Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk ALTurkey Talk -- Beards and Spurs Preferred Barrel Length

What’s your ideal barrel length for a turkey gun? Getting one cut down and curious as to what y’all prefer who have experience with shorter barreled guns.

21”

I’ve been going back in forth between 21 and 23” so that helps

Longer the barrel the better it points and aims

I use a 26 and I like the way it feels. Not a big fan of the shorter guns. But all the guns I grew up shooting had 30 inch barrels.

I’ve been debating having one cut from 24 to 20. That’s the only thing I miss about going from an 870 to M2. It doesn’t seem like much but you can tell a difference when you’re wadded up against a tree.

I already have a fast fire 3 mounted on this particular gun so as far as pointing and aiming I feel like I am going to be fine with the shorter barrel. My main complaint about the 28” barrel is just how it catches on vines and low hanging branches while I’m walking. I’m also wanting it cut down for ease of maneuverability while set up on a bird or crawling.

21". Longer barrels are only good for clearing brush in front of you when you sit down.

21”

You just answered your own question.

That’s what she said

I’ve owned and used 18.5” to 32” barrels. The longer barrels tend to be comparatively easier to pattern with a wider variety of chokes. Marginally greater velocities too. And, a pain in the azz. Anything over 24-26” (in a non-break action gun) and I feel like I have to back up to point it in the woods.

I prefer not only a shorter barrel, but also a short length of pull. Less than 40” overall length is ideal for me and just fun to carry. Top it with a red dot and no worries about aiming or pointing. Takes little effort to pick up (sometimes 1-handed) and creates less detectable movement when adjusting to an incoming turkey. Doesn’t snag on every vine and low limb when carrying on a sling.

21" is good and the youll get extra 2" length when you install that extended choke tube and you know youre supposed clear your sitting area of brush beforehand....this eliminates the need for a longer barrel

Sounds like 21” it is then. Thanks for all the advice fellas

30" full choke.

Don’t be a Fudd, Elmer.

24" on a O/U.

26”

18.5" on an 870 20 ga; 21" on a 20 ga 1187.

24" on an old 870. The best shotgun smith in the US tested my 870 by cutting an inch off and testing velocity from 30' to 21". Velocity fall off was pretty dramatic after 24" so he cut mine there.