The Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours tinkering with and testing various shotgun accessories. For years, I’ve relied on my Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag for everything from waterfowl hunting to home defense. The factory choke tubes were adequate, but I always felt there was room for improvement, a way to tighten my patterns and extend my effective range. That’s what led me to the Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga.
Upon receiving the choke tube, I was immediately impressed by its robust construction. The Carlsons choke tube felt noticeably heavier and more substantial than the factory choke. Machined from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, it radiated quality. This gave me confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of heavy use with different shot types.
I was considering other aftermarket chokes from companies like Briley and Patternmaster. However, I ultimately chose the Carlsons due to its reputation for quality, its compatibility with steel shot, and, frankly, its more attractive price point. The fact that it’s Made in the USA and backed by a Lifetime Warranty sealed the deal. My initial reaction was one of excitement. I couldn’t wait to get to the range and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. was at my local shooting range. I set up targets at 30 and 40 yards to pattern the shotgun with various loads. The weather was typical for late autumn – cool and damp. This made for less than ideal conditions, but I was eager to see how the choke performed. Installation was simple, requiring only a choke tube wrench. The tube seated perfectly flush with the barrel, as expected.
I immediately noticed a significant improvement in pattern density compared to the factory modified choke. The Carlsons choke seemed to hold the shot together much tighter. This resulted in more consistent hits on the target. I experienced no issues with installation or performance during this initial test.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I have taken it on several waterfowl hunts in varying weather conditions, from drizzly mornings to frigid afternoons. The choke has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion despite the exposure to moisture. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory chokes, the Carlsons choke offers a noticeable increase in pattern consistency and effective range. It consistently delivers tighter patterns at longer distances. This has resulted in cleaner kills in the field. It has boosted my confidence in my shotgun’s performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga.
Specifications
- Gauge: 12 ga. This is designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns, which is the most common gauge for hunting and sport shooting.
- Compatibility: Mossberg 835/935 Ulti-Mag. It ensures a perfect fit and optimal performance with these specific shotgun models.
- Constriction: Modified. A modified choke provides a balance between range and pattern density, ideal for versatile shooting situations.
- Material: 17-4 Heat Treated Stainless Steel. This robust material offers exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, ensuring a long lifespan.
- Ammunition Compatibility: Steel, Lead, & Hevi-Shot. This allows for versatility in ammunition selection without risking damage to the choke tube.
- Mount: Flush Mount. This provides a seamless profile with the barrel, minimizing snagging and maintaining a streamlined appearance.
- Warranty: Carlson’s Lifetime Warranty. This demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s quality and durability.
- Origin: Made in the USA. This supports American manufacturing and often indicates higher quality control standards.
The specifications above are crucial for the performance and user experience of any shotgun enthusiast. The choke’s material and construction dictate its durability and longevity. The ammunition compatibility broadens its usefulness in various hunting and shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. excels in its primary function: tightening shot patterns for improved accuracy and range. I’ve found that it consistently delivers denser and more even patterns at distances of 30-40 yards compared to the factory modified choke. This results in more ethical and effective shots when hunting.
The strength of this choke lies in its consistent performance across different ammunition types. The only improvement I would suggest would be including markings that are easier to read when quickly identifying chokes while in the field. It definitely meets and exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. boasts a simple, yet effective design. Machined from stainless steel, it feels solid and well-built in hand. The flush mount design ensures a seamless fit with the shotgun barrel, eliminating any potential snagging issues.
The smooth finish of the choke also makes it easy to install and remove using a standard choke tube wrench. There is virtually no learning curve associated with its use. It is simply a matter of swapping out the old choke with the Carlsons.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, the Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. is built to last. I anticipate it will provide many years of reliable service. Maintenance is minimal. It requires only occasional cleaning with a bore brush and solvent. The stainless steel construction makes it resistant to rust and corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the choke tube itself. However, it’s compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Mossberg shotguns. While there are no specific customization options for this particular choke, Carlsons offers a wide range of other choke constrictions. This allows shooters to fine-tune their shotgun’s performance for specific applications.
Pros and Cons of Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga.
Pros
- Improved Pattern Density: Consistently tighter shot patterns for increased accuracy.
- Versatile Ammunition Compatibility: Safe to use with steel, lead, and Hevi-Shot.
- Durable Construction: Made from 17-4 heat treated stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: Simple to install and remove with a standard choke tube wrench.
- Made in the USA: Supports American manufacturing and ensures quality control.
Cons
- Limited Customization: No specific customization options beyond choke constriction selection.
- Markings could be improved: The markings on the choke, while functional, could be more prominent and easier to read in low-light conditions.
Who Should Buy Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga.?
The Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. is perfect for hunters seeking to improve the performance of their Mossberg 835 or 935 Ulti-Mag shotguns. It is also great for clay shooters looking for tighter patterns at longer distances. Anyone who wants a durable, reliable, and versatile choke tube that can handle various ammunition types will also appreciate this product.
This choke might not be the best choice for shooters who require highly specialized choke constrictions or those who prefer chokes with extended or ported designs. If you’re content with the performance of your factory choke and don’t feel the need for improved pattern density, you may not need this upgrade.
A must-have accessory for this choke is a good quality choke tube wrench. This will ensure easy and damage-free installation and removal.
Conclusion on Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga.
In summary, the Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. is a well-made and reliable aftermarket choke that delivers on its promise of improved pattern density. The price is certainly justified. At $28.99, it provides a significant performance upgrade over factory chokes without breaking the bank.
I would definitely recommend this choke to anyone looking to enhance the performance of their Mossberg 835 or 935 Ulti-Mag shotgun. If you’re tired of inconsistent patterns and want to extend your effective range, give the Carlsons Mossberg 835/935 Choke Tube Modified 12 ga. a try. You won’t be disappointed. Upgrade your shotgun and experience the difference a quality choke tube can make.