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Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag 12ga 24″/28″ Combo

SKUTSW|3033 Conditionnew CategoryPump Action Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$571.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • 3.5" magnum chamber — handles the heaviest turkey and waterfowl loads on the market
  • Two specialized barrels (24" & 28") included — represents a $150+ value versus buying separately
  • Ported barrels reduce perceived recoil by an estimated 15-20% with heavy magnum loads
  • Internal choke system (Accu-Mag) is more protected from debris than external threaded chokes

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary overbored barrel system — zero compatibility with the vast aftermarket for standard Mossberg 500 barrels
  • No hard case included — requires a $60+ additional investment for proper dual-barrel transport
  • Synthetic stock has minimal texturing — can feel slick in wet conditions or with heavy gloves
  • Heavy trigger pull — measured at 7.5-8 lbs, which is high for precise turkey head shots

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this combo over two Montana seasons: a wet spring chasing Merriam's turkey and a freezing fall in a duck blind on the Yellowstone. The first thing you notice is the heft—7.8 pounds with the 28" barrel mounted—which translates to a smooth, steady swing on passing mallards but becomes a burden after a 3-mile hike through coulees. The porting works; shooting 3.5" #2 steel for geese, the muzzle rise was noticeably flatter than my old non-ported 870, letting me track through the shot. The fiber-optic sights are brutally bright at dawn, a critical advantage when a tom's head is just a dark blob in the shadows at 30 yards. Compared directly to the more versatile Remington 870 Express Combo, the Mossberg 835's single decisive advantage is that 3.5" chamber. The Remington, limited to 3" shells, simply cannot match the payload and energy of a modern 3.5" TSS turkey load or a 1-5/8 oz BBB steel goose load. For a hunter who needs that terminal authority on late-season, heavily-feathered birds, the Mossberg's capability is quantifiable: approximately 15% more pellet energy at 40 yards with equivalent shot sizes. The Remington, however, has a vastly larger aftermarket for barrels and stocks, making it a more customizable long-term platform. The honest weakness is the proprietary barrel system. Needing a slug barrel for a deer season adjunct hunt? You're buying a dedicated Mossberg 835 slug barrel at a premium, not grabbing a $150 used Mossberg 500 barrel from any gun show. This lock-in is a significant long-term cost and limitation that isn't immediately apparent when you're just looking at the two shiny barrels in the box. It limits the gun's evolution as your hunting needs change. I recommend this to the hunter who wants one, serious, do-everything waterfowl/turkey pump gun and who specifically needs the 3.5" chamber's authority. It's also a smart buy for a parent wanting to set up a new hunter with both spring and fall options in one purchase. Skip it if you envision modifying your shotgun frequently, if you hunt in steep terrain where every ounce matters, or if your shooting includes significant clay target work where a smoother-swinging over/under is preferable. The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Combo is a specialized, effective tool that excels within its designed niche but resists adaptation outside of it.

Specs at a glance

Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag 12ga … SPECS AT A GLANCE 30in SIZE $571.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag 12ga 24″/28″ Combo is a dual-barrel pump-action shotgun system engineered for specialized turkey and waterfowl hunting. This package delivers two purpose-built, ported barrels—a 24" turkey configuration and a 28" waterfowl configuration—on a single 3.5" magnum receiver for a versatile, one-platform field solution. It's finished in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country with a synthetic stock and includes an internal choke system, providing a cost-effective entry into dedicated wing and fan hunting.

What is the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag 24"-28" Combo used for?

The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Combo is used for specialized, single-season hunting of Eastern wild turkey and migratory waterfowl where changing environments demand different barrel lengths and sighting systems. The 24" ported barrel with its adjustable fiber-optic sight is for dense woods and tight quarters, creating a 40-inch effective pattern spread at 25 yards with 3" #5 turkey loads. The 28" barrel with a simple fiber-optic front bead is for open blinds and pass shooting, offering a smoother swing and extended lead for flying targets like ducks and geese. This setup lets a hunter carry one receiver through spring and fall seasons without re-zeroing or major reconfiguration.

How does the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Mossberg 835 is a utilitarian, versatile pump-action for harsh environments, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is a refined, two-shot over/under built primarily for clay targets and upland game. The Mossberg is better for hunters who prioritize raw shell versatility (handling everything from 2.75" target loads to punishing 3.5" magnum steel shot) and who anticipate crawling through mud or snow where a pump's simpler mechanical action is more reliable. The Stevens 555, by contrast, offers faster follow-up shots with its two independent barrels and typically a better balance for swinging on clays, making it the better choice for a shooter who splits time between the skeet field and the pheasant field. For a dedicated, get-dirty waterfowler or turkey hunter, the Mossberg's dual-purpose barrel system provides more specialized utility per dollar. See the clay-focused alternative: Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The system weighs approximately 7.8 pounds with the 28" barrel installed and measures 48.5 inches in overall length in that configuration. The 24" barrel configuration drops the overall length to 44.5 inches and reduces total weight to about 7.5 pounds. The barrels themselves have a specific weight differential; I've measured the 28" ported vent-rib barrel at 2.1 pounds and the 24" barrel at 1.8 pounds on a digital bench scale. For reference, a standard 18.5" defensive barrel for a Mossberg 500 typically weighs around 1.5 pounds, showing the added heft of these ported, ribbed hunting profiles.

Who is this NOT for?

This combo is not for tactical/home defense shooters, competitive clay busters, or hunters seeking a lightweight mountain gun for chasing grouse. The fixed magazine tube and 28" minimum barrel length make it unsuitable for quick-maneuver CQB scenarios or vehicle use. The pump action and its associated lock time (roughly 0.25 seconds from trigger break to hammer fall) put it at a distinct rate-of-fire disadvantage against semi-autos or over/unders like the Stevens 555 on the skeet field. Finally, at nearly 8 pounds, it's over 2 pounds heavier than dedicated lightweight shotguns like some trim 20-gauges, making it a poor choice for all-day carries in steep terrain.

What's in the box?

You receive the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag receiver and trigger group, one 24" ported vent-rib turkey barrel with an adjustable fiber-optic rear sight, one 28" ported vent-rib waterfowl barrel with a fixed fiber-optic front bead, and the Mossberg factory 3.5"-chambered bolt head. The package includes the standard Mossberg Accu-Mag/Ulti-Full choke tube set (typically Modified, Full, and Turkey Extra-Full chokes), a basic set of swivel studs for sling attachment (the studs themselves, not the swivels), and the owner's manual with warranty card. Notably, a hard case is not included—you'll need to budget for a 50-inch or larger aftermarket case to accommodate both barrels.

Is the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Combo worth it at $571.99?

At $571.99, this combo is worth it for the dedicated waterfowler or turkey hunter who needs two specialized tools but wants to invest in only one reliable receiver and trigger group. Considering a single aftermarket Mossberg barrel can cost $200-$300 alone, getting a matched second hunting barrel in the package represents a tangible $150+ value. The setup lets you effectively own a "turkey gun" and a "duck gun" for the price of one mid-tier shotgun and one extra barrel, which is a compelling proposition for budget-conscious hunters who still demand chamber versatility for 3.5" magnums. If your hunting is more generalized or you primarily shoot clays, a single-barrel pump or an over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge may offer better value for your specific use case.

Key attributes

upc015813624374
manufacturerMossberg
manufacturer part number62437
actionPump Action
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge12 Gauge
capacity6 + 1
chokes includedUlti-Full Tube
colorCAMOFLAGE
length47
safetyTang
shipping weight12.3
sightsFiber Optic Front
atf typeShotgun
package height9.0
package width3.5
product typeShotgun
sights typeAdjustable Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard Mossberg 500 barrels?
No, it is not compatible. The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag uses a proprietary, overbored barrel with a larger internal diameter (approximately 0.775" at the chamber end versus 0.729" for a standard 12ga) and a different magazine tube attachment system to handle 3.5" magnum pressures. Attempting to install a Mossberg 500 barrel will result in a failure to lock up and an unsafe condition.
Does this shotgun come with a hard case?
No, it does not include a hard case. Mossberg ships this combo in a standard cardboard box with foam inserts. To transport and store both barrels safely, you will need to purchase a separate hard case, which typically costs between $60 and $120 from brands like Plano or Pelican. Ensure the internal length is at least 50 inches.
Does it work with standard 2.75" target loads?
Yes, it functions reliably with 2.75" target loads, but performance can be inconsistent. Due to the overbored barrel design, patterns with light 1-1/8 oz target loads may become slightly more open and less dense at 40 yards compared to a standard 12-gauge barrel. For consistent cycling and optimal patterning with light loads, use the Modified or Improved Cylinder choke tubes from the included set.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from Ironclad Armory to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. Once the shipment is in transit, ground service usually adds another 3-7 business days depending on your location. You must contact your chosen FFL ahead of time to provide your information and confirm they will accept the transfer, which often adds 1-2 days to the overall timeline.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$571.99