Hi folks. How important is barrel length for a turkey gun? Most factory turkey guns I see have 24" or shorter barrels. Only reason I like the shorter barrel is because it's easier to maneuver in the brush or wherever I make my set up. That being said, I've killed most of my turkeys with a Benelli Super Vinci with a 28" barrel.
I've used 26" barrel Berettas for 35 years without a problem. It seems like we over analyse things these days when in reality a problem doesn't exist.
Personal preference. My own preference is 21" or 22", just easier to carry and easier to swing when set up at the base of the tree in the big woods. I have a 24" single shot, wish it was a couple inches shorter.
All my turkey guns are 24" with two exceptions. I have a rifle sight 20" Rem. choke barrel for my 870 SM and a 26" VR Rem. choke for the same 870 SM.
After hating how my 28" barrel with a 2" IC choke got caught on every branch, I realized that when I hold the gun in the "ready position" at its center of gravity, it doesn't get caught on anything and doesn't get me tired. Any barrel length is ultimately doable.
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Longer is louder and may not pattern as easily. A 28" barrel with standard velocity load is less likely to ring your ears. 20" high velocity will hurt.
Both of my main turkey rigs are 28" break action.
Shorter is louder , probally spell check ????. Ive run 28 , 30 and 32 inches . they are a lil more aggrivating toting them in the woods and may build my next one 26 or shorter as I will be going to sights or optics. ( old eyes ) shorter barrels usually have to have more choke to get the same results as 26 and longer barrels, shorter barrels on auto guns are more finicky about cycling issues , although hard kicking turkey loads shouldn't be affected . long barrels have longer sighting radius and make hitting moving game easier if it is not a dedicated turkey gun . But at the end of the day it is not that big a deal for a turkey gun , just preference .