Mossberg 500/590 compared with 835

Ledbetter · October 2, 2000, 10:24 PM

There've been threads about the differences between the 500 and the 590. What are the differences between them and the 835?

Thanks for any help.

Regards,

Ledbetter

fir3fox · August 11, 2002, 06:40 AM

Hey guys!

As you can tell by my post count, I’m new to the forums and I’m just as new in the world of shotguns. I thought I’d do a little homework before I purchased my first “starter” shotgun and after reading through the threads, I find myself leaning toward the Remington 870.

However, I’m interested in finding some opinions about the advantages/disadvantages of shotguns within the Mossberg family. Specifically, I’m looking for a comparison between the 500 vs. 835 models. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for providing a great place for information!

nascarnhlnra · August 11, 2002, 11:43 AM

Well I'm no expert when compared to the more experienced T.F.L.er but I.M.O. the 835 is more of a shotgun designed for turkey and other bird hunting type of duties.The 835 has a 3 1/2 inch chamber and has a choke installed.The 500/590 series I.M.O. are more geared toward deer hunting duty as well as HD.Hope this little bit helps I'm sure some of the resident shotgun experts will chime in with much more info then I have provided.

swampgator · August 11, 2002, 09:11 PM

All three use the same receiver. The 590 and 835 are for the most part the same gun, with the exception of the chamber length.

If pinned for an answer I'd say that the 590 and 835 are "purpose" built shotguns. As nascarnhlnra said the 590 is more of HD type and the 835 more a turkey gun.

fir3fox,

I've owned several Mossys over the past 15 years. They are IMO a fine shotgun. Any of the three listed will serve for years. However if money isn't an object, go with the 870.

fir3fox · August 11, 2002, 11:47 PM

thx for the info!

Poodleshooter · August 12, 2002, 03:31 PM

The 835 is also overbored compared to the 500 and the cylinder bored 590's. This means a much wider bore and different choke tubes and constrictions that can handle heavy shot payloads. It's designed to excel with heavy steel, non-toxic and turkey loads. If big magnum loads are your game, go with the 835. If you want an incredibly versatile system that doesn't excel for waterfowl or turkey, go with the 500.

David Park · August 12, 2002, 09:51 PM

Poodleshooter's right about the overbore, and that also means that the 835 cannot fire slugs, as they will wobble around in the barrel and may get stuck.

This is mentioned in the FAQ on Mossberg's web site.

I lust for a tricked-out 590 for HD, but bought a 500 because it will do most anything, with the right barrel(s).

swampgator · August 15, 2002, 01:00 PM

But in theory, if you owned say a 590 for HD, but you wanted to hunt with it, an 835 barrel would swap right in, right?

aerod1 · August 15, 2002, 06:26 PM

Mossberg pump shotguns are good, buy NEVER make the mistake of buying a semi auto Mossberg. They are worthless.
Jim Hall

Prodigalshooter · August 15, 2002, 08:37 PM

I just picked up a 500 with the two barrel option. One is a vent rib 28" modified and the other is a 18.5" cylinder bore. I can use the long one for trap, dove, quail etc. and the short one will be HD and defensive shooting game gun. I know there are nicer finished shotguns out there, but this was a killer deal IMHO ($219.00).
Anyway, I'm happy!

swampgator · August 16, 2002, 05:37 PM

as posted by Prodigalshooter:

Quote:

I just picked up a 500 with the two barrel option. One is a vent rib 28" modified and the other is a 18.5" cylinder bore. I know there are nicer finished shotguns out there, but this was a killer deal IMHO ($219.00).

$219 is an excellent deal for a 500 with the second barrel. The Mossy will last quite a long time, definetly long enough to get your money's worth!

Al Thompson · August 16, 2002, 07:46 PM

At that price you'd have been foolish to pass that one up. Though we're both 870 fans, my bro-in-law pulled a mossy out of a duck pond on the opening day of duck season. The SG had to have been there 10 or 11 months, but a little steel wool, WD-40 and it's back in shape.

Think I'll ever talk bad about a 500 again??

Prodigalshooter · August 16, 2002, 07:52 PM

Wow ! That's a good story Gizmo99, must have been a sorry day for the fellow that lost it!

jmlv · September 26, 2002, 09:05 AM

they recomend not shooting slugs in the std barrel but do have a rifled barrel with either sights or scope mount avaiable. they also have a 18.5 inch smooth bore barrel with a bead sight for those that want it. cylinder bore and no accu-choke. once i have this barrel the 835 will truely be a "do-everything" shotgun.
28" 3.5 vent rib barrel for hunting
24" rifled barrel with iron sights
18.5" cylinder bore for home defence.
what other shotgun does any man need?

ReadyOnTheRight · September 26, 2002, 03:26 PM

You can't swap 835 and 500 barrels.

The 835 barrel is the width of a 10-gauge. I think it might actually be a 10 gauge barrel. This was their solution to handle the pressure of a 3.5" shell -- I believe Mossberg wsa one of the first out there with a 3.5" shotgun.

As others have said, you can't shoot slugs in an 835 because it will "bounce" (that's a technical term) around the barrel.

Good deal on the 500 w/ extra barrel for $219!

The 835 is great, but a little heavy for upland bird hunting or self defense if a 500 will do.

mons-meg · September 26, 2002, 06:49 PM

One other thing. The 835 with the extra slug barrel package is definitely hell on wheels as far as a field gun, but it's a lot more $$$.

Also, on hunting with a 590...I don't know what the different states' hunting regs are, but many would likely not find it amusing for someone to be hunting with 8 shells in the magazine. I may be wrong...

swampgator · September 26, 2002, 08:04 PM

Quote:

I don't know what the different states' hunting regs are, but many would likely not find it amusing for someone to be hunting with 8 shells in the magazine.

On the six shot 500 the mag tube can be plugged with an unsharpened #2 pencil. I would imagine that the 590 could be also, but you'd need a longer pencil. 12" wooden dowel should suffice.

ReadyOnTheRight · September 26, 2002, 08:30 PM

Does anyone know why Mossberg doesn't sell an 18.5" barrel for the 835?

sfoo · September 27, 2002, 04:06 AM

Big 5 stores (in the western US) have the Mossberg 500 combo (18.5 & 28" barrels) for $200 to 220 once every three weeks or so. The 8 shot 500 (also $220) is alternated in there on off weeks, along with the 870 for $260 or so.
Sportsmart had a slight better price on the 870 if I recall.

Dave McC · September 27, 2002, 04:41 AM

The only advantages I see to the 835 are the 3.5" capability and the ports, and neither is crucial.

A steady diet of 3.5" mags in a shotgun as light as the 835 will loosen your fillings, ports, overbore etc nonwithstanding.

Unless you're a way better than average waterfowl hunter with a recoil tolerance level much better than average, the 3.5 really doesn't offer much. Even then a good 10 gauge will be the better choice.

Mossies are good shotguns, tho not my favorite. Any of the family will give you good service. If I HAD to get a Mossie, it'd be an 835 for geese, a 590 for "Serious" shooting, or a 500 for GP shotgunning.

swampgator · September 27, 2002, 02:19 PM

Some thoughts on the 835 with 3 1/2" Turkey loads. This will be quick because I'm late for work

Anyway a buddy was over patterning his turkey loads and asks if I want to try it. Warns of the recoil. Yeah right, I've never been scared of any recoil.

Superego steps up and I rattle off three rounds as fast I work the slide. Hand shotgun back and we shoot the breeze for a few. He leaves to go get in the field, and I turn to my wife and say I'm glad he finally left.

Why? I think I just knocked a tooth loose of fractured my jaw.

Lesson learned: More game have been killed with 2 3/4" shells than anything else. Going to 3 1/2" may extend the range of the shotgun, but not enough for me to appreciate the difference.

August 11, 2002, 11:43 AM	#3
nascarnhlnra Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2002 Location: THE DEEP SOUTH USA Posts: 531	Well I'm no expert when compared to the more experienced T.F.L.er but I.M.O. the 835 is more of a shotgun designed for turkey and other bird hunting type of duties.The 835 has a 3 1/2 inch chamber and has a choke installed.The 500/590 series I.M.O. are more geared toward deer hunting duty as well as HD.Hope this little bit helps I'm sure some of the resident shotgun experts will chime in with much more info then I have provided. __________________ The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house faster than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !

August 11, 2002, 09:11 PM	#4
swampgator Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Gatorville, Florida Posts: 619	All three use the same receiver. The 590 and 835 are for the most part the same gun, with the exception of the chamber length. If pinned for an answer I'd say that the 590 and 835 are "purpose" built shotguns. As nascarnhlnra said the 590 is more of HD type and the 835 more a turkey gun. fir3fox, I've owned several Mossys over the past 15 years. They are IMO a fine shotgun. Any of the three listed will serve for years. However if money isn't an object, go with the 870. __________________ www.afn.org/~guns

August 11, 2002, 11:47 PM	#5
fir3fox Junior Member Join Date: August 11, 2002 Posts: 10	thx for the info! __________________ ~Mitchell Gant

August 15, 2002, 01:00 PM	#8
swampgator Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Gatorville, Florida Posts: 619	But in theory, if you owned say a 590 for HD, but you wanted to hunt with it, an 835 barrel would swap right in, right? __________________ www.afn.org/~guns

August 15, 2002, 06:26 PM	#9
aerod1 Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2000 Location: Garland Texas U.S.A. Posts: 734	Mossberg pump shotguns are good, buy NEVER make the mistake of buying a semi auto Mossberg. They are worthless. Jim Hall __________________ NRA Life Member, TSRA Life Member, C&R 03 FFL, Texas LTC Recreational Reloader U.S. Navy Veteran (USS Midway V-1 Division)

October 2, 2000, 10:24 PM	#1
Ledbetter Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2000 Location: California USA Posts: 4,533	There've been threads about the differences between the 500 and the 590. What are the differences between them and the 835? Thanks for any help. Regards, Ledbetter

August 11, 2002, 06:40 AM	#2
fir3fox Junior Member Join Date: August 11, 2002 Posts: 10	Hey guys! As you can tell by my post count, I’m new to the forums and I’m just as new in the world of shotguns. I thought I’d do a little homework before I purchased my first “starter” shotgun and after reading through the threads, I find myself leaning toward the Remington 870. However, I’m interested in finding some opinions about the advantages/disadvantages of shotguns within the Mossberg family. Specifically, I’m looking for a comparison between the 500 vs. 835 models. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for providing a great place for information! __________________ ~Mitchell Gant

August 12, 2002, 03:31 PM	#6
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	The 835 is also overbored compared to the 500 and the cylinder bored 590's. This means a much wider bore and different choke tubes and constrictions that can handle heavy shot payloads. It's designed to excel with heavy steel, non-toxic and turkey loads. If big magnum loads are your game, go with the 835. If you want an incredibly versatile system that doesn't excel for waterfowl or turkey, go with the 500.

August 12, 2002, 09:51 PM	#7
David Park Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2001 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 1,224	Poodleshooter's right about the overbore, and that also means that the 835 cannot fire slugs, as they will wobble around in the barrel and may get stuck. This is mentioned in the FAQ on Mossberg's web site. I lust for a tricked-out 590 for HD, but bought a 500 because it will do most anything, with the right barrel(s).

August 15, 2002, 08:37 PM	#10
Prodigalshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2001 Location: SoCal Posts: 426	I just picked up a 500 with the two barrel option. One is a vent rib 28" modified and the other is a 18.5" cylinder bore. I can use the long one for trap, dove, quail etc. and the short one will be HD and defensive shooting game gun. I know there are nicer finished shotguns out there, but this was a killer deal IMHO ($219.00). Anyway, I'm happy!

August 16, 2002, 07:46 PM	#12
Al Thompson Staff Alumnus Join Date: May 2, 1999 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,611	At that price you'd have been foolish to pass that one up. Though we're both 870 fans, my bro-in-law pulled a mossy out of a duck pond on the opening day of duck season. The SG had to have been there 10 or 11 months, but a little steel wool, WD-40 and it's back in shape. Think I'll ever talk bad about a 500 again?? __________________ http://www.scfirearms.org/

August 16, 2002, 07:52 PM	#13
Prodigalshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2001 Location: SoCal Posts: 426	Wow ! That's a good story Gizmo99, must have been a sorry day for the fellow that lost it!

September 26, 2002, 09:05 AM	#14
jmlv Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2001 Location: PA AMERICA STARTS HERE! Posts: 739	MOSBERG 835 INFO FROM THE FACTORY they recomend not shooting slugs in the std barrel but do have a rifled barrel with either sights or scope mount avaiable. they also have a 18.5 inch smooth bore barrel with a bead sight for those that want it. cylinder bore and no accu-choke. once i have this barrel the 835 will truely be a "do-everything" shotgun. 28" 3.5 vent rib barrel for hunting 24" rifled barrel with iron sights 18.5" cylinder bore for home defence. what other shotgun does any man need? __________________ JMLV NEW PA RESIDENT TFL ALUMNUS MOLON LABE!

September 26, 2002, 03:26 PM	#15
ReadyOnTheRight Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2002 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 377	You can't swap 835 and 500 barrels. The 835 barrel is the width of a 10-gauge. I think it might actually be a 10 gauge barrel. This was their solution to handle the pressure of a 3.5" shell -- I believe Mossberg wsa one of the first out there with a 3.5" shotgun. As others have said, you can't shoot slugs in an 835 because it will "bounce" (that's a technical term) around the barrel. Good deal on the 500 w/ extra barrel for $219! The 835 is great, but a little heavy for upland bird hunting or self defense if a 500 will do. __________________ "Personal weapons are what raised mankind out of the mud, and the rifle is the queen of personal weapons. The possession of a good rifle, as well as the skill to use it well, truly makes a man the monarch of all he surveys." -Jeff Cooper, The Art of the Rifle-

September 26, 2002, 06:49 PM	#16
mons-meg Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2002 Location: North Central OK Posts: 206	One other thing. The 835 with the extra slug barrel package is definitely hell on wheels as far as a field gun, but it's a lot more $$$. Also, on hunting with a 590...I don't know what the different states' hunting regs are, but many would likely not find it amusing for someone to be hunting with 8 shells in the magazine. I may be wrong...

September 26, 2002, 08:30 PM	#18
ReadyOnTheRight Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2002 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 377	Does anyone know why Mossberg doesn't sell an 18.5" barrel for the 835? __________________ "Personal weapons are what raised mankind out of the mud, and the rifle is the queen of personal weapons. The possession of a good rifle, as well as the skill to use it well, truly makes a man the monarch of all he surveys." -Jeff Cooper, The Art of the Rifle-

September 27, 2002, 04:06 AM	#19
sfoo Member Join Date: June 20, 2001 Location: KA Posts: 31	Big 5 stores (in the western US) have the Mossberg 500 combo (18.5 & 28" barrels) for $200 to 220 once every three weeks or so. The 8 shot 500 (also $220) is alternated in there on off weeks, along with the 870 for $260 or so. Sportsmart had a slight better price on the 870 if I recall.

September 27, 2002, 04:41 AM	#20
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	The only advantages I see to the 835 are the 3.5" capability and the ports, and neither is crucial. A steady diet of 3.5" mags in a shotgun as light as the 835 will loosen your fillings, ports, overbore etc nonwithstanding. Unless you're a way better than average waterfowl hunter with a recoil tolerance level much better than average, the 3.5 really doesn't offer much. Even then a good 10 gauge will be the better choice. Mossies are good shotguns, tho not my favorite. Any of the family will give you good service. If I HAD to get a Mossie, it'd be an 835 for geese, a 590 for "Serious" shooting, or a 500 for GP shotgunning.

September 27, 2002, 02:19 PM	#21
swampgator Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Gatorville, Florida Posts: 619	Some thoughts on the 835 with 3 1/2" Turkey loads. This will be quick because I'm late for work Anyway a buddy was over patterning his turkey loads and asks if I want to try it. Warns of the recoil. Yeah right, I've never been scared of any recoil. Superego steps up and I rattle off three rounds as fast I work the slide. Hand shotgun back and we shoot the breeze for a few. He leaves to go get in the field, and I turn to my wife and say I'm glad he finally left. Why? I think I just knocked a tooth loose of fractured my jaw. Lesson learned: More game have been killed with 2 3/4" shells than anything else. Going to 3 1/2" may extend the range of the shotgun, but not enough for me to appreciate the difference. __________________ www.afn.org/~guns