IMO a 24" barrel is the best all around barrel length it will be fine for anything you want to hunt besides the lighter weight of a shorter barrel swings better in my opinion also. besides shotshells obtain there maximum velocity within the first 6 inches of the barrel with that said if you are worried about velocity? the answer is DON'T!! the only thing really effected by barrel length could be shot string but im assuming it has interchangable chokes so don't worry about that either. get your gun and enjoy it!!