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barrel length

Started by tha bugman, November 26, 2012, 01:34:08 PM

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tha bugman

ok so I am sure to get some crack comments on this one ;D....but I have purchased a Mossberg 835 with a 18" barrel??  pretty short...is there any issues I should be concerned about as how it handles and patterns?  it has tru glo sights on it....

allaboutshooting

#1
I would recommend that you "deep clean" the bore. The short-barreled 835s are the reason I wrote that article outlining that procedure many years ago. It will really enhance the performance of your barrel and may be even more important with short 835 barrels than with others.

As you know, your gun will be pretty loud, so I'd recommend that you use plugs and muffs when you take it to the range for patterning. You may also want to consider something like a CHEEK-EEZ pad for the comb to help with the muzzle whip from that short barrel  and a slip over recoil pad would also be good.

Short barrels can be a challenge at the patterning board. I have seen some that seem to pattern as well as longer barrels and others that just don't deliver the dense patterns that we sometimes expect, regardless of the shell or choke used.

I have personally seen the very best results with short barrels on those guns, as have many of my readers, with 3" Hevi-13 shotshells with 2 oz. of #6 or #7 shot and the SSX turkey choke with a .670 exit diameter.

The 3.5" shell is also a choice of course but the added recoil and the tendency to develop a flinch using those shells in that gun do not seem to be worth it, for many shooters.

Lastly, have fun with your new gun. It's a great shotgun and you may have one of those great shooting short barrels. With just a little time spent at the range you'll find out exactly how it shoots and what you need to do to be successful in the turkey woods with it.

Thanks,
Clark
"If he's out of range, it just means he has another day and so do you."


paladin

If you don't like it and want to trade give me a email. I prefer short barrels.
"have gun-will travel"

coyotetrpr

I have the 20 inch version and recoil is amazing :z-dizzy:. That is if you like that sort of thing. As far as patterning goes, I shoot the magblends and the hevishot choke. This combo holds together past where the moderators will allow us to discuss. On the brighter side, it is loud enough to cause serious hearing damage. :help:    Good luck with getting your gun ready to hunt, because on a serious note I do enjoy packing a short barrel gun.
Jakes are like scotch. They are not worth a darn until they age.