing tight and reliable patterns.
Despite regular cleaning after each shooting session, I’ve noticed no signs of wear or corrosion on the TRUGLO HEADBANGER. The finish has held up well, even with repeated installation and removal. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent.
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER significantly outperforms the factory choke tube that came with my Mossberg 835. I am now confident in taking shots at turkeys out to 45 yards, a distance I previously considered too risky. This choke tube has exceeded my expectations in terms of both pattern density and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE MOSS 835 935 12GA
Specifications
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE MOSS 835 935 12GA is specifically designed for Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. It’s engineered to optimize pattern density and consistency, particularly with modern turkey loads. Here’s a breakdown of key specifications:
- Compatibility: Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. Ensures a proper and secure fit, maximizing performance and safety.
- Construction: Heat-treated steel. Provides excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear, even with heavy use of high-performance turkey loads.
- Technology: Multi-Phase Groove Technology. Engages the wadding and guides the pellets into a tight and consistent pattern, shot after shot.
- Load Compatibility: Rated for Hevi-Shot, Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium 3rd Degree, and other high-performance turkey loads. Offers flexibility in ammunition selection without compromising performance.
- Manufacturing: CNC-machined. Ensures optimum precision and consistent performance.
- Sealing: Polished end face. Provides better seating and sealing within the shotgun barrel, preventing gas leakage and maintaining pattern integrity.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the choke tube’s ability to deliver tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges. The heat-treated steel ensures durability, while the multi-phase groove technology enhances pattern density by controlling the wad and pellet separation. The compatibility with a variety of premium loads gives hunters the flexibility to choose the best ammunition for their specific needs and preferences.
Performance & Functionality
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER excels at its primary job: delivering tight, consistent patterns for turkey hunting. The choke tube consistently puts a high percentage of pellets in the vital zone of a turkey target at 40 yards, even with slight variations in ammunition. Its reliability in different weather conditions further enhances its performance.
The strength of the TRUGLO HEADBANGER lies in its ability to produce tight patterns with a variety of turkey loads. However, its performance can be slightly ammunition-dependent. Some loads may produce marginally better patterns than others, requiring some experimentation to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun.
Overall, the TRUGLO HEADBANGER meets and, in many cases, exceeds expectations. It transforms a standard shotgun into a dedicated turkey-hunting machine, providing the confidence needed to take ethical shots at extended ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER features a simple and functional design. The matte black finish gives it a tactical appearance. The choke tube is well-built and feels solid in hand.
The installation process is straightforward, although a choke tube wrench is recommended for a secure fit. There is no noticeable learning curve associated with using the TRUGLO HEADBANGER, making it accessible to both experienced and novice turkey hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from heat-treated steel, the TRUGLO HEADBANGER is designed to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many seasons. I expect the TRUGLO HEADBANGER to last many seasons with proper care.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick cleaning after each use. A bore brush, solvent, and choke tube grease are all that is needed to keep the TRUGLO HEADBANGER in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER itself does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Mossberg shotguns. The nature of a choke tube limits customization options.
There are no direct customization options for the choke itself other than choosing different ammunition. Experimenting with different turkey loads is crucial to finding the optimal combination for your shotgun and the TRUGLO HEADBANGER. This choke tube is primarily a standalone performance upgrade.
Pros and Cons of TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE MOSS 835 935 12GA
Pros
- Dramatically improves pattern density at extended ranges.
- Compatible with a wide range of high-performance turkey loads.
- Constructed from durable heat-treated steel.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Affordable price point compared to competing choke tubes.
Cons
- Performance is somewhat ammunition-dependent.
- Requires a choke tube wrench for installation and removal.
Who Should Buy TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE MOSS 835 935 12GA?
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE is perfect for turkey hunters who own a Mossberg 835 or 935 12-gauge shotgun and are looking to improve their pattern density at extended ranges. It is also a great choice for hunters who want to experiment with different high-performance turkey loads without compromising performance. This choke tube is a must-have accessory.
Hunters who are primarily focused on close-range shots (under 30 yards) may not see a significant benefit from the TRUGLO HEADBANGER. Also, those who own shotguns other than the Mossberg 835 and 935 will need to find a compatible choke tube designed for their specific firearm.
A choke tube wrench is a must-have accessory for installing and removing the TRUGLO HEADBANGER. Additionally, experimenting with different turkey loads is highly recommended to find the optimal ammunition for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE MOSS 835 935 12GA
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER CHOKE TUBE MOSS 835 935 12GA is a highly effective and affordable upgrade for Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. It delivers tighter, more consistent patterns at extended ranges, increasing your chances of a successful turkey hunt. The value proposition is excellent.
The TRUGLO HEADBANGER’s affordable price point, durable construction, and compatibility with a wide range of premium turkey loads make it a compelling choice for serious turkey hunters. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to improve the performance of their Mossberg 835 or 935.
If you’re tired of missing birds and want to extend your effective range, the TRUGLO HEADBANGER is a game-changer. Invest in one today and experience the difference it can make on your next turkey hunt!