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Turkey Shotgun Showdown 🦃 Which One is Best?

shotgun showdown Mar 13, 2025

When it comes to turkey shotguns, there is a whole world of options. Looking at Mossberg alone there a bunch of variations and models that can be used to knock down that turkey. We've hand picked 4 of our favorite Mossberg turkey shotguns and are going to ask the question: "What if I could only pick one?" Stay tuned because this is an epic shotgun showdown between the 940 Pro, the 500 in.410, the SA410, and the 835 Ulti-Mag. Let's get into it!

If you have an opinion on this topic, please let us know your thoughts on the TFL COMMUNITY!

THE SOSA TEST

We've developed a system to rank shotguns head-to-head across 5 categories, each ranked from 1-10. (10 being the best) This is called the SOSA TEST (Steve's Observational Shotgun Analysis To Effectively Save Time) Below is an example of the score sheet with each category.

You'll notice that in addition to the five main categories, there are columns for bonus points and, more importantly, the handicap. Each shotgun is given a handicap based on its price. This allows us to compare shotguns at different price points and determine which one is a better bang for the buck. (Considering more expensive shotguns are more likely to score higher in given categories). Semi-autos, pump-actions, and break-actions all have different handicap ranges, as each type of shotgun typically caps out at a specific price. Below is our guide for the pump action, and semi-auto handicaps as this SOSA uses both. This handicap is deducted at the end of the test.

Let the Showdown Begin

Now that you know the process, let's get into it. Quick side note, the SOSA TEST is what we use to determine the ratings we give shotguns on our Shotgun Finder Website. The value rating accounts for the handicap, and the overall rating does not. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the Shotgun Finder Tool! (CLICK HERE )

DISCLAIMER: As we shoot, review, and spend more time with various shotguns, our opinions, rankings, and scores may change as we continue to test and compare shotguns. Reference the Shotgun Finder Tool to read the latest ratings. MSRP's listed may vary. At the time of recording, we based the handicaps off of the non-optic MSRP's.

Quick Specs

940 Pro: (-3 Handicap)

MSRP is $1,406 (with pre-mounted HOLOSUN red-dot). The optic-ready version is $1,225(RMSc footprint) BUY NOW!
3" chamber.
The length of pull ranges from 13"-14 1/4"
This version with the HOLOSUN red-dot has an 18" barrel. The optic-ready version has a 24" barrel.
7lbs 3.2oz
12 gauge gas-driven semi-auto
Trigger pull weight: 4lbs 4oz

835 Ulti-Mag: (-2 Handicap)

12 Gauge pump action.
3.5" chamber.
Over-bored barrels. This is a 12 gauge, but has a thicker barrel closer to that of a 10 gauge bore diameter.
Comes with 1 "Ulti-Full" choke.
The weight of this 835 is 7lbs 1.7oz.
Our average trigger pull weight was 5lbs 5oz.
Length of pull is 13.87".
This shotgun does not come with shims or spacers.
MSRP is $714. The pre-mounted HOLOSUN red-dot version is $895. The non-optic-ready version is $643.

SA410: (-2 Handicap)

.410 gauge
Gas operated
$902
This turkey gun doesn't have a pistol grip
Comes with cheap pop-up removable sites
5lbs 15.6oz
14 1/4" LOP
Pretty good feeling trigger so far - 7lbs 12oz average pull weight

500 (.410): (-2 Handicap)

MSRP is $844 (with pre-mounted HOLOSUN red-dot) version is $895. The optic-ready version is $664 (RMSc footprint) BUY NOW!
3" chamber.
Length of pull is 13.87".
5lbs 8oz
Trigger pull weight: 5lbs 8oz

Looks

940 Pro: 9/10

We definitely prefer the looks of a semi-auto over a pump. You may see that bias moving forward in full transparency. We gave the 940 Pro a 9/10.

835 Ulti-Mag: 7/10

The 835 has the same camo pattern as the 940 Pro. In fact they all have the same green leaf camo except for the SA410. You gotta love that old-school 835 pump look. Again, our bias is certainly towards the semi-autos. We gave the 835 a 7/10 on looks.

SA410: 7.5/10

As we mentioned, the SA410 that we have is in their bottom-lands camo which is similar, but is darker and more earth-toned. But because this is available in the green leaf camo as well, its pretty easy to compare this SA410 to the rest of the shotguns and conclude that it pretty much looks the same. The slender design and nice controls make it stand out against the pumps however giving it a slight score edge of 7.5/10.

500 (.410): 7/10

For all the same reasons as the 835, we gave the 500 a 7/10. The chunky forend paired with the slim .410 barrel create and interesting and stark contrast. For that reason, we landed at a 7.

Recoil & Reliability

940 Pro: 9.5/10

This is where the 940 really shines. As you know, Mossberg's gas system in the 940 is top notch for its speed and reliability. All of our experience behind this gun lead us to give the 940 Pro a 9.5/10. This is a great shooting shotgun.

835 Ulti-Mag: 8.5/10

The 835 has the same rugged reliability that you'd expect from a classic pump, but with a bit of added recoil when it comes to shooting turkey loads. You cant beat the reliability, so the score is docked for the recoil we experienced. 8.5/10

SA410: 8.5/10

We love a good .410 - Especially in a semi-auto. For a semi-auto to pump out shells reliably, the system has to be tuned just right. Mossberg has certainly achieved that with this shotgun for turkey loads. With that said, we have experienced some minimal cycling issues with target loads. Being a .410, recoil is hardly a discussion, so we gave the SA410 a 8.5/10.

500 (.410): 9/10

The benefit you get with this 500 is the minimal recoil of .410 shells, with the added reliability of the legendary pump-action. It doesn't get much better than this when it comes to focusing on recoil and reliability. We scored the Mossberg 500 a 9/10 in this category.

Ergonomics

940 Pro: 8/10

The 940 Pro has very solid ergonomics. Good feel, nice oversized controls, and great grip. The bias remains, but the 940 is certainly a standout shotgun in this group of Mossberg's. 8/10

835 Ulti-Mag: 7.5/10

The 835 comes across a bit more basic than the 940 Pro with simple controls plain grips. Though all these guns are quite similar in this category, this 835 isnt quite on the same level as the 940. 7.5/10.

SA410: 7.5/10

Ergonomically, the semi-auto function feels more solid in my hands (personal bias) However there are a couple things about the SA410 that I don't like. Firstly, the bolt release is rounded and quite small making it much more difficult to toggle than say the 940. The same is true with the safety as the SA410 has a cross-bolt safety instead of the much better top tang safety. 7.5/10

500 (.410): 7.5/10

Ergonomically we're keeping the 7.5/10 train going. The 500 kind of represents the bare bones of what Mossberg has to offer. But at the end of the day, it still works and feels good. 7.5/10

Build Quality

940 Pro: 8.5/10

The 940 Pro stands out in our minds when it comes to the build quality. There's something about the combination of the 12 gauge bore, the semi-auto action, and the shorty turkey barrel that makes this 940 feel particularly well put together with tight tolerances and no evidence of lacking quality. 8.5/10

835 Ulti-Mag: 8/10

The 835 is an 8/10

SA410: 8/10

The SA410 is also an 8/10

500 (.410): 8/10

To no surprise, the 500 is also an 8/10. These are all great shotguns. The 940 just feels a half-a-point better.

Shooting Vibes

940 Pro: 8.5/10

The 'Shooting vibes' are scored on how the gun feels when shooting, and how quality our experience is with the gun. All of the prior categories somewhat come together when we look at the 'vibes'. As you may know, we have a lot of experience using the 940 as an exhibition shotgun. It's been a reliable workhorse that we really enjoy shooting. 8.5/10

835 Ulti-Mag: 8/10

The 835 surprised us in the review. It swing and mounted very naturally and hit targets well. But when it came to the hunting load recoil, the vibes were hurt a bit. Overall this is still an 8/10

SA410: 9/10

.410 is one of our favorite gauges to shoot. The vibes are high with this one. Minimal recoil, lightweight gun, AND it's a semi-auto. These combination of factors make it a 9/10 in our book.

500 (.410): 7.5/10

The 500 is near and dear to my heart. But I got to be honest, the overall shooting experience is not as enjoyable with the 500. 7.5/10

Bonus Points

To asses bonus points, we shot patterns with these four guns at about 30/40 yards. We ended up giving the 940 Pro one bonus point for being an overall workhorse, and one of the lightest recoiling and reliable semi-autos on the market. We also have the 500 a bonus point for being one of the most legendary shotguns of all time.

FINAL SCORES

At the end of the SOSA TEST we add up all the scores and subtract the handicap. As it sits we have the 940 with a 41.5, and the winner of this turkey showdown. With that said, my gut really likes the idea of grabbing one of the .410's to go turkey hunting. But either way, we must honor the results of the SOSA TEST which says that for now, the 940 Pro wins!

Whether our targets in the field or our targets in life, we will only hit what we are focused on, so live the #targetfocusedlife