Shotgun barrels

[coondawg91]

I was wondering if turkey guns really shoot better patterns with shorter barrels my two shotguns shoot great patterns with 28 inch barrels and the new issue of outdoor life shows 5 turkey guns with barrel lengths from 19 to 26 inches ive read that 26 inch barrels shoot the best

[Turkey Goddess]

IMO - the longer barrels are going to give you an extended distance with a tighter pattern. Although there are a few guys who can and probably will answer this - because they're gun guru's. (i.e. Ridge Runner) It's impossible to keep up with what they're doing/changing anymore (manufacturers) Just find a gun that blows the turkey's heads off & call it a day!!! LOL!!!

Kim

[Mr. Longbeard]

I have 4 turkey guns two with shorter barrels and two with longer barrels... My two guns with longer barrel (24" & 26") pattern the best!!! So I would say longer is better...

[Hurricanespg]

As a general rule a longer barrel will pattern better, or be easier to get a better pattern with. You can get some seriously good patterns with a short barrel though.

The main reason for a shorter barrel is convenience.

[coondawg91]

I like having the 28 inch barrels because that makes them universal i can hunt turkeys, birds, squirrels, rabbit pretty much anything i want all i have to do is change the choke

[hunt12ga]

I agree with coondawg91 about the universal barrel. I used to use a Mossy with a 28" barrel at turkeys and it would flatten them, but I didn't care for the longer barrel in the woods. I have a 'turkey/coyote-only' shotgun with a 20" barrel that throws a very impressive pattern. I've never tried wingshooting with it, but considering I'm terrible even with a long barrel, I'd really stink with that short one!

From what I've seen, the short and long barrels will produce great patterns, but with a longer barrel you will be able to sight better, which = better aim.

rw

[snapper1982]

Originally Posted by Hurricanespg

As a general rule a longer barrel will pattern better, or be easier to get a better pattern with. You can get some seriously good patterns with a short barrel though.

The main reason for a shorter barrel is convenience.

exactly right. it is easier to get a great pattern out of a long barrel...not that with a little tinkering you cant get just as good a pattern out of a short barrel. the short barrels on turkey guns is for ease of use and to lighten the whole rig for those run and gunners.

[Adrian J Hare]

Originally Posted by Mr. Longbeard

I have 4 turkey guns two with shorter barrels and two with longer barrels... My two guns with longer barrel (24" & 26") pattern the best!!! So I would say longer is better...

Longbeard I've heard that quote so many times LOL

Out of all the testing I've done and I have spent countless hours on my range I have to say that it really depends on the gun and the combo. Now when I tested the Benelli I read lots on the 24 in over the 26 in and have to say that I am greatful got the 26 in. The largest reason most turkey hunter like the shorty barrels is that moving in the woods seems to be the largest factor, but as far as patterning dencity shots I believe they all seem to hold close with the laonger barrels being only a touch or few shot tigther.

You never get guys that shoot the shorter barrels to agree because it like the normal term " What I own is best " with most hunters...

[Sheridan]

More about finding the best choke & load than barrel lenght; unless you shoot at birds over 50 yards !

[Treebeard]

My first bird I tagged with a 30" barrel way out at 50 yards just shot in the general direction I was so scared/happy wasn't even thinking. I shot another bird at the same distance looking into the sun misjudged it I thought it was closer and that time I had my 24" with a extreme turkey choke.
Guess I am saying does it matter? not sure bring them in close thats what counts!