I posted this in the 20g section with little replies so ill try here. Im picking up a 870 compact JR for my wife. The jr comes with 18.5" barrel. Is that to short? Will that short of a barrel effect patterning. I plan on running an ssx with fed HW 7s to start . I would like to make it a true 40 yard gun.
I'd go with the 870 shot both don't like the feel of moss bergs 870 will put up just as good patterns as mossbergs
i ahve he 870 and it has 20" barrell i wish i had a longer one...
I prefer 26" on repeaters. It is possible to get great patterns from super shorties, but it is generally easier with longer tubes. They also offer the advantage of more velocity and less muzzle blast to your ears. The shorter barrel obviously offers greater portability and a few ounces less weight. To each his or her own.
Short = loud, as in "cannon going off". Might turn the gal off of the gun.
You'd probably be better off getting a gun with a longer barrel. 26" would be perfect, but 23-24" would be OK too. The additional weight will help with felt recoil a little and your patterns should be better with the longer tube.
I got my wife a standered 870 20 and it was a lil long for her but not much and she liked it with all the after market stocks out you could buy a youth stock and slap on there then be good to go and my wife is only 5'2