Barrel length for turkey hunting

[Slater]

When it comes to shotgun barrel length, is there a "best" length for turkey? I've seen everything from 18 inch to 26 inch used.

 

[Greybeard]

My preference was/is 21" on 870 "Special Purpose". It came with an "extra full" (lead only) screw-in choke. However, I've found the modified choke to actually throw some of the better patterns. It is rather pricey, but I really like the relatively new Remington Hevi-Shot.

The 21" barrel has been most suitable for my (varied) purposes. From what I've read, there is not a lot of difference in velocity.

I'd pick a length that feels most comfortable, then spend a lazy afternoon with a few different loads on some of the "Shoot 'n See" turkey head targets at some different distances. Seems like they come a dozen or so to a pack for around $5. Different guns/chokes seem to like and dislike some manufacturers' loads. Only real good way that I've found to determine for sure is buying a few of each and tryin' ... Maybe that's one reason (other than profit!) why they come packaged in small quantities ...

 

[Guyon]

They all kill turkeys dead with the right load and good shot placement at a lethal range.

The advantage of the shorter barrelled shotguns involves both range of motion and concealability.

When you're hunkered down behind a blind (natural or manmade) or a tree, bush, briar patch, etc., you have a better likelihood of drawing a bead on a turkey's head if you can move your shotgun without rustling limbs or catching the eye of the turkey. To this end, some of the shorter barrels offer a bit of an advantage. Notice I say a bit. Plenty of turkey hunters out there use 26" or even 28" barrels and do just fine.

My turkey gun has a 23" barrel. Works for me.