Recommended Barrel Length?

[Robert]

Hi, I'm just getting into turkey hunting and about to make a purchase on a new shotgun.
Looks like I'm leaning to get a Mossberg 835.

However I'm wondering about what barrel length to get?
The gun I used to borrow had a 28" barrel. I definitely want a shorter barrel.
Is the 20" good or too short? What about 24"?
What practical differences are there?
The gun is primarily for turkey, as there's not much waterfowl hunting deep in these mountains. Could always get a longer barrel later on if needed for different game.
I appreciate it.

[R AJ]

The 20" with an extended choke will be 22" or so. The 24" is a nice length.

For mountain climbing the  20 " will kick more, go bang louder, but it is plenty long enough for good patterns and a little lighter to tote. The shorter barrels generally like tighter restricted chokes . Do a search on this site and you should be able to make a well informed decision.

FYI-  You absolutely do not need a 3.5" gun for turkey hunting and you really don't need to be toting a 12 gauge, truth be known. Hey , you may need the bigger bore for confidence but a 21" bbl on a 3" 20 gauge pump and the right choke / load combo will serve you well. the choices are pretty much endless and to each his/her own. The 835 shoots excellent patterns in lots of chokes and shell combos.

Wishing you a safe and successful introduction to turkey hunting.

[allaboutshooting]

The Mossberg 835 is a good gun. Barrel length is one of those subjects that many people have strong opinions on and that's okay of course. I'd opt for something longer than the 20" based upon my experience and the number of inquiries I receive about how to get better patterns with that short barrel.

Many people expect to see patterns like those you see here at OG and on other sites. Many patterns posted are excellent, regardless of barrel length but not all guns are equal.

If you go with a slightly longer barrel, your odds of getting better patterns go way up. The extra couple of inches won't add much extra weight (not a bad thing with the 835 by the way) and you won't really notice the extra length.

Robert makes a good point about 3.5" guns as well.

Thanks,
Clark

[Robert]

Thanks for the feedback. Very helpful
From what I've been reading and y'alls feedback, it looks like I'll go with the 24" barrel.

I don't plan on shooting 3 1/2 shells, due to the kick. I like the 835 based on what I hear about the patterns it throws with a wider variety of ammo and chokes.
However since I'm not planning on shooting 3 1/2 shells, should I be considering the mossberg 500 instead? It seems like the 835 is a better quality gun, but does it make sense to go with the 500 instead?

[trkehunr93]

I have both a 500 and an 835 (love'em), the 500 is a field model that has a 28" barrel and I hunted with the factory full choke for years with it shooting 2.75" Fed. 6's.  I hated the 3" shells thru that gun plus it was before Limbsaver was around.  I have modified it some with a little camo on the barrel and receiver, a Kicks GT choke tube and a Limbsaver recoil pad and I now shoot 3" Win XX 5's.  In the 835 I used to run the old white 3" Hevi's and decided I wanted to take advantage of the extra half inch in the chamber and started shooting 3.5" shells.  I have a Limbsaver on it and a butler creek comb raising kit to eliminate the cheek slap the 3.5" shells can give.  The 835 has a 24" barrel.  I hunt with both guns and I personally have no preference for one over another.  Mossberg makes a hella of a shotgun IMO, plus being a lefty I really like the ambidextrous safety that Mossberg has.  I think both the 500 and the 835 are well made guns. 

[CrustyRusty]

I like having a 3.5 chamber just for the extra versatility.  You don't have to shoot the big boys but at least you have the option. My dedicated Turkey gun happens to pattern the 3.5's better, so that's what I use.  I love the 835 and with the new recoil absorbing stock Mossberg has it may be a little less hurtful.  Good luck.

Thanks for the feedback. Very helpful
From what I've been reading and y'alls feedback, it looks like I'll go with the 24" barrel.

I don't plan on shooting 3 1/2 shells, due to the kick. I like the 835 based on what I hear about the patterns it throws with a wider variety of ammo and chokes.
However since I'm not planning on shooting 3 1/2 shells, should I be considering the mossberg 500 instead? It seems like the 835 is a better quality gun, but does it make sense to go with the 500 instead?

[CrustyRusty]

Btw.  I like a minimum 24 inch and prefer a 26.

[beagler]

24"

[WildTigerTrout]

I prefer 24" barrels for turkey specific shotguns although I do own one with a 26" barrel.

[Trax]

I think there's a little bit of give and take with the barrel length thing.

I'll admit right up front that I can't touch some of the numbers I see posted on this site with my 20" 835.

Do I get a solid killing pattern at 40 yards with my gun? Absolutely, yes I do, and with room to spare. But that's with a Pure Gold .670 and good ammo.

With the stock tube and #5 lead, mine was a 30 yard gun off the shelf.

The upside of the short barrel is that when slung over the shoulder, the barrel doesn't extend past the top of my head, meaning it doesn't hang on branches or other obstructions I can't see when walking in the dark. It also allows me to set up in tighter spots. The shorter barrel just hits less brush in turning with the gun. Now if you hunt field edges and need super long range from a gun, a short barrel probably won't do you any good. In the woods, for me it's an advantage.