I have had both the 835 and the 870 Super Mag. I only have the 870 Super Mag. If your wanting a pump 3.5" go with the 870, just a better pump gun all around, the 835 is a good gun but the 870 is better. You will never feel the recoil when shooting a turkey but patterning them is not a lot of fun. My 835 would not pattern with the extra full turkey choke that came with it but patterned extremely good with the full choke shooting Federal 3.5 mag, 4 shot 2 1/4oz loads. I bought a Madd Maxx .665 turkey choke for my 80 super mag and with Win HV 3.5" 5 shot 2oz loads and the pattern it throws out to 50 yds is ridiculous it is so good. The 870 doesn't kick as bad as the 835 but it still kicks.