RE: Mossberg 500 vs. Remington 870
I like both of them.
My opinion about a "all around" barrel. DO NOT GO THIS ROUTE!!!!
I like a 24'' for turkeys b/c its easier to carry. About 99.9% of the time I turkey hunt, I am walking. I like to run and gun. It is easier to swing in case one comes in behind you. It is also A LOT easier to hold up if one hangs up. If this happens, the last thing you want to be holding up is a 28'' barrel. TRUST ME!!![:@]
Also keep in account that you are going to have a turkey choke that sticks out almost two inches. So a 24'' is really going to be almost 26'' and a 28'' is going to be a 30''.
I like a 26'' or 28'' for duck and dove hunting. A22'' or 24'' WILL BUST YOUR EAR DRUMS shooting that many times. I guess if you wore ear protection while hunting it's not bad and I would go with the 24'' in that case.
Again, just my opinion.