shotgun barrel length
I was thinking about getting another hunting shotgun, but the model I want seems to mostly be available with a 24'' or 30'' barrel. I'd rather not get the 30'' it's a semi auto by the way.
So how much difference would there be between the 24'' and a 26" or 28''.
So how much difference would there be between the 24'' and a 26" or 28''.
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Does the barrel length of a shotgun make a difference? I have a new Browning 12 ga. gold synthetic hunter (2.75" or 3"). It has a 28" barrel. My main use for this gun will be for turkeys and a few occasional duck hunts. The reason for my question is that I have heard that for turkeys you need a shorter barrel. Does it really matter? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by spas12
I was thinking about getting another hunting shotgun, but the model I want seems to mostly be available with a 24'' or 30'' barrel. I'd rather not get the 30'' it's a semi auto by the way.
So how much difference would there be between the 24'' and a 26" or 28''.
In terms of patterning or velocity of the shot, there is no practical difference between the barrel lengths you mention. Main determinant in controlling pattern is the CHOKE, not the barrel length. Shotgun shells tend to max out velocity at under 20", so longer barrels do NOT give your pellets (or slugs) any more oomph.
A longer shotgun barrel gives you three things:
a. A longer sighting radius, which can make it easier to aim precisely with iron sights (eg on a slug gun).
b. A more forward center of gravity for the gun, and a slower swing, potentially helpful in clay or wing-shooting.
c. A bulkier gun that's a bit harder to lug around and store.
Which one you should get is mostly a matter of personal preference, including your body size, what kind of shooting you intend to do, and how much you're going to carry the gun (and through what sort of terrain). Note that we're not talking "night and day" differences here, especially between a 26 and a 28" gun.
I'd say if you're going to be shooting slugs with an optical sight, you can go for a short barrel.
If you're wingshooting, I'd go for the 28", though 26" could also work.0 -
Most of the shorter barrels have choke tubes and will do what a longer barrel will do as a rule.. You'll loose a bit of velocity with a shorter barrel but nothing to be concerned about.. 0 -
Old school was longer barell was better. Unless you are going to shoot high flyers like water foul like geese. You should be good to go. 0 -
With an auto you have to consider the length of the action,
So a 24" auto is going to have as long a sight plane as a 28-30" double and will do just fine.0 -
What you are hunting & how you are hunting may also have an impact on your decision. Decoying birds from either a Blind, Boat, or Pit are easier to hunt with either a 24" or a 26" barrel in either a semi-auto or a pump. Pass shooting Waterfowl is best with a 30" barrel in my experience, about 40 years. I do not do a lot of Upland Game hunting anymore, but liked the shorter barrels for that type of hunting. 0 -
I really like a 26" barreled 870.
Just has the right ballance for me.
If I had to reccomend a specific gun, I'd tell you to go with the 870 3.5" express super magnum.
Might never need to shoot the 3.5" shells, but if you dont have nothing else on hand you know your gun will handle them.
I always switch out the factory magazine spring and follower for a scattergun technologies replacement. the original springs tend to seize and the recoil of max dram 3" shells can sometimes bind up the spring or follower.0
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