26" pr 28" shotgun barrel?
I am going to buy a shotgun for hunting upland birds and maybe ducks and can't decide between a 26" or 28" barrel. I think the 26" just because it is a little shorter for in the brush and a tad lighter for carry but is there any noticable difference in accuracy or how far you can shoot with either? What about shooting steel shot, what to look for? Thanks.
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The difference in weight between the two is minimal, but the balance of a particular gun can make all the difference. Just try shouldering the different lengths and see what feels best to ya. Personally, on my Benelli Super Black Eagle and most semi's and pumps I shoot a 28", on double's I like a 26" or else they feel too barrel-heavy. On single-shots I like either 28" or 30". As far as steel shot, your typically fine on all modern firearms, especially if they have screw-in chokes.
If you are going to get one multi-purpose shotgun I'd sure recommend one that has the capability to do at least 2 3/4" and 3" and I personally prefer the ones that also include 3 1/2" magnums. Originally, the Benelli Super Black Eagle was the only one that would do that but now most manufacturers have one that does that available in either a pump or semi-auto.
Also, if you're after a really lightweight gun for upland bird hunting you might want to check out Ithaca. Thier "claim to fame" is that many of their guns are quite a bit lighter than thier competitors. Their model 37 is a pump and very light, they also made some semi-auto's that were about a half-pound lighter (namely the Ithaca/SKB series of XL guns.
If you have some guys that would let you try thier shotguns, take several and shoot skeet with them. That'll tell you a lot about them. After you narrow it down, then carry it for a little bit in the back country and that'll usually give you the answer to what you want.
Having a predictable enemy is better than having an ally you can't trust.0 -
the bead will appear smaller (and farther from you,)when placed on target with a longer bbl, making for a more precise shot at altitudes. thus the reason most duck and goose hunters unknowingly like 32" bbls! the longer the shot required, make it a longer bbl. if you make short quick shots, go shorter bbl.
former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction.0 -
There is only an ounce or two involved between a 26 and 28 in barrel. If the majority of your shooting is between 20-40 yards, there isn't much difference in the pattern between the two, (using the same choke tube). The real difference is how the gun shoulders and sights. Several yaers ago when the gun manufacturers came out with the new camo patterns, I just had to get a new shotgun with the "Shadow Grass" camo. Looked at the Browning, Benelli, Beretta, and finally settled on the Browning gold with a 28 in barrel because it fit the best. Unless you are a serious goose hunter, the standard 3 in chamber will do you fine. If you need the extra power by a box or two of bismuth or Tunsten/Matrix for goose hunting. The last time I checked there was about a $200 difference between the 3" and 3 1/2" guns, (Browning and Beretta). Hope this helps. Regards Dave 0 -
Maybe it was me, but when I was younger and had a chance to shoot trap, it seemed I had to get on them right away with my 26" pump Wichester (improved cylinder) or I had problems busting the clay pigeons. Same problem with quail hunting. But, with Pheasants, which always seem to fly back over you, the Winchester had no problem. Same with bunnies. I have a 28" Remington I am going to give a try with soon. 0 -
I worked with both lengths and patterned at 20-30-40 yards with similar chokes, they were very close. In reading the above responses I was interested in bobski's comments, because it now makes much more sense to me on using a longer barrel for long shots. Comfort of swing weight and sight picture, not pattern.
Hey bobski "sometimes" your a pretty smart guy!0
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