What length barrel is your turkey gun?

Sidney Smith · Apr 20, 2023

I see a lot of guys are using long barreled fowlers for turkeys. How many of you use a shorter barrel and why?

For me, most all of my turkey hunting is done in forested lands. To that end, I wanted something light and portable. Something easy to get positioned on a bird if it were to come in at an odd angle etc. I don't want the muzzle hitting brush and getting caught up. So, I chose a 36 inch barrel. I didn't want to go too short as to lose velocity from the load. I felt 36 inch to be a good compromise.

sb 54 cal. · Apr 20, 2023

32" 62 cal. Trade gun light and easy to carry.

Comfortably_Numb · Apr 20, 2023

36" sounds good to me. I will make mine 48" just because. I have built several with 50" barrels in 10 and 11 bores.

Comfortably_Numb · Apr 20, 2023

Also, just because a gun has a long barrel doesn't mean it's heavy. I have made several fusil de traits with 53 1/4" barrels that weigh 7lbs.

Rob M. · Apr 20, 2023

Interesting .... Following . Like Numb said ...long barreled doesn't mean heavy but they can be a pain in brushy areas . Last 42" Carolina Gun I made was 5 1/2 pds. . I like the handy ness of the shorter guns but I'd never take one under 40" turkey hunting . Its a pain getting a good tight group from a 42" barreled gun , why handicap your yourself on purpose ? Shot cups are helpful for tightening up groups ....

tenngun · Apr 20, 2023

42” .62

Sidney Smith · Apr 20, 2023

Rob M. said:
Interesting .... Following . Like Numb said ...long barreled doesn't mean heavy but they can be a pain in brushy areas . Last 42" Carolina Gun I made was 5 1/2 pds. . I like the handy ness of the shorter guns but I'd never take one under 40" turkey hunting . Its a pain getting a good tight group from a 42" barreled gun , why handicap your yourself on purpose ? Shot cups are helpful for tightening up groups ....

I've not had any issues getting decent patterns out of my 36 inch barrel.

wattlebuster · Apr 20, 2023

My turkey gun has a 32 inch colerain oct to round barrel that has been jug choked extra full by Danny Caywood. That barrel is very handy in the thick woods that I hunt in. It shoots very good patterns out to 40 yrds. I like it but it may not be everyones cup of tea

martin9 · Apr 20, 2023

I've got 2...one with a 37.5" barrel and another with a 46" barrel. I just grab either depending on my mood that morning. I don't really think about the length difference. When I set up I just make sure I can swing my gun smoothly in front on me. If a briar or a few limbs are in the way they get chopped down right quick.

Rob M. · Apr 20, 2023

Sidney Smith said:
I've not had any issues getting decent patterns out of my 36 inch barrel.

Cool !! I always tell my customers , if they ask , I suggest a 36" barrel as a mimimum barrel length

Rob M. · Apr 20, 2023

wattlebuster said:
My turkey gun has a 32 inch colerain oct to round barrel that has been jug choked extra full by Danny Caywood. That barrel is very handy in the thick woods that I hunt in. It shoots very good patterns out to 40 yrds. I like it but it may not be everyones cup of tea

Sounds awesome !!

shaman · Apr 20, 2023

42" on my Pedersoli Brown Bess.
It is not what I'd call an ideal turkey gun, but it gets the job done.
I'm shooting 60 grains of 3F and 1 2/3 oz of #6.
What it lacks is trunions. It really needs a carriage or at least a team of bearers.

"Bwana! Tumemwona ndege mkubwa. Njoo! Njoo!"

Good help is hard to get these days.

rich pierce · Apr 20, 2023

46” on my .69. My .62 has a 48” barrel. Have not got that shooting shot well yet.

harleysboss · Apr 21, 2023

Mine is 30 inches octagon to round jug choke full by Caywood. I keep my shots under 30 yards. It’s put a couple on the ground so far.

sheriff john · Apr 21, 2023

Both I'm carrying this year are single-barrel shotguns - one percussion, one flint with over 40" barrels. Percussion's an original, flint's a custom. Neither choked. 12 gauge.

Russ T Frizzen · Apr 21, 2023

Sidney Smith said:
I see a lot of guys are using long barreled fowlers for turkeys. How many of you use a shorter barrel and why?

For me, most all of my turkey hunting is done in forested lands. To that end, I wanted something light and portable. Something easy to get positioned on a bird if it were to come in at an odd angle etc. I don't want the muzzle hitting brush and getting caught up. So, I chose a 36 inch barrel. I didn't want to go too short as to lose velocity from the load. I felt 36 inch to be a good compromise.

10 gauge 48" barrel. It's never been a problem in brush.

Zutt-man · Apr 22, 2023

43” .58/24

Y2GREY · Apr 22, 2023

44” in .62

Eric Krewson · Apr 23, 2023

My 12ga has a 38" Colerain barrel jug choked by Caywood, it shoots the best pattern with a Sky Chief load.

Jason holgate · Apr 23, 2023

What length barrel is your turkey gun?

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