turkey gun barrels

[jjo]

i'm buying a winchester 1300 pump. the turkey model. it comes in 2 barrel lenghts, 22&18. i like the 18'' model. i heard the shorter barrels shoot tighter patterns. will the shorter barrel shoot out to 40 yds? anybody know anything about this. thanks


jjo

[Borch]

With todays chokes the length of barrel doesn't effect patterning much. Although the you'll lose some velocity with the shorter barrels. I shoot a 1300 with a 26" barrel.

Borch

[Mr. Longbeard]

I just got my new barrel for my 870 a couple days ago. I got the Rem 20in rifle sighted slug barrel with the Rem choke. I took out the imp choke and stuck in my Rem super full turkey choke. Shot it at 40 yards and only got about 3 hits in the vitals. I only got to shoot it 2 times so I really dont know what it will do yet. I have 4 other chokes and 5 different kinds of shells to try. Hopefully I cand find something that it likes. I'm hopeing that my undertaker choke and the Rem Hevi Shot shoot ok. That is really the load I want to shot I'll post the results when I shoot it in the next two weeks...

[935(field artillery)]

I like a longer barrel myself. 26" at least. Not really any more weight and a whole lot easier on the ears, especially if you use it for dove or something like that. I have a 1300 with a 22" barrel and it doesn't shoot anything well, and it kicks like a mule with turkey loads.

935

[OntElk]

I have the 1300 pump with a 26" as well. Carry that in thick Northern Ontario bush partridge hunting and I have never once even thought about having a shorter barrel. Also have used it with Brenecki rifled slugs for deer hunting and can group 2" patterns at 100 yds. Turkey hunting you generally just are sitting and the longer barrel gives me a good sight line. Using an Undertaker choke tube I pattern it with Remington Magnum 4x6 Turkey Load 2 3/4 and it's fine out to 35 yds. (haven't patterned beyond that but at 35 there is lots of shot in the kill zone)

I've only ever heard of negatives for the shorter barrels.

[OntElk]

I forgot to mention. Getting the standard 1300 pump vs. the turkey model you can get in the black composite (maybe the turkey model as well?). I have had turkey walk right by my gun barrel and they sure didn't mind the colour. The camo looks nice but I wouldn't spend the extra money for it.

I don't duck or goose hunt but have been invited a few times. My guns not good with a 22" barrel but with my 26" I'm a little short but acceptable. Very versatile at this length.

[jjo]

thanks guys. i'm going to use this strickley for turkey hunting so may-be i'll go with the 22'' barrel. thanks.



jjo

[Mr. Longbeard]

I use my turkey guns for one thing. So I like a short barrel. I hope this 20in barrel patterns well...