First Shotgun!

[Frankl03]

I want to do some turkey hunting so I have been looking for a shotgun. My son-in-law has a Mossberg 500, so I have been pricing them (Mossbergs). From the reading I've done the Mossberg 835 seemed like a good choice. I found an 835 Turkey at Walmart. They had the best price of anyone at $309.00 plus tax.

Did I make a good choice for my first shotgun? Let me know what you think.
Thanks

I will post a couple of pics.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/Frankl03/HPIM0774.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm256/Frankl03/HPIM0769.jpg

[Dave McCracken]

Good shotgun, OK price. I'm not a major fan of the 3.5" shell, but the 835s I've shot were good with the shorter stuff also.

Do start with those. You'll thank me later.

Enjoy.....

[Jason M]

There's nothing wrong with Mossbergs. A buddy of mine hunts with a pump-action Mossberg and he likes it just fine.

One thing I will say is that 3.5" shells can be brutal. I've seen loads of 2oz. at 1300 or 1400 FPS and that is nasty, recoil-wise. That gives it 76 ft-lbs of recoil--or TWICE the recoil of a .300 Winchester Magnum rifle. OUCH.

Like was suggested, start with 3" shells and if you feel you need it, use 3.5" shells.

But, to quell any purchasing doubts you have, Mossbergs are fine shotgunsand hold up well to years of use if you do your part to keep them clean and functional.

[Frankl03]

Thanks for the imput! I will definitely start with the 3 inch shells. I think its nice to have the option to use 3.5 inch shells.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I have a Mossberg M500 that I got back in 1975....still hunt with it from time to time, and trips to the gunsmith have been minimal and for minor parts.
I do agree with the previous thoughts on the 3.5 inch shell....pretty much useless, IMHO (more shot, but really not worth the cost)......3" shells will do you just fine for turkeys, and their cheaper, too!
Not sure what else you wish to hunt, but you should be able to do it all with that gun, if you so choose......although you might not fit the 'Currier & Ives' ideal if you took it on a grouse or quail hunt!;):D

[Frankl03]

Thanks! One more question. What chokes should I look for? I realize the various chokes are for different applications. I believe it came with an extra full choke (for turkey). Also which chokes work with steel shot?

I thought about one more thing. Can I use this gun for trap? (I know that people that are really into trap spend big bucks on their guns) If I do shot trap what choke if any would I use?
Thanks for the help!

[Dave McCracken]

Actually, Frank, I'd suggest you start with 2 3/4" target loads.

Do not use that turkey choke with steel. Go with IC or Mod.