I plan to spring turkey hunt with my son.. He shoots a 3 1/2 mag full choke. My gun is a 30 year old Rem 1100 with a 28" MC. My question is would a 34 FC Hasting barrel give me that much extra range for turkey? If so how many yards would I gain with the 34 FC? As you know the Hasting barrel will set me back about $275 and I need to justify the cost. (Not to my wife as she thinks you should just buy the turkey at Giant).

I think it would be a waste of money and the difference would not be that significant.An alternative would be a Hastings extended turkey choke which would give you an additional 3''Gander Mtn has them for about $30.00w/regards

Carrol,
There won't be any difference in how far either will shoot. The difference will be in the spread of the pattern. The Full choke will give you a tighter killing pattern farther out than will the Modified barrel. Probably 10 or 15 yards farther.

The better solution is to have your barrel threaded for screw-in chokes, then you can use any constriction you please. That modification will be much cheaper than a new barrel.

Let me suggest Mr. Mike Orlen, a very competent gunsmith, for this work. Aftermarket chokes are one of his specialtys. He can be reached at 413-253-5665. His prices are very reasonable and he features either Carlson or Trulock choke tubes.

Regards DLM

Being the cheap sort and willing to seize on any excuse to buy another gun, I'd buy an NEF 10 gauge magnum. Cheaper than the Hastings barrel, much cheaper if you can find one used, and you aren't likely to get more than one shot at a turkey, anyway.