Childs 20ga Turkey gun question

[South Alabama]

Buddy of mine has an H&R 20ga 26" barrel with a full choke (no tubes) and a collapsible stock.  He has young children and the weight of the gun is still a problem for his girls.  He would like to cut the barrel off an add choke tubes.  Legally he can cut the barrel to 19" as long as the gun maintains an overall length of 27" in Alabama (possibly elsewhere).  Should he cut the barrel all the way down to 19" or is the added benefit of a 21"-23" barrel commonly seen in Rem turkey guns etc worth the extra length.  Again, he is trying to make the gun as manageable as possible for young children and have an efficient 20 ga pattern.  Any advice or previous experience would be appreciated.

[BrowningGuy88]

If it was me doing this, I would cut it to 20" and have it threaded to accept Rem Chokes. Then you have everything from Remington Super Full with lead to a Sumtoy with TSS!

[gophert]

Either way, if the child is small it is going to be difficult for them to hold up the gun, even at a real short barrel.  I DEFINITELY would have it drilled for REM chokes because there is a bigger selection of chokes to chose from. 

I would also add the following V-pod.  It is perfect for small shooters and gives them confidence.

http://www.basspro.com/Hunters-Specialties-VPod-Gun-Rest-Model-00614/product/91442/84041

[JoeS5]

Thanks for the link gophert.  I have a 9 yr old son who loves being in the woods but has been struggling with his 20 ga and shooting sticks.  We just ordered a v-pod and can't wait to try them out.  He will be going on his first youth turkey hunt here in Missouri March 31.  We are both PUMPED!!!!  Thanks again

[Gooserbat]

My son took his first turkey in Missouri.  Best of luck this season.