Looking at a Benelli SuperNova pump 26" for TX dove.  there are 24" and 28" options as well.

I've read arf and other forum comments so believe 26" will be good but wanted validation from the latest schools of thought and perspectives.

26" for dove and quail

26 or 28.  Doesn't matter.  I took a 26" O/U 20 ga. and a 26" Super x2 12 ga. on a quail/pheasant/chukar hunt.  I love the short gun.  The longer gun killed em deader faster.  I use the O/U when the weather is good and the Super x2 when it rains.

Point is the longer gun is plenty quick to swing on fast birds.  It is heavier though.  Either would be fine.  I shot 28' barrels on autos for years shooting doves.

26" is my preferred length in an auto/pump for everything.  30" in O/U's.  That 26" auto/pump selection is from quail to geese.  Skip the 24" and 28".

But find a lighter gun than a Nova.  No va in Spanish is "no go".

Pump receiver is longer so 26" is about equal to 30" O/U and the O/U is my preference due to choke choices for near vs far shots

If you want to shoot a pump gun save your pennies and at least buy a good, used, real 870 Wingmaster.  I'd save up a few more pennies and buy an Ithaca 37 pump or a Browning BPS.  I shot an older 20 ga. Wingmaster a while back and it was perfect! (for a pump gun)

What choke do you guys prefer for dove?

I'm a modified guy.  Doves, quail, chukar and ducks (with steel). Only thing I use IC for is skeet shooting.  Never use full for anything.

26" Husqvarna SxS with LM on L and R.  Love it.

I shoot a 24" and love it.

My son is a 26" guy

My Brother is a 28" guy

Shorter barrel is faster to come to shoulder and swing, but you have to remember good technique is to NOT stop your swing.

Longer barrel swings steady and more likely to swing smooth through the target.

(Or so the theory goes...)

I usually shoot IC or sometimes Modified if the birds are keeping some distance.

Either 26 or 28 will be plenty for a semi/pump.

I have run a 28" auto 12ga (Benelli Legacy) for over 10 years now, its sole purpose is to kill dove. I prefer a 28" gun for the field, both upland and waterfowl, but I wouldn't hesitate to carry a 26" gun either, especially in an auto. My sporting O/U's are 32".

I use a 28" Benelli M2.

26”

Passing birds are always 30" barrels. Always.  28" and 26" are for grouse cover and women.
Don't be a heathen.

28" modified or light mod choke

I've used 18"-28".  Make sure the gun fits and practice.

CD

I have to believe if I had success with my 18.5" that 26" will be fine

I shoot an early 60's wingmaster in 20 ga. with 28" barrel and mod. choke, or a browning B80 20 ga. with a 26" barrel and mod. screw in choke.  Both work extremely well for doves.

From your other post, I see you got a 12ga Nova.

If that is the only shotgun you have.... great start for an all around gun.

doves are not tanks. A 20 gauge is all that is required.
However, some of us even go with a 28ga or .410.
as a kid, I was handed a single shot NEF 410, 2 boxes of shells and told to have at it.
If I ran out of shells, my hunt was over.
aim small, miss small.

I have seen folks burn thru 4 boxes of 12ga shells and get 2 dove.

My gun of choice is a browning citori 20 ga, or 28ga O/U, or an old 311 SxS 410.
If I go for a semi auto, a Remington 1100 20 gauge ( soft shooting)

barrel lengrth, a 26" or 28" seems to be about right. But some prefer a 30" in some O/Us.

I also carry the 20 gauge Citori pheasant and quail hunting.
sometimes it is in a duck blind with me for early season.
When gets later in the season, I usually grab a Remington 1187 Supermag, or a Browning Gold
In 12ga.

Now with all that being said, and everyone's wallet a different thickness, and personal preference...........
Get what you can afford, what fits you the best, and allows you to hit what you aim at.