I'm planning on buying a new shotgun to use for turkey and duck hunting. I turkey hunt a lot more than duck hunt so I would say it would be used 80% for turkey hunting and 20% for duck hunting. My question is can I get away with buying a "turkey hunting" shotgun with a 24" barrel and change chokes when I duck hunt or would I be better off buying a shotgun with a 26" barrel? I have heard people say that longer barrels are better forduck hunting. I'm not planning on going with a 28" barrel (just to let you know). Is there that much difference in 2" in barrel length?

I don't know why so many people think a longer barrel is better for duck hunting. For steel shot a shorter barrel with an IC choke is best. I shoot a 26 inch barrel for both ducks and turkeys. You can't go wrong with this length for both. When I shot lead at ducksyears ago I did use a 30 inch full choke. I wouldn't go under 24''. My suggestion is 26'', just my opinion.

IMO, the longer barrel justgives you a better sighting plane when hunting ducks and geese.

I have an 870 turkey gun that doubles for ducks and geese. Shortest barrel in the blind but brings em down. Rebel is right, most prefer the longer plane, but when money is tight - make due.

I would recommend a 26" barrel. Thats what I shoot for both turkey and duck and it has worked great for me over the years. JMO.

I would go with the 26''. The only thing I don't like about the 24'' while duck hunting is that its LOUD AS HE!!.

And personally, the 24'' while duck hunting swings TOO fast for me. I am sure its b/c I am used to a 28'' on my BPS.

But for turkey hunting, I LOVE the 24''.

So, I think the 26'' would be a good comprimise for both.

Heres an idea.
Why not just get an extra barrel?
Get what ever gun you want and get a long barrel for ducks.
And get a shorter barrel for turkey.

An extra barrel shouldn't cost to much.
Just an idea

I have a 26" barrel 870 and use it for everything. I kind of thought about getting a 28", but didn't really see the point. The longer the barrel, the smoother swing it has on longer range shots. Just my opinion though.