Introduction
The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag shotgun, a powerhouse in the world of firearms, has earned its place as a favorite among hunters and shooting enthusiasts alike. Known for its robust design, affordability, and the ability to handle both three-inch and three-and-a-half-inch shells, the 835 is a versatile weapon. However, its true potential is often unlocked not just by the gun itself, but by a crucial, often overlooked component: the choke tube. Choosing the right choke is paramount to maximizing your shotgun’s performance and achieving consistent accuracy. This guide dives deep into the world of chokes specifically for your Mossberg 835, providing you with the knowledge to select the perfect match for any shooting discipline, from turkey hunting to clay target sports.
Understanding Choke Tubes
The core function of a choke tube is remarkably straightforward, yet profoundly impactful: to constrict the shot pattern as it exits the barrel. Think of it like a nozzle on a garden hose; squeezing the end of the hose focuses the water stream. Similarly, a choke controls how tightly the shot pellets spread out after leaving the barrel. This control allows you to tailor your shotgun’s performance for various ranges and shooting situations. Without a choke, the shot pellets would disperse widely almost immediately, rendering the gun ineffective at anything beyond very close distances.
Different Types of Choke (and their Constriction)
Exploring different types of chokes reveals their specific constriction levels and their ideal applications. The design, the material, and the constriction offered all affect how the shot pellets spread and how effective they are at various distances.
Full chokes represent the tightest constriction. They significantly reduce the spread of the shot pellets, resulting in a dense, concentrated pattern. This makes a full choke ideal for long-range shooting scenarios where maintaining a tight shot pattern is critical for hitting the target. Consider turkey hunting, where the ability to deliver a lethal shot at extended ranges is essential.
Modified chokes strike a balance between pattern density and range. They offer a more open pattern than full chokes, allowing for some shot dispersion while still maintaining a reasonable degree of pellet concentration. This makes them a versatile option for a wide range of hunting situations, including waterfowl hunting and some upland bird hunting. It’s a good general-purpose choke.
Improved cylinder chokes provide an even wider pattern, making them well-suited for close-range targets. The less restrictive constriction allows for a more rapid spread of the shot pellets. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in scenarios where quick target acquisition and a wider effective spread are prioritized. Think of situations like close-range upland bird hunting in dense cover.
Cylinder chokes offer the most open pattern available. These chokes have no constriction at all, allowing the shot pellets to disperse rapidly. This configuration is often favored for very close-range shooting, or when using slugs where the specific type of shot is more of a concern than the pattern. They’re a simple design, but their function is specific and important.
Choke Tubes for the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag
When you are selecting your next choke tube for your Mossberg 835, it’s worth remembering that the 835 uses a specific threading pattern, often known as Win-Choke or a similar type of threading. This means you’ll want to ensure any aftermarket choke tube you consider is compatible with that standard. Checking the fit and function prior to use is essential, so confirm the fit and function prior to use. This is generally clearly marked on the barrel.
Factory vs. Aftermarket Chokes
Deciding between factory-issued chokes and aftermarket options is a critical part of this process. The chokes that originally came with your Mossberg 835 offer a functional starting point, providing adequate performance for general use. However, aftermarket chokes frequently provide performance advantages. They are often crafted from superior materials, with more precise manufacturing processes, leading to more consistent patterns and improved durability. Many aftermarket chokes are also designed to handle various types of shot, including steel and other specialized loads.
Materials
The material used in a choke tube is an important factor in its overall performance and longevity. Most chokes are constructed from high-quality stainless steel. This material offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength, ensuring that the choke can withstand the pressures and wear associated with repeated firing.
Choosing the Right Choke for Your Application
Selecting the correct choke tube is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The ideal choice depends entirely on your intended use.
Hunting
If your main goal is to hunt wild turkeys, a choke designed for maximum range and pellet density is essential. Extra Full or Super Full chokes are often the best choice for turkey hunting. They provide the tightest patterns, ensuring a high number of pellets strike the target at long distances, maximizing the chances of a clean and ethical kill. The right choke allows the hunter to maximize their range.
For waterfowl hunting, the specific choke selection may depend on the range and the type of ducks or geese being pursued. Generally, a Modified or Full choke provides an excellent balance between pattern density and range. This enables accurate shots at varying distances. Remember to consider the shell type used; some steel shot loads can benefit from a choke specifically designed for that load.
Upland bird hunters, frequently facing close-range shots, often find success with Improved Cylinder or Modified chokes. These chokes offer a wider pattern, which increases the chance of hitting a fast-moving bird. They will give you the versatility you need.
Deer hunters using slugs will also need to consider the choke. Rifled slugs, designed to spin in flight, often perform best with Improved Cylinder or cylinder chokes. If you are looking to be more precise, there are also slug-specific chokes designed to enhance accuracy with certain slug types. Always pattern your gun to find the best match.
Target Shooting
Beyond hunting, the world of target shooting offers a range of choke applications, too.
Skeet shooting requires a very open pattern for close-range targets. Skeet chokes are designed to deliver the widest possible pattern at short distances, allowing shooters to break clay targets consistently.
Trap shooting, on the other hand, often involves longer shots. A Modified or Full choke is frequently used to achieve the necessary pattern density and range for success at the trap range.
Sporting clays, a dynamic and challenging discipline, demands even more versatility. Choke selection in sporting clays depends on the distance and presentation of the targets, along with personal preferences. It’s worth considering the variation in the target, as well as the conditions.
Defensive Use
Beyond the target range and the hunt, choke selection also matters in situations requiring defensive use. For home defense, an Improved Cylinder or Cylinder choke often provides a safe and effective solution. These chokes will offer a wider pattern at close ranges, increasing the likelihood of stopping a threat while minimizing the risk of over-penetration in a home environment.
Top Choke Tube Brands for Mossberg 835
Several reputable brands consistently produce high-quality choke tubes for the Mossberg 835. Among the most respected names are Carlson’s, Trulock, and Briley. These companies are recognized for their precise manufacturing processes, durable materials, and innovative designs. Their products often offer a wide range of constriction options, allowing shooters to tailor their shotgun’s performance to various shooting disciplines. Patternmaster is another well-regarded brand, particularly known for its ported choke designs that aim to reduce recoil and improve pattern consistency.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Choke Tubes
Properly installing and removing a choke tube is paramount for safety and functionality. Start by ensuring the firearm is unloaded and the chamber is clear. Screw the choke tube into the barrel’s threads carefully, ensuring it is snug but not overtightened. Over-tightening can damage the threads. Use a choke wrench. Ensure that the choke is clean, and clean the threads of the barrel before insertion.
Routine cleaning and maintenance are essential for extending the lifespan and performance of your choke tubes. After each shooting session, use a choke cleaning brush and solvent specifically designed for gun cleaning to remove any built-up residue. Inspect the choke for any signs of damage, such as dents or cracks, which could affect the pattern or potentially lead to dangerous situations.
Never use steel shot or any shot types not specifically designed for your choke. This can cause damage to the choke. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for both the choke and the ammunition.
Testing and Patterning Your Shotgun
A critical step in maximizing any shotgun’s performance is patterning your gun. This involves firing at a target at a specific distance and observing the spread and density of the shot pattern. The pattern reveals how the shot pellets are distributed and whether the chosen choke and ammunition combination are performing optimally. Experiment with different distances and ammunition to see the differences. This experimentation can help you discover what works best with your Mossberg 835.
Interpreting your results is crucial. A good pattern should have a relatively even distribution of shot pellets across the target. You can then adjust your choke selection or ammunition choice to get the desired pattern density and point of impact. If the pattern is too sparse, consider a tighter choke. If it’s too dense and results in excessive misses, you may need a more open choke.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right chokes for your Mossberg 835 is an essential step towards maximizing its performance and versatility. Understanding the different choke types, their applications, and the factors that influence their performance will enable you to select the perfect choke for every shooting scenario. The right choke can significantly enhance your accuracy and success, whether you are hunting, target shooting, or using your shotgun for defensive purposes.
Before you purchase any new chokes, research the options available for your Mossberg 835. Consider the type of shooting you’ll be doing most often and the distances involved. Read reviews from other shooters to see what works well for their setups. Make your selection thoughtfully.
By taking the time to learn about chokes and experiment with different options, you’ll unlock the full potential of your Mossberg 835, enjoying more consistent results and a more rewarding shooting experience.
