I know this has been asked many times and the answer is a matter of preference, but I am in the market for an 870 for turkey season. The only problem is what about dove and duck seasons in the fall and winter. I like the super mag turkey with the 23" barrel but I am afraid the 23" barrel will not be very good during dove or duck season. Therefore I also looked at the 26" barrel, which may be a little long by today's turkey gun standards. Help, so confusing!!!!! I havea mossy 835 tactical turkey (20") that has been very disappointing on the patterning range so I am a little afraid of the short barrels. I would really like to get some good patterns for once. Any help or previous experience would be greatly appreciated.
JO

The 870 is a fine choice for turkey, dove, etc. The short barrels will work fine for all bird hunting. However, the choke tube you use will most likely have to be different for each type hunt. i.e. you can't shoot steel shot (needed for waterfowl) thru some choke tubes, thus requiring another choke tube. Most companies make all types of choke tubes for the 870. Also, with powder designed and used in shotguns today, all the powder will burn before leaving the barrel.

I used to hunt with a 870 in 20 ga.3 inch mag. Took many turkeys and ducks with that little gun. I use and believe the 12 ga. 3 inch mag. is plenty for turkey, which is what I now use. The 3.5 inch will definitelydo the trick, but just a little more punishment that I don't like.

dog1

Exactly as dog1 put it. The barrel isn't as muchof a factor for tight patterns than it used to be. Now, because of the chokes that we have today,guys are getting super tight patterns with 20" - 24" barrels than any 28" barrel could ever dream of getting a few years ago. Do your homework and find the right choke and you'll be more than sitisfied with your 23" barrel.

If your torn, go with the 26 inch. You can kill both ducks and turkeys no problem. I've killed many turkeys withthe same gun I duck hunted with. Last year I bought the 870 SPS-T with the 23 inch barrel, so I now use my 870 supermag with the 26 inch barrel soley for duck hunting.

Personally I like the balance of a 28' inch barrel shootin at anything from turkeys to waterfowl.Although its not my main turkey gun I've killed plenty of turks with my RESMS...I've hunted many types of woods and different states and the 28 barrel has never been a problem with manuerverabilty or anything else for that matter.As Dog1 pointed out the choke is the key as to what kind of shooting your doing,anything else really just theoverall feel and preference of this particular gun will determine what you'll get...good gun...

if you aren't getting good patterns with the Mossberg try tinkering with different chokes and loads, the length of the barrel shouldn't make too much of a difference. As for which 870 to get i really like the shorter barrel on a turkey gun, especially because i like to run and gun so my shotgun spends a lot of time on my shoulder as i cover a lot of ground. You could always sell the mossberg and buy another barrel for the 870 so you will have a turkey barrel and a wingshooting barrel

Exactly what I would do.

I have an older 870 Pump 12Ga express mag w/20" barrel, w/Rem xtra full turkey choke. I shoot 3" Federal turkey loads #5. It patterns best in my gun with these loads. I have tried many others and thought I had it patterning good with Hevishot, until I tried federal and it just worked best for my gun. Each gun is differant though and differant chokes and ammo brandsmay patterndifferantly in each gun. I pattern mine to 50 yds and it is good, although, ashamedly I do admit to taking a bird last year at 73 yds. It was a spur of the moment shot and I would not have taken it, had I ranged it was that far.

I also have a new870 in a 20Ga with the exact same barrel for my daughter.

I shoot a Benelli M2 with a 24" barrell, and have no problems shooting the short barrellfor upland and doves. It doesn't bother me bit. It is great for turkey and upland.

My 870 express patterns pretty good with the 26" barrel