Looking at buying a fabarms shotgun for packing with me while working in the bush, trying to decide between a 14" or 18" barrel. Which would you get and why? The barrels are threaded for chokes, will the pattern be much different between the two? or is velocity all that is affected? How will a 14" handle slugs vs the 18"? and what is the best choke for a rifled slug in a smoothbore barrel?
14" vs 18" Barrel
- Thread starter cpelton
- Start date
That is a common misconception.That particular rule only applies to semi-auto centre-fire firearms. Pumps, bolt action, break action, etc., as well as all rimfires, are exempt form the barrel length rule as long as the overall length of the firearm is 26" or greater. This applies to factory-made barrels, of course. You still cannot legally cut down any barrel to less than 18"...
This thread does provide one caution about the 14" barrel. If members of this site don't know that a pump gun with a factory-made 14" barrel is non-restricted then it's not out of the realm of possibility a police officer might not know either.
The 14" barrel doesn't give up much velocity, is more compact, slightly easier to carry and barrel length doesn't have anything to do with pattern or ability to shoot slugs. The best slug in my 14" barrel are Brennekes but no two barrel and slug combinations are alike. You need to try a few to find out what works best in your gun.
The 14" barrel doesn't give up much velocity, is more compact, slightly easier to carry and barrel length doesn't have anything to do with pattern or ability to shoot slugs. The best slug in my 14" barrel are Brennekes but no two barrel and slug combinations are alike. You need to try a few to find out what works best in your gun.
Yeah, they do not make the rules easy to figure out... That's just one of the reasons that CGN is such a great resource to have access to!
When you're packing a gun for working, shorter and lighter is generally better. The heavier the gun and the more 'cumbersome' the more likely you are to say 'ahh - won't bother today'. And that'll be the day you really needed it
Most shotgun shells burn their powder in the first 12 or so inches, so you don't sacrifice much velocity with a 14. And of course, choke tubes don't care how long the barrel is.
I'd say go with the 14 - it's a nice compact package that can still do it all and is still legal to hunt with if you get that urge somewhere along the line.
But practice with it. A shorter barrel is a little harder to control and point at moving targets than say a 28 inch barrel, but with a little practice it's amazing what you can do
Most shotgun shells burn their powder in the first 12 or so inches, so you don't sacrifice much velocity with a 14. And of course, choke tubes don't care how long the barrel is.
I'd say go with the 14 - it's a nice compact package that can still do it all and is still legal to hunt with if you get that urge somewhere along the line.
But practice with it. A shorter barrel is a little harder to control and point at moving targets than say a 28 inch barrel, but with a little practice it's amazing what you can do
14 inch for sure.
If you're using it in the woods for protection 4 rounds is plenty. From what friends who've needed a shotgun in the bush have said I doubt you'd ever be in a position that you'd be able to use more than 4 rounds before the situation was resolved.
If you're using it in the woods for protection 4 rounds is plenty. From what friends who've needed a shotgun in the bush have said I doubt you'd ever be in a position that you'd be able to use more than 4 rounds before the situation was resolved.
You'll need 7+1 when the zambies come knocking!
But realistically 4+1 is plenty. I have an 18 inch barrel and am currently trying to trade or sell it and get a 14 inch. Nothing wrong with 18 in my opinion and not that much heavier but i jsut want a 14. For what you're looking for a 14 would probably be better. Also if it has chokes then your golden for patterns and a more open choke like imp cyl or cyl is better for slugs.If you shoot ANYTHING with five 12 guage slugs and it's STILL not dead.... apologize profusely for disturbing it and leave.
Plus, with a sidesaddle or belt shell carrier and a little practice - it's amazing how quick you can get a couple more rounds in when it counts.
- Location
- Thunder Bay ON Canada
Ok, we forgive you.
I had a 14" barrel for my 870 a couple of years ago and I agree it's handy but very loud even with light trap loads. Ears are a must with full power loads, so for me it had to go to the EE. I enjoy hunting without ear protection and 3 shots with 3" Mags was enough.
