RE: barrel length
I have Rem. 1187 w/ 28" barrel and a Moss. 835 w/ 24" barrel. They both shoot fine with a good choke. The correct chock and load is much more important than the barrel length. Both guns are turkey killing smoke poles. Probably the most important thing is the guy pulling the trigger!
I bet "Bear Bryant" would have been a "Turkey Hunting Warrior!"