Turkey barrel

**craigc** · November 6th, 2008, 11:15 PM

First time turkey hunting and instead of purchasing a new shot gun dealer talked me into buying a new barrel for my mossberg 500.I've only ever used it for slugs but here's what I can't figure out.The new barrel is smooth bore just like the old one so in essence I really didn't need the new one correct?

**normanvin** · November 7th, 2008, 06:00 AM

Is the new barrel choked?

**craigc** · November 7th, 2008, 09:37 AM

It came with 2 that I've got to install but no actual instructions as to which is for what

**Poonie** · November 7th, 2008, 08:13 PM

How long is the barrel? Usually turkey guns use barrels of about 24 or 26 inches with an extra-full choke being the usual norm. You probably could've gotten by without the new barrel, your old barrel being a smoothbore but it doesn't hurt to have options. Is your old barrel a fixed choke?

Sounds to me like the dealer just wanted to make a sale, any sale. You could always return it.

**BUCKMARK** · November 7th, 2008, 11:01 PM

If you used the last barrel for slugs, it is probably a open choke barrel. Improved cylinder, modified at the tightest.

Sounds like the new barrel uses the Mossberg choke tubes and it should have a total of 3 tubes. One in the barrel and 2 spare tubes...and a wrench.

The tubes are prolly FULL , MODIFIED, IMPROVED CYLINDER.

Full is the tightest, Mod is the middle tube, and IC will shoot a larger pattern.

Barrel length means little to nothing as far as pattern goes.

Install the FULL tube and use a 3" tukey load. #6 or #4 shot.

You should pattern the gun when you have a chance to see what ammo works best. You might also consider buying a Turkey tube or "extra full".

Be safe out there!