short barrel turkey gun

[Sportin' Woodies]

will an 18.5" barrel pattern the same as a 26" with a .665 choke tube (theoretically)?

[Phone Man]

i always heard that after a certain length, the shells reach their max velocity or something like that. I would think it would be fine. I've got some short barreled guns that pattern better than my 28-30" barrels. Maybe some of the experts can tell better than me.

[millero]

id like to have a short barreled shotgun with a pistol grip... for turkeys

[Gander]

For every inch less than 30 inches they say that you lose 10fps, so with that much of a difference is velocity, you will likely see a difference in patterns, to what extent only the pattern will tell you.

[ccleroy]

They say "theoretically" it it would be the same.........but I like my longer barrel for security hence I do not believe it.........

[Sportin' Woodies]

will find out shortly and report.

[ccleroy]

will find out shortly and report.

Post the pattern pic's when you do........I'm interested in seeing what kinda difference it makes.............

[skrimp]

No. You will have to be 7 1/2 in. closer with the shorter barrel.

[WoodieSC]

I'm using a 20" barrel with a scope on my 870 and a Jelly Head choke. The pattern looked pretty good when I checked it the other day. We'll hopefully find out for sure soon.

[ccleroy]

No. You will have to be 7 1/2 in. closer with the shorter barrel.

Bwaaaaaahhhhh......now thats funny right there I dont care who you are........

[Mergie Master]

i always heard that after a certain length, the shells reach their max velocity or something like that. I would think it would be fine. I've got some short barreled guns that pattern better than my 28-30" barrels. Maybe some of the experts can tell better than me.

The theory is that with modern smokeless powder, the powder has burned in 18". Back in the black powder days you needed more barrel to burn the powder off and get the full use out of it.

A longer barrel, up to a point, gives you a better sight plain.

In my opinion, and from experience with my gun when I had it worked on, the forcing cone is much more important than barrel length in ensuring a better pattern.

Most guns come from the factory with a ¾" forcing cone. I had mine extended to 1½". Not only does it pattern way better with turkey loads or regular field loads, it reduced felt recoil tremendously.

By extended the forcing cone it allows the shot to get pushed together more slowly by giving them more distance to do it. Instead of the shot having to all squeeze into the tighter cone at once, it sort of gives them room to flow in. This cuts way down on shot deformity also which can booger a pattern up and cause holes in it.

I don't know for a fact but I imagine extending the forcing cone also lowers pressures. But I'm only guessing on that.