What Length Barrel?
03-02-2011, 08:56 AM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Virginia Beach, Va
Posts: 317
What Length Barrel?
I was just curious as to what length of barrel people are using on their shotguns during turkey season? Looking at the "turkey" specific guns that alot of the manufacturers are marketing now there is a range from 20" to 26". On my M500 for the last 2 years I used my 28" field barrel with a TruLock turkey choke and it worked just fine, but felt it was just a bit long. This year besides using my bow, I bought a 20", vent rib with accu choke for it. Adding HiViz fiber optic sights and I'm hoping it feels alot more comfortable while looking for the elusive gobblers! And will also use it during deer season as well.
03-02-2011, 09:03 AM
#2
Typical Buck
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location:
Posts: 696
modern day loads and chokes allow for short barrel as little as 18 inches (my 1300 short is 18) without losing performance in pattern. My load/choke combo with an 18 inch barrel will stand up against any set up. 50 yd gun no problem.
03-02-2011, 09:06 AM
#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Tuscaloosa AL
Posts: 609
My turkey gun has a 18" barrel with a x-long, x-full choke. I like a short barrel because it's easy to move around in the turkey woods. I think with the way they make chokes now there's no need for a long barrel. I shoot 3" shells and have killed many turkeys at 50+ yards.
03-02-2011, 11:18 AM
#4
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 7,375
I have progressed from 28" (29" with extended choke tube) to a mere 21" now.
Prefer the shorter barrel as it is much easier to motor through brush. Longer barrel gave me no more advantage as far as range. Call in close and range is not an issue.
I went with a 20" Remington Cantelever barrel so I could easily scope the gun, remove the barrel as the scope is attached and can put my 26" back on and use it for waterfowl.
JW
Prefer the shorter barrel as it is much easier to motor through brush. Longer barrel gave me no more advantage as far as range. Call in close and range is not an issue.
I went with a 20" Remington Cantelever barrel so I could easily scope the gun, remove the barrel as the scope is attached and can put my 26" back on and use it for waterfowl.
JW
