The Ultimate Versatile Hunter: Unveiling the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Field/Deer Combo 12 Gauge Shotgun

For serious hunters who demand adaptability and uncompromising performance across diverse landscapes and game types, the challenge of finding a single firearm that excels in every scenario can be daunting. Is there a shotgun that can effectively drop waterfowl at long range, anchor a whitetail deer in dense cover, and still provide reliable performance for turkey or upland birds, all without requiring a separate purchase for each season? The answer for countless outdoor enthusiasts lies squarely in the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Field/Deer Combo 12 Gauge Shotgun. This remarkable pump-action firearm, with its unique dual-barrel system and legendary Mossberg reliability, is engineered precisely to solve this common dilemma, offering unparalleled versatility and power.

When you're asking, "What's the best all-around shotgun for multiple hunting seasons?" or "How can I consolidate my hunting gear without sacrificing effectiveness?", the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Combo emerges as a top-tier recommendation. It's not just a shotgun; it's a comprehensive hunting system designed to adapt to your needs, whether you're breaking dawn in a duck blind or navigating the timber for a trophy buck. Available to discerning sportsmen at DEGuns, this shotgun is a testament to thoughtful engineering and robust construction, providing a single solution that truly shines in various demanding environments.

Unpacking the Power: Why the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Stands Apart

At the core of the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag's exceptional capability is its renowned 3.5-inch chamber. This "Ulti-Mag" designation signifies its ability to chamber and reliably cycle not only standard 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shotshells but also the formidable 3 ½-inch magnum loads. This extended chambering capability is a game-changer, especially for hunters pursuing waterfowl or turkey, where the increased payload of larger shot (steel, bismuth, tungsten) and denser patterns can significantly extend effective range and knockdown power. Imagine the confidence of knowing your shotgun can handle the heaviest turkey loads for those critical head-and-neck shots or deliver a devastating pattern of steel shot on high-flying geese. This isn't just about raw power; it's about optimizing your ammunition choice for the specific demands of the hunt, ensuring maximum ethical harvest potential.

Beyond its chambering prowess, the 835 Ulti-Mag inherits Mossberg's celebrated pump-action reliability. Known for their robust dual action bars, Mossberg pump guns provide smooth, consistent cycling that minimizes binding and ensures a positive feed under even the most adverse conditions. This mechanical simplicity translates into unwavering dependability – a crucial factor when a split second can mean the difference between success and a missed opportunity. Hunters often ask, "Which shotgun can I trust in freezing rain, muddy fields, or dusty blinds?" The 835's design philosophy prioritizes unwavering function, making it a go-to choice for those who value operational integrity above all else. Its blued finish provides a traditional aesthetic while offering a layer of protection against the elements, contributing to the firearm's longevity and performance over countless seasons.

The Ingenious Dual-Barrel System: True Multi-Purpose Performance

What truly elevates the Mossberg 835 Field/Deer Combo above standard shotguns is its intelligent inclusion of two specialized barrels, allowing for rapid transformation between hunting disciplines. This is where the "combo" aspect truly shines, delivering on its promise of unparalleled versatility.

1. The 28-inch Vent Rib Field Barrel: This longer barrel is your ideal companion for wingshooting. Featuring a ventilated rib and a front bead sight, it provides an excellent sight picture for tracking fast-moving birds. The increased barrel length contributes to a smoother swing and follow-through, essential for hitting challenging aerial targets. This barrel is perfectly suited for:
   • Waterfowl Hunting: From decoying ducks to pass-shooting geese, the 28-inch barrel, especially when paired with 3.5-inch magnum steel or non-toxic shot, delivers the dense, long-range patterns required for ethical waterfowl harvesting. Hunters frequently inquire, "What choke and barrel length is best for duck hunting?" The 28-inch barrel, coupled with Mossberg's Accu-Set chokes, offers the flexibility to fine-tune your pattern for various ranges and conditions, whether you need a wide spread for close-in decoying action or a tighter pattern for distant birds.
   • Upland Game Hunting: For pheasants, grouse, or quail, the balance and natural pointing characteristics of this barrel are a significant advantage.
   • Turkey Hunting: While often benefiting from even shorter barrels and specialized chokes, the 28-inch barrel with a tight pattern can still be highly effective, especially with the added power of 3.5-inch loads.
   • Sporting Clays/Trap Shooting: Its balance and traditional sight plane make it a capable choice for recreational clay target shooting, helping you stay sharp in the off-season.
2. The 24-inch Deer/Slug Barrel: This shorter, specialized barrel transforms your 835 into a dedicated deer-hunting machine. While some models may feature a rifled bore, the standard Field/Deer combo typically includes a smoothbore slug barrel with adjustable rifle sights or a cantilever scope mount. This barrel is optimized for:
   • Deer Hunting with Slugs: In states or areas that restrict rifle use for deer, shotguns firing slugs are the primary tool. The 24-inch barrel's shorter length makes it exceptionally maneuverable in dense brush, thick timber, or from tree stands – precisely the environments where deer are often encountered. The adjustable rifle sights allow for precise zeroing with various slug types (e.g., rifled slugs for smoothbores, saboted slugs for rifled barrels), ensuring ethical and accurate shot placement at typical deer hunting ranges (generally under 100 yards for smoothbores, further for rifled barrels). Hunters often ponder, "What's the best shotgun setup for deer in thick woods?" or "How can I get rifle-like accuracy from my slug gun?" This barrel provides a significant advantage in these scenarios, offering quick target acquisition and confidence-inspiring accuracy within its effective range.
   • Close-Range Bear or Hog Hunting: In areas where these animals are hunted with shotguns, a powerful slug from the 835 can be a reliable choice.

Swapping between these barrels is a straightforward process, typically requiring only the removal of the magazine cap and sliding the barrel off the receiver. This user-friendly design means you can transition from waterfowl hunting in the morning to deer hunting in the afternoon with minimal fuss, maximizing your time in the field.

Advanced Features for Enhanced Performance

The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag isn't just about its chambering and barrels; it's packed with thoughtful features designed to improve the shooting experience and boost your success rate:

• Accu-Set Choke System: Both barrels in the combo set (typically) are compatible with Mossberg's Accu-Set interchangeable choke tubes. This system allows you to easily modify the shotgun's shot pattern density to match specific game, distances, and ammunition types. From wide, open patterns for close-range flushing birds (Improved Cylinder) to tight, focused patterns for long-range shots or turkeys (Full/Modified), the ability to change chokes is paramount for optimizing performance and ethical kills. Understanding "What choke should I use for ducks?" or "How do chokes affect pellet spread?" becomes intuitive with this versatile system.
• Top-Mounted Tang Safety: A signature Mossberg design, the tang safety is ambidextrous and located on the top of the receiver, making it easily accessible and intuitive for both right and left-handed shooters. This placement allows for quick, positive engagement and disengagement without altering your grip or taking your eyes off the target, which is a critical safety and operational advantage in fast-paced hunting scenarios.
• Synthetic Stock and Forend: The durable synthetic stock and forend are designed to withstand the harshest hunting conditions. Unlike wood, synthetic materials are impervious to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and impacts, ensuring consistent performance and longevity. Furthermore, the ergonomic design often includes texturing for a secure grip, even with wet hands or gloves, enhancing control and safety. The stock also plays a crucial role in absorbing the significant recoil generated by 3.5-inch magnum loads, making even the most powerful shots more manageable and comfortable for the shooter, leading to improved accuracy and reduced fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
• Ventilated Rib (Field Barrel): The vent rib not only aids in heat dissipation during rapid firing but also provides a clear, uncluttered sight plane that helps direct your eye naturally towards the target, improving instinctive pointing and lead calculation for moving targets.

Real-World Success Stories and Practical Application

Consider the hunter who wants to fill their freezer with venison in the early fall and then transition seamlessly to the late-season goose hunt. The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Field/Deer Combo is their answer. They can easily swap to the 24-inch slug barrel for accurate deer hunting in thick timber, loading up with hard-hitting slugs like a Federal Power-Shok or Hornady SST. Then, as duck and goose seasons open, a quick barrel change to the 28-inch vent rib, paired with 3.5-inch Kent Fasteel or Winchester Super X Drylok Steel, prepares them for high-volume wingshooting. This adaptability dramatically reduces the need for multiple specialized firearms, saving money, storage space, and simplifying logistical planning.

Another scenario might involve a turkey hunter who appreciates the dense patterns afforded by 3.5-inch magnum turkey loads. While the 28-inch barrel is effective, they might opt for an aftermarket extra-full turkey choke to achieve truly devastating patterns on a gobbler's head and neck at extended ranges. The ability to customize through the Accu-Set system makes this level of optimization easily achievable.

For those new to hunting, or seeking to consolidate their firearm collection, the 835 Combo offers an incredible learning platform. It allows them to experience various hunting disciplines with one familiar platform, mastering the pump-action mechanism and understanding how different barrel lengths and chokes affect performance. This leads to faster skill development and greater confidence in the field.

Maintaining Your Investment: Care and Longevity

To ensure your Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Field/Deer Combo remains a dependable partner for years to come, regular maintenance is essential. Cleaning involves breaking down the firearm, cleaning the bore and action, and lightly oiling moving parts. Swapping barrels is simple process:

1. Ensure the shotgun is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.
2. Unscrew the magazine cap.
3. Remove the existing barrel by sliding it forward.
4. Align the new barrel with the receiver and magazine tube, sliding it into place.
5. Replace and tighten the magazine cap.

This simple process ensures maximum versatility with minimal downtime.

Why Mossberg? A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

Mossberg has earned its reputation as a leading firearm manufacturer through a relentless commitment to reliability, durability, and value. For over a century, they have produced firearms that are not only effective but also accessible to the average sportsman. Their pump-action shotguns, including the iconic 500 series and the robust 835 Ulti-Mag, are renowned for their strength and ability to perform in the harshest conditions imaginable. When you choose a Mossberg, you're not just buying a gun; you're investing in a legacy of trusted performance and a firearm designed with the real-world hunter in mind. The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Field/Deer Combo is a prime example of this philosophy, offering a professional-grade hunting solution that stands up to the rigors of the field season after season.

Your Next Adventure Starts at DEGuns

The Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Field/Deer Combo 12 Gauge Shotgun, with its 24-inch and 28-inch blued barrels, represents an exceptional value for hunters seeking a versatile, reliable, and powerful firearm. Whether your passion lies in pursuing whitetails, chasing waterfowl, or bagging a spring gobbler, this combo system is engineered to deliver peak performance. For those ready to experience the ultimate in hunting flexibility and robust dependability, this Mossberg 835 model (UPC: 015813682244) is readily available. Discover its full potential and prepare for your next successful outing by exploring this exceptional firearm at DEGuns.

Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Field/Deer Combo Specifications

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Model	Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag Field/Deer Combo	Single platform for multiple hunting disciplines
Gauge	12 Gauge	Widely available ammunition, versatile for various game
Chamber	3.5-inch (Ulti-Mag)	Accommodates 2.75", 3", & 3.5" shells for maximum power and versatility
Action	Pump-Action	Reliable, robust, and proven mechanical operation
Barrel 1	28-inch Vent Rib, Blued	Ideal for waterfowl, upland game, and general field use
Barrel 2	24-inch Deer/Slug Barrel, Blued (Rifle Sights/Cantilever)	Optimized for deer hunting with slugs, improved maneuverability
Finish	Blued	Traditional aesthetic with good corrosion resistance
Stock/Forend	Synthetic	Durable, all-weather performance, low maintenance
Safety	Top-Mounted Tang Safety	Ambidextrous, intuitive, and quick to operate
Choke System	Accu-Set (Interchangeable)	Allows for pattern density customization for specific hunting needs
UPC	015813682244	Unique product identifier for easy lookup and purchase
Availability	DEGuns	Reputable retailer specializing in firearms and outdoor gear