The Mossberg 835, renowned for its versatility and robust design, takes on a new dimension with the addition of a rifled barrel. This modification significantly alters the shotgun's capabilities, opening up exciting possibilities for hunters and shooters alike. This article dives deep into the Mossberg 835 rifled barrel, exploring its performance characteristics, suitability for various applications, and key considerations for potential buyers.
Understanding Rifled Shotgun Barrels
Before delving into the specifics of the Mossberg 835 rifled barrel, let's establish a foundational understanding of rifled shotgun barrels. Unlike smoothbore barrels, which launch projectiles using only the force of the expanding gases, rifled barrels impart spin to the projectile. This spin stabilizes the projectile in flight, resulting in increased accuracy and range, particularly with heavier projectiles like slugs or sabots. The rifling grooves create a mechanical grip on the projectile, allowing for a more controlled and precise launch.
Mossberg 835 Rifled Barrel: Performance Advantages
The Mossberg 835, already a highly regarded shotgun, benefits significantly from the addition of a rifled barrel. This combination unlocks several key performance advantages:
Enhanced Accuracy:
The most significant advantage is a substantial improvement in accuracy. The rifled barrel imparts spin to slugs and sabots, dramatically improving their flight stability and reducing dispersion. This allows for more precise shots at longer ranges, making it ideal for hunting larger game.
Increased Range:
The improved accuracy translates directly into an extended effective range. Hunters can confidently engage targets at distances previously unattainable with a smoothbore barrel. This is particularly beneficial in situations requiring longer shots, such as hunting in open fields or wooded areas with longer sightlines.
Improved Ballistic Performance:
The spin imparted by the rifling enhances the ballistic performance of slugs and sabots. This leads to flatter trajectories and reduced drop at longer ranges, simplifying aiming and improving shot placement.
Applications of the Mossberg 835 Rifled Barrel
The versatility of the Mossberg 835 with a rifled barrel makes it suitable for various hunting and shooting applications:
Big Game Hunting:
This is arguably the most common application. The enhanced accuracy and range make it an excellent choice for hunting deer, hogs, and other large game animals. The increased stopping power offered by rifled slugs allows for more humane and effective harvests.
Turkey Hunting:
While not as common as for big game, some hunters utilize slugs with rifled barrels for turkey hunting at longer ranges. This offers a precision advantage over traditional turkey loads.
Target Shooting:
The improved accuracy makes the Mossberg 835 rifled barrel well-suited for long-range target shooting. This allows for competitive shooting at extended distances, enhancing the shooter's skill and accuracy.
Home Defense (with caveats):
While possible, it's crucial to understand the limitations and potential dangers of using a rifled barrel for home defense. Over-penetration is a significant concern with slugs, making careful consideration of the environment paramount. Buckshot remains the recommended choice for home defense scenarios.
Choosing the Right Ammunition
Selecting appropriate ammunition is crucial for maximizing the performance of the Mossberg 835 rifled barrel. Different slug weights and designs offer varying ballistic properties, and the best choice depends on the specific application. Always consult the manufacturer's specifications for recommended ammunition types and loads.
Considerations Before Purchasing
Before investing in a Mossberg 835 with a rifled barrel, consider the following:
- Legal Restrictions: Check your local and state hunting regulations regarding the use of rifled slugs. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions or prohibitions.
- Ammunition Costs: Rifled slugs and sabots are generally more expensive than standard shotgun shells.
- Recoil: Rifled slugs often generate higher recoil than traditional shot loads, particularly with heavier projectiles.
Conclusion
The Mossberg 835 rifled barrel offers a significant upgrade for hunters and shooters seeking enhanced accuracy and range. Its ability to reliably deliver precise shots at longer distances makes it an excellent choice for big game hunting and target shooting. However, it is crucial to understand the nuances of rifled slugs, the appropriate ammunition selection, and potential legal restrictions before making a purchase. The Mossberg 835 rifled barrel, when used responsibly and correctly, represents a substantial improvement in shooting capability.
