I have a question about the 870's youth models. I have seen them in 18", 21", and 26" barrels.
I'm curious as to if anyone hunts with the 18" barrel and what loads you use and how the pattern holds up. I'd also like to hear any comparisons between the three barrel lengths. Just curious as to how it effects the pattern.
I don't have any comparisons between them but in general the 26" would be a great do it all gun. From turkey to wing shooting it will do it all. The 21" is going to be the most popular for turkey, it is what I am setting up now for my 870. There are some guys that use an 18", it may produce a little more open pattern than others but probably not much to talk about.
Mine came with a 26" but I bought a 20" spt barrel with rsf choke no rib and sights, I did so because I wanted the lightest weight option. The 26 didnt have to be choked as much as the 20" to get tight. 20" all day long as far as choice as which I prefer.
The 18 inch will give you little more recoil and the 18 inch will not pattern as good as the 21 ....
I have two with the 18.5" and they pattern as good as any barrel. Both do over 300 with handliads and Sumtoy 562.
Quote from: Fieldturkey on May 14, 2019, 09:41:27 PM
I have two with the 18.5" and they pattern as good as any barrel. Both do over 300 with handliads and Sumtoy 562.
Just think if you had 21 inch barrel with 562 , you might do even better than your 18 inch barrels ...
Nah I've shot them side by side. I'm good