What Length Barrel?

Alex G. · 03-02-2011, 08:56 AM

I was just curious as to what length of barrel people are using on their shotguns during turkey season? Looking at the "turkey" specific guns that alot of the manufacturers are marketing now there is a range from 20" to 26". On my M500 for the last 2 years I used my 28" field barrel with a TruLock turkey choke and it worked just fine, but felt it was just a bit long. This year besides using my bow, I bought a 20", vent rib with accu choke for it. Adding HiViz fiber optic sights and I'm hoping it feels alot more comfortable while looking for the elusive gobblers! And will also use it during deer season as well.

OntElk · 03-02-2011, 09:03 AM

modern day loads and chokes allow for short barrel as little as 18 inches (my 1300 short is 18) without losing performance in pattern. My load/choke combo with an 18 inch barrel will stand up against any set up. 50 yd gun no problem.

EFH · 03-02-2011, 09:06 AM

My turkey gun has a 18" barrel with a x-long, x-full choke. I like a short barrel because it's easy to move around in the turkey woods. I think with the way they make chokes now there's no need for a long barrel. I shoot 3" shells and have killed many turkeys at 50+ yards.

JW · 03-02-2011, 11:18 AM

I have progressed from 28" (29" with extended choke tube) to a mere 21" now.

Prefer the shorter barrel as it is much easier to motor through brush. Longer barrel gave me no more advantage as far as range. Call in close and range is not an issue.

I went with a 20" Remington Cantelever barrel so I could easily scope the gun, remove the barrel as the scope is attached and can put my 26" back on and use it for waterfowl.

JW

Wingbone · 03-02-2011, 02:11 PM

Unless you've got a scope, a long barrel will be more accurate because of the longer sighting plane.

Nic_58 · 03-02-2011, 06:48 PM

I have a 21" barrel and like it just fine. I don't think I would want a barrel longer than 24" for turkey hunting because of maneuverability issues in a blind and in the woods.

swampbuster · 03-03-2011, 06:43 AM

My 11-87 has a 21'' barrel and i love it. The shorter the barrel the louder the gun so wear hearing protection when you pattern your gun

NCRemington700 · 03-03-2011, 07:59 AM

I think 24" is the best of both worlds. Short enough that you won't snag it on branches but long enough to where you still get the positive pattering of a slightly longer barrel.

RPD63 · 03-03-2011, 12:33 PM

24 in. here also. Benelli Nova. Jellyhead choke

IBHUN10 · 03-03-2011, 03:48 PM

Mossberg 500 here with 28in. barrel, x-full accu choke tube and winchester #5 supremes.