Like stretch56 said "it all your preferences." I have a 26" barrel and with the extended chokes it goes to 27-1/2". I haven't pattern any shells yet out of thisbarrelyet because this is also my first year turkey hunting and the weather is too cold. I use this gun for everything from deer to small game hunting. I don't duck hunt so I couldn't help you there but my cousin use a 24" barrel with an extended choke for duck hunting and it works out great for him.