Barrel length

[cluck]

I read that a shorter barrel can be more difficult to get a good pattern. Is it best to buy a .655 or a .665 for number 6 shot in a 28" barrel or say a .670 and go more open? Kicks recommends for a 3 inch shell, number 6 shot a .665 choke for short barrels. I'am thinking a .655 choke might be better because I have two .665 chokes and not to impressed with either. They don't list any size for a 28" barrel. I think Indiancreek says .655. If number 6s don't shoot better I'll try number 5s. I'll know next week if weather permits. Does this sound like a plan?     cluck

[bushwhacker]

I have an 870 express super mag with a polished 28 inch barrel and a 870 special purpose super mag with a 23 inch unpolished barrel and I shoot a Jellyhead .665 in the 28 inch and a Hastings .650 in the 23 inch and get comparable numbers with both guns using Winchester hv 3.5-2-5's. 100 - 120 in ten avg. The .665 in the 28 inch barrel does not like 3.5-2-6's, haven't shot them out of the .650 yet.

[Oconeeguy]

Have read in this forum that longer barrels pattern better. Last weekend, I patterned my 20" barrel Mossy  Jelleyhead choke, .660 against Mossberg 28" barrel with the very same choke and same load (sadly, Hevishot #6). My 20" barrel shot 104 in a 10" circle at 40 yds and the 28" barrel shot a 144. You could see the difference walking up to the targets. Apparently, barrel length DOES make a difference as far as patterning goes, at least for Hevishot. I'll bet its the same for lead. Check Allaboutshooting web site for further  info on this issue.

[surehuntsalot]

I like short barrels on my turkey guns 24"26"
but I have a 3" magnum Remington 1100 with a 30" fixed (.690) full choke barrel that will flat out throw some lead shot
Winchester XX magnum #6's  184 hits at 40yds

[Longshanks]

Best patterns I have turned with my 28" 26" and "21 inch barrel 870's and lead have been with Kicks .655 and Ventilator .655.

169 in a 10 @ 40. Ventilator .655 26"
155 in a 10 @ 40. Kicks .655 28"
148 in a 10 @ 40. Kicks .655. 21"

[cluck]

Many thanks to all for information and taking time to ansewer. I've gained a lot from reading every single post on this web site. I think I'am geting closer to geting a really good pattern. I like to getem under forty before I pull the trigger. I've hunted turkeys for about forty-three years and I think this 870 and choke combination could be my best ever. Hope them turkeys are right were you think they  are roosted this year and they will be big 25 pounders. many thanks to to for  :gobble:all your help.   cluck

[3" 870 Shell Shucker]

I have a 3" magnum Remington 1100 with a 30" fixed (.690) full choke barrel that will flat out throw some lead shot Winchester XX magnum #6's 184 hits at 40yds

I have found that XFull screw-in choke tubes in the .040 range (.690 in a Remington, .700 in INV+) will throw some nice, even patterns at 30, 35, and 40 Yards.  Not big 10" numbers, but a nice 15"-20" circle.  It's a surprise how well it does, even with 1.125 Ounces of #6's.

[cluck]

Took one shot today with the 28"barrel 870 with the .655 ventalator choke. Useing winchester super-x 3" 1 7/8 oz. #6 shot. Its the best count yet at 40 yds. 117 in a 10" circle. 156 in a 12" circle. It could have made 120/160 if I had moved my circles down 1/4 inch. The federal turkey thugs will go 100 in 10 inchs with super full .665 rem. Have tried win. supremes but not as good as the super x. x123mt6. I'll clean barrel and wait for a warmer day.    cluck