Need a smoothbore barrel

[Zane]

I just purchased a new to me Remington 11-87. It came with a rifled slug barrel. A friend wants to introduce me to 3 gun and my wife wants me to trying bird hunting.

The problem is that I know nothing about shotguns and my searches have not really helped. Remington's website indicates there is a "light contour barrel" and a "special purpose magnum," all of which in lengths from 26" to 30".

I'm not sure why I'd get which one. Obviously the light contour is less heavy and easier to carry. What are the pros and cons for the various lengths and light vs heavy? Remington seems to indicate that you want the "Special Purpose Magnum" for Turkey hunting, but for all other purposes (listed on their website) either is basically fine. The SPM are cheaper, but not by enough to make it a dealbreaker. Google also informs me that Hastings makes aftermarket barrels too.

Please lend me some guidance as to what is the best compromise. I suspect I'd prefer the lightest option, but I'd like to know what I'm giving up for that.

 

[ranger351w]

If You are going to bird hunt I have used a 28"Mod. for 40 years and it works for most birds "pheasnt,quail,woodcock.ducks and geese" Also use it for trap,sporting clays and skeet. When I bought that 870 we did not have interchangeable chokes .
However every one of those things I shoot with it could use a different choke. But the mod.is the best all around bar none.
As far as Three gun the 20" slug barrel or either side of it is the best option. Also get a shell extender.
Thats my story and I am sticking to it,There are a thousand storys out there and I hope you hear every one of them as you need all the info you can get. Come on guys help him out.

Mike

 

[ranger351w]

I forgot turkey and about light,They are easier to carry on long hunts but they will punish you for it in felt recoil. I personally like the weapon a little on the heavy side as they are a lot easier on you recoil wise and you tend to carry through better, however light and short is quicker swinging.
What it comes down to is whatever blows you skirt.Floats your boat.etc.

Mike