First Thoughts on the Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten
The Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten is not just another choke tube; it’s a specialized piece of equipment designed to transform your Mossberg 835 or 935 into a turkey-slaying machine. As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless iterations of turkey chokes promising tighter patterns and longer ranges, but the Jelly Head Maximum from Primos caught my eye with its reputation for extreme pattern density and the rugged Black-T coating, a feature usually reserved for military applications. The promise of extending my effective range while maintaining a consistent, devastating pattern was too tempting to ignore.
My turkey hunting grounds in the Appalachian foothills are notoriously challenging, with birds that are both wary and often require longer shots due to the varied terrain. I needed a choke that could deliver consistent, lethal patterns beyond the typical 40-yard range. My old factory choke was simply not cutting it, resulting in too many wounded birds and frustrating hunts.
The Primos Jelly Head Maximum arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The first thing I noticed was the substantial feel of the choke tube; it felt solid and well-made, radiating quality. The Black-T coating gave it a tactical, no-nonsense appearance, and the fluted ports at the end looked aggressive and purposeful. Compared to my factory choke and a couple of aftermarket chokes I’d experimented with (a Carlson’s Long Beard XR choke and a Hastings Strut Stopper), the Jelly Head Maximum seemed to have a more robust construction and a more thoughtfully designed porting system.
I was cautiously optimistic, excited to see if the Primos Jelly Head Maximum could live up to its claims. The promise of tighter patterns and longer effective range, combined with the military-grade Black-T coating, had me eager to hit the range and put it through its paces. I had a feeling this choke could be a game-changer for my upcoming turkey season.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten took place at my local shooting range, under partly cloudy skies with a slight breeze. I set up targets at 30, 40, 50, and 60 yards, using a variety of turkey loads, including 3.5″ and 3″ shells from Winchester, Federal, and Remington. The goal was to find the load that patterned best with the Jelly Head Maximum and to assess its performance at various distances.
The first few shots were immediately impressive. The Jelly Head Maximum noticeably tightened the patterns compared to my previous choke, especially at 40 and 50 yards. I noticed a slight reduction in perceived recoil, likely due to the fluted ports. No real getting used to this choke, just screw it in and blast away.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of repeated range sessions and a full turkey season in the field, the Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten has proven to be a reliable and effective choke tube. The Black-T coating has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion despite exposure to rain, mud, and the occasional harsh cleaning solvent. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick scrub with a bore brush and some solvent keeps it in top condition.
Compared to my past experiences with other turkey chokes, the Jelly Head Maximum consistently delivers tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges. Where my old setup would produce marginal patterns at 50 yards, the Jelly Head Maximum allows me to confidently extend my range to 60 yards, providing a significant advantage in the field. This choke has performed well in all weather conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten
Specifications
The Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten is an extended turkey choke designed specifically for Mossberg 835 and 935 12-gauge shotguns. It features a .690 constriction, optimized for delivering dense and consistent patterns with various turkey loads. The extended design provides a longer taper, helping to guide the shot column for improved accuracy and range.
The choke tube is coated with Primos’s proprietary Black-T coating, a durable finish that provides excellent rust and corrosion resistance. The fluted ports at the muzzle help to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots. These specifications are important because they directly impact the choke’s ability to deliver tight patterns, withstand harsh hunting conditions, and improve the overall shooting experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten excels at its primary task: delivering dense, consistent patterns at extended ranges. I was able to consistently place 80-90% of my pellets within a 10-inch circle at 40 yards, and still maintain lethal patterns out to 60 yards with the right loads. The choke’s performance has been consistently reliable with different brands and types of turkey loads.
The only weakness I’ve noticed is that the cool green rings on the end fell off after a few shots, as mentioned in the user reviews. I didn’t find that to be a big deal. Overall, the choke has met and exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten is a well-designed and robust choke tube. The Black-T coating not only provides excellent protection but also gives the choke a sleek, tactical look. The extended design makes it easy to install and remove with a choke wrench, and the fluted ports add a touch of aggressive styling.
The choke is comfortable to use, with the porting system effectively reducing recoil. There’s no real learning curve; simply install it, pattern your shotgun, and you’re ready to hunt. The choke feels solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its durability and performance.
Durability & Maintenance
The Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten is built to last. The Black-T coating provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion, ensuring that the choke can withstand years of use in harsh hunting conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for preserving the choke’s performance.
The choke is easy to clean with a bore brush and solvent, and occasional lubrication will help to prevent seizing. With proper care, this choke tube should provide many years of reliable service. It would be difficult to imagine it damaged even in the most brutal condtions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten does not come with any accessories beyond the choke tube itself. There are no customization options available for the choke itself. However, it is compatible with any standard choke wrench designed for Mossberg shotguns.
While there are no direct customization options for the choke, its performance can be optimized by experimenting with different turkey loads to find the one that patterns best with your specific shotgun. The ability to fine-tune your load selection is crucial for achieving maximum range and pattern density.
Pros and Cons of Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten
Pros
- Delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges. This allows for ethical and effective shots on turkeys at distances beyond what is possible with a standard choke.
- Durable Black-T coating provides excellent rust and corrosion resistance. This ensures the choke can withstand harsh hunting conditions and last for years.
- Fluted ports reduce recoil and muzzle jump, improving shooter comfort and allowing for faster follow-up shots. Recoil reduction is especially important when shooting magnum turkey loads.
- Easy to install and remove with a standard choke wrench. Quick and easy installation makes this choke a breeze to use.
- Noticeably improves pattern density compared to factory chokes. Allows for much improved chances of hitting your target.
Cons
- The green rings may fall off with use. However, this is cosmetic and does not affect performance.
- Limited to Mossberg 835/935 12 GA shotguns. This choke is not compatible with other shotgun models.
Who Should Buy Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten?
The Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand maximum range and pattern density from their Mossberg 835 or 935 12-gauge shotgun. It’s also an excellent choice for predator hunters using buckshot loads, as it can significantly tighten patterns for improved accuracy at longer ranges. This choke is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance the performance of their Mossberg shotgun for turkey or predator hunting.
This product is not ideal for those who primarily hunt turkeys at close range (inside of 30 yards), as the extremely tight patterns may result in missed shots. Hunters who own shotguns other than the Mossberg 835/935 12 GA should also skip this product, as it is not compatible. A must-have accessory is a quality choke wrench for easy installation and removal.
Conclusion on Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten
The Primos Jelly Head Maximum Mossberg 835/935 12 GA Exten is a high-quality, well-designed choke tube that delivers on its promises. It provides exceptional pattern density and extended range, making it a valuable asset for serious turkey and predator hunters. The durable Black-T coating ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions, and the fluted ports reduce recoil for improved shooter comfort.
At a price of $40.99, the Jelly Head Maximum represents an excellent value for the performance it provides. I would wholeheartedly recommend this choke to any Mossberg 835 or 935 owner looking to maximize their shotgun’s potential for turkey or predator hunting. It’s an investment that will pay off in more successful hunts and greater confidence in the field.
Don’t let that big gobbler outsmart you this season – equip your Mossberg with the Primos Jelly Head Maximum and experience the difference for yourself! Head to your local sporting goods store or order online today and prepare to tag out with confidence.