Barrel Length vs. Pattern Performance

[IowaGobblers]

Has anyone ever noticed a difference in pattern, one being better than the other, with say a 870 with a 21" vs. a 26" or 28". Trying to decided on one. Whichever I choose, a sumtoy .562-5 and fed 7's will be paired with it.
Thanks

[msgobblergetter]

.570 is the optimal choke constriction for my 870 and 1187... Both are 26" bbls. I can get my handloads to pattern good when I go tighter. Rule of thumb for me is 26" go .570-.575... With 21" go .555-.570


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[gophert]

You will get more than acceptable patterns with the 21" barrel so for hunting I think it's best. However, the general rule of thumb is the longer the barrel the tighter the pattern. 


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[jbrown]

I shoot a sumtoy 562-5 in a 26" barrell, with fed 7 and hvy 13, patterns are awesome