The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black choke tube promises denser patterns and longer range when paired with Winchester Long Beard Turkey loads. As an experienced turkey hunter, I’m always looking for an edge, a way to ethically extend my effective range. The Carlson’s name carries weight, known for producing quality shotgun accessories.
My quest for tighter patterns stemmed from frustrating experiences with factory chokes. Despite meticulous patterning, I felt I was leaving birds unethically wounded at distances I believed my 12 gauge should handle. I was looking for a choke that could consistently deliver a lethal pattern at 40+ yards, and the marketing around the Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black and its purported synergy with Winchester Long Beard ammunition piqued my interest.
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black arrived in simple, no-frills packaging, which is perfectly fine. Upon inspection, the black finish appeared durable and evenly applied, suggesting good corrosion resistance. The choke tube felt solid, and the threads were cleanly cut, a good sign of quality manufacturing.
Compared to a standard full choke, the Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black looks more aggressive, with a slightly tighter constriction. I also considered the similar offerings from competitors like Patternmaster and Kicks, but Carlson’s reputation for affordability and consistent performance swayed my decision. I hoped this choke would live up to the hype and transform my Mossberg 835 into a true long-range gobbler getter.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed excellent for the price, and I was eager to get it to the range and see if it delivered on its promise of tighter patterns with Winchester Long Beard.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first testing session took place at a local shooting range with a dedicated patterning board at 40 yards. The weather was clear and calm, ideal conditions for accurate pattern assessment. I used Winchester Long Beard XR 12 gauge, 3.5-inch, #5 shot as recommended, setting up my Mossberg 835 on a stable rest.
The first few shots revealed a noticeably denser pattern compared to my previous choke. The majority of pellets were concentrated in a tight circle, with fewer stray pellets outside the kill zone. The choke was easy to install using a choke wrench.
After the first outing, I was happy with the patterns. However, I experienced slightly more felt recoil.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black, it has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, despite exposure to rain and mud. I clean the choke after each use with a bore brush and solvent, a simple process that takes only a few minutes.
The durability of the finish is impressive. The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black continues to outperform my previous chokes. It delivers consistently tight patterns at extended ranges.
Previously, I often hesitated to take shots beyond 35 yards. Now, I feel confident taking ethical shots at 40-50 yards, knowing the Carlsons choke, paired with Long Beard ammo, will deliver a lethal pattern.
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 specifically designed for Mossberg 835 and 935 12 gauge shotguns. It is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel for strength and durability. The choke is finished in a non-reflective black oxide coating to prevent rust and corrosion.
It is designed to be used with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition, but can be used with other lead turkey loads. The constriction is optimized to produce extremely tight patterns. The choke is clearly marked for easy identification.
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black extends slightly beyond the end of the barrel, offering some barrel protection. It is designed to be used with lead shot only and is not recommended for use with steel shot. The choke tube is approximately 2.75 inches in length and weighs approximately 2 ounces.
These specifications are important because they dictate the choke’s performance and longevity. The stainless steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting, and the optimized constriction ensures tight, consistent patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black excels at its primary function: delivering exceptionally tight patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition. At 40 yards, the patterns are consistently dense, with a high percentage of pellets inside a 10-inch circle. This is critical for ethical and effective turkey hunting.
The major strength is the exceptional pattern density at extended ranges. A minor weakness is the increased recoil, which is noticeable, but manageable.
It definitely meets and even exceeds expectations. I have greater confidence in my ability to harvest turkeys ethically at longer distances.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black is well-built. The materials are high quality, and the black finish provides good corrosion resistance. The weight is negligible, and it doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the shotgun.
It is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation beyond a standard choke wrench. There is no learning curve. Simply install the choke and pattern it with your preferred ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction and black oxide finish suggest the Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black will last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and light lubrication are all that’s required.
Maintaining the choke tube is easy. A quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each use is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black comes as a standalone product. There aren’t accessories included with the choke tube.
It is compatible with standard choke wrenches designed for Mossberg shotguns. There are no customization options specific to the choke tube itself. However, you can adjust your pattern by experimenting with different turkey loads.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 BlackPros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and dense patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.
- Noticeably extends effective range for ethical turkey hunting.
- Durable stainless steel construction with a corrosion-resistant black finish.
- Easy to install and maintain with standard choke wrench.
- Affordable upgrade compared to higher-priced aftermarket chokes.
Cons
- Increased felt recoil, especially with 3.5-inch shells.
- Specifically designed for Winchester Long Beard XR, other loads may not pattern as well.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black?
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and dense patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.
- Noticeably extends effective range for ethical turkey hunting.
- Durable stainless steel construction with a corrosion-resistant black finish.
- Easy to install and maintain with standard choke wrench.
- Affordable upgrade compared to higher-priced aftermarket chokes.
Cons
- Increased felt recoil, especially with 3.5-inch shells.
- Specifically designed for Winchester Long Beard XR, other loads may not pattern as well.
Perfect for turkey hunters who own a Mossberg 835 or 935 12 gauge shotgun and want to improve their pattern density and effective range. It’s also suitable for hunters who primarily use Winchester Long Beard XR ammunition.
Hunters who prioritize recoil reduction or prefer using non-lead ammunition should skip this product. A must-have accessory is a dedicated choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
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 well-made and effective choke tube that delivers on its promise of tighter patterns. The price is justified by the improved performance and increased confidence it provides in the field.
I would definitely recommend it to any turkey hunter looking to enhance the performance of their Mossberg 835 or 935. If you are looking to improve your turkey hunting success, consider purchasing the Carlsons Mossberg 835 12 Gauge Turkey Mossberg 835/935 Black today.