does barrel length have anything to do with pattern?
I would guess that it does, but I have never done a side by side comparison. With todays new chokes and loads I do not think that barrel length is as important as it used to be. If we are punching paper at 80 yards I think that is where it bocomes a real factor, not killing turkeys at 40 and under.
Most on here like the short barrel pumps. I don't know about the patterns being better or worse, but have seen charts where the f.p.s. increases for every inch up to 26". Forgot how much, after 26" there were no gain in velocity. I have a 28" barrel on my automatic due to I purchased it used and got a good price. It will kill turkeys though.
Went back and looked up several technical pages regarding this. As far as pattern and turkey hunting there are no advantages or disadvantages using a 22" or longer barrel, but I'm no expert and just relied on what I read.