Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL Review

The Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL Made a Bold First Impression

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless shotgun accessories come and go. However, the Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL immediately caught my eye. Its promise of tight, consistent patterns for turkey and other demanding applications piqued my interest, and I couldn’t wait to put it through its paces.

My need for this choke tube arose from my desire for a more specialized setup for turkey hunting. I was finding that my factory choke wasn’t delivering the dense, consistent patterns needed for ethical and effective long-range shots. The Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL seemed like the perfect solution to tighten those patterns and extend my effective range.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the robust construction and solid feel of the choke tube. The steel construction felt durable, and the finish was smooth and even. It exuded quality, and I had a good feeling about its performance.

Compared to some aftermarket extended choke tubes I’ve used, the Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL appeared to be more streamlined. It lacked the aggressive porting or fluting found on some “tactical” chokes. I chose it for its reputation for consistent performance and Mossberg‘s reputation for reliability, trusting that the design would deliver where it mattered.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism, leaning towards excitement. I was eager to see if this choke tube could live up to its promise of improved pattern density and consistency for demanding hunting scenarios. The initial feel and construction were promising, and I was ready to head to the range.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a local shooting range with a pattern board set up at varying distances. I wanted to see how the Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL performed with different turkey loads at 30, 40, and 50 yards. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal conditions for pattern testing.

The choke tube performed exceptionally well. I immediately noticed a tighter, more consistent pattern compared to my factory choke tube. At 40 yards, the difference was significant.

Using various turkey loads, I experienced no issues, and the tube handled the recoil well. There was no need to get used to anything. After the first use, I was very impressed, and my expectations were exceeded.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my Mossberg 835. It has held up beautifully.

There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even after multiple hunting trips and range sessions. The finish remains intact, and the threads are still clean and smooth.

Maintenance is simple. A quick cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use keeps it in top condition. My previous experiences with other chokes, especially cheaper ones, often involved rust or pattern degradation over time, but this one is different. This choke outperforms the factory tube.

Breaking Down the Features of Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL

Specifications

• The Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL is designed specifically for Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal performance.
• It’s an Extra-Full choke, designed for tight patterns at extended ranges. This is ideal for turkey hunting and other scenarios where precision is paramount.
• The choke is constructed from durable steel, promising longevity and resistance to wear and tear. The steel build ensures it can withstand the pressures of heavy turkey loads.
• It’s designed to handle lead, steel, and all other non-toxic loads. This versatility makes it suitable for various hunting and shooting applications.
• The choke tube utilizes the Accu-Mag™ choke tube system. This system ensures reliable performance and easy installation.

These specifications translate to tighter patterns, increased effective range, and compatibility with a wide range of ammunition. This results in a more versatile and effective shotgun for hunting and other applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It delivers tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges, significantly improving accuracy and effectiveness.

Its biggest strength is its ability to consistently produce dense patterns with various turkey loads. The only weakness is that the extra-full constriction makes it less versatile for closer-range shooting or upland bird hunting. It absolutely meets my expectations for turkey hunting.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The steel construction feels robust, and the finish is smooth and even.

The choke tube is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation or removal. The knurled end provides a secure grip for tightening and loosening.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL is built to last. Its steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of heavy use and harsh conditions.

Maintenance is straightforward. A simple cleaning with a bore brush and solvent after each use is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any choke wrench designed for Accu-Mag™ choke tubes.

There are no real customization options for choke tubes beyond selecting different constrictions. Some users might consider aftermarket coatings for enhanced corrosion resistance, but the factory finish is generally sufficient.

Pros and Cons of Mossberg 835 CHOKE TUBE X-FL T&F STL