easternmtn

Hi, I'm getting into turkey hunting enough to stop borrowing and get my own shotgun.
I'm debating between a Mossberg 835 ulti-mag grandslam or the 500 turkey gun. I'm leaning towards the 835 but am considering the 500 because of the price.
I'm not interested much in shooting 3 1/2 because of the kick, but I heard the 835 patterns real well with a variety of shells.
Also what barrel length do y'all recommend? The gun I used to borrow was a 28" barrel. I definitely want a shorter barrel.
Is the 20" better than a 24" barrel? How does the barrel length effect the shot/recoil?
I'm primarily using it for turkey. Might eventually use it for waterfowl too when visiting friends, but since I'm deep in WNC mountains I'm not looking at much waterfowl hunting around here. Could get an extra barrel for ducks by then.
On a budget, want a good affordable gun that will last, any help is welcome.
I appreciate it.

Griff12

Some Great Q's. What have you shot and comfortable with? My first 12g was actually a Moss 535. Slightly improved version of the 500 and takes 2 3/4- 3 1/2. I purchased it as a combo new for $315 and came with a 28" field & Also a rifled Slug barrel. That was the field and deer combo. They also have turkey combo's. It's threaded for the accu-chokes. So you have many options, I've take Turkey,Deer Upland bird and mig birds with it. As far as patterning thats more the choke and loads you match. for turkey though I personally would stick with 24-28" smooth bore depending on the distance you're shooting to. Longer your barrel the further you'll reach a tight grouping out. This is only my opinion though. You should get to the range and find your best patterning combo. GL!

Bbj270

My rem 870 Turkey gun has a 21" barrel, my new england arms 10 ga turkey has 24" barrel. My rem 1100 12 magnum I made into a turkey gun with camo stock and new 26" steel shot barrel. Other turkey guns I have sport 24" barrels. But if you have one shot gun I think a 26" barrel would fit the bill. A good rem 870 express with a 26" srew in choke would be what I recommend. My 870 Turkey shots as far as my 1100 with longer barrel. With modern shells you dint need longer barrels for distance.

turkey harvester

Well I shoot an 835 ulti-mag myself. I have a 24" barrel but I do shoot the 3 1/2's in #5. The factory choke wasn't bad but I wanted something better, so I went and got an .680 Kicks gobbling thunder choke for it. Now I have an awesome turkey gun, ya it kicks but not when I'm shooting at a long beard and it will reach out and touch em if needed.

Sheridan

With modern chokes, barrel length is no longer a BIG issue.

More personal preference now-a-days.

Tnhunter444

When I decided to get a dedicated Turkey SG a few years back, I went low budget. I ended up with a H & R Excell Auto (5) with 22" barrel and camo finish and fiber optic sights. It comes with 4 tubes to include an extra full, extended turkey tube.

It's only a 3" chamber, but that suits me fine. (YMMV)

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/excell.asp

Bbj270

All my Turkey guns are 3" except my10ga. Hounding need a 3 1/2" shell to kill a turkey . I know people that killed plenty turkeys with 2 3/4 12 ga. Most of them where before modern Turkey loads where even thought of. Now back then a longer barrel help.

car

I have the 835 and like it real well. The kick isn't that bad. My barrel is ported. My barrel is 26" or 28". Shoots a nice pattern. I've made a fifty yard shot on a turkey with it.

JoeA

If you're looking for a multi-role shotgun, go with a 26" barrel.

Mr. Longbeard

A lot of people say barrel length don't matter... I don't agree... I have 4 turkey guns and the ones with the longer barrel pattern the best 24" and 26"... So I would recommend either the 26" or 24"... I like 26" because its not bad in the turkey woods and you can use the gun for a lot of other hunting like squirrel rabbit water fowl... You sound like your pretty much set on Mossburg but im liking the Remington express with the 26" barrel and a Kicks GT .665 mess a gobblers day up at 40-45 yards