barrell length ?

[squidkid]

i have the option of using a 26" or 30" barrell on my 870. does the longer, heavier barrell give me any noticable velocity advantages?

[strut]

Not much if any, the shorter barrel will be the best choice if you want it for mainly turkey hunting.

[Turk_man]

I think i read somewhere that after 26" you don`t get much more velocity. It does make a difference if your barrel is real short 21" versus 26" etc.

[JoeA]

FYI...the idea that longer barrels equates more range/speed/power comes from the days when it really did make a difference. The powder used today is different from the powder your grandfather shot. Back then the powder didn' t burn as fast as it does today, so they needed the longer barrels to contain the explosion for a longer period of time. It was especially important to the waterfowlers back then.
Like Strut & Turk-man said not much. The biggest effect barrel length will have on your gun its balance & handling. Maybe something to consider if you plan on using the gun for wingshooting in addition to turkeys. Then there' s the weight issue. If you don' t need the extra weight, don' t get it. Bottomline...26" will do fine.

[deerdust]

I use a Rem 870 exp mag 12ga pump w/20" barrel w/extra full turkey choke. Using 3" magnum shells.

[maytom]

The shorter barrels are much easier to manuver around brush when set-up, also when your gun is slung over your shoulder it won' t catch the branches or brush as your walking through the woods as a longer barreled gun would!! Like mentioned above, modern shotshells burn up their powder completely within the first 18-20" of barrel length!! So by shooting a much longer barrel your really not gaining anything. A long barrel is better suited for duck or geese shooting where wing shooting mandates a longer sight plain and balance for that kind of shooting. I prefer a barrel length of 21-24" tops!!

[Mr. Longbeard]

I' d go with the 26" barrel

[wernerjd]

The longer the barrel the more velocity you will have. I would go with 30" barrel.
wernerjd

[VAhuntr]

If I am not mistaken most major shotgun ammo manufacturers test and report their velocity figures after firing from a 30" barrel. If they in fact do this and you are shooting a shorter barrel you will not achieve their published velocity. Read this link from Nitro ammo : http://www.nitrocompany.com/pattern.htm


I' m not going to repost their actual numbers because you can go to the link I provided and read for yourself. I personally use a 28" barrel and it works well for me. It can be a little more cumbersome to move around but I do not mind it.

[1950KID]

26 inch is a good length. Right in the middle. You have a longer sighting plane than a 20 inch barrel. 30 inch is a bit long.