Small Arms Review, February 2008, has a very good article on velocity vs. bbl length in shotguns.
In the aforementioned tests, the velocity of a 1 ounce slug was 1,117 feet per second from a 6-7/8" barrel, compared to about 1,560 fps for a full-sized shotgun
An approx. 2" increase in barrel length would close the gap even further.
Point taken.........do the ballistics math as regards kinetic energy & you'll probably come to the conclusion that a 12 gauge, 1 oz., soft lead slug traveling in the above discussed velocity range would result in a dead & very well ventilated black bear at 10 - 15 yards assuming a modicum of shot placement skill on the part of the shooter.
As I've said before.......everybody to their own.......if you want a shotgun with a 8.5" barrel go for it.........I'm sure CanAm might even manufacture & sell you asbestos mustache & eyelid guards to go with the gun.
Apparently there is a 12" minimum barrel length for a hunting gun in BC......whether or not that limit extends to a defensive shotgun is something I would discuss with the Game & Fish & Police authorities in my particular jurisdiction BEFORE venturing out into the woods with the subject firearm.
** A word of caution......even if you are a USA/CDN dualie don't even think about taking one of these short-barreled shotties into the United States. By the time you are released from Rikers Island they'll be hunting with laser rifles. The Yanks don't like short-barreled shotties & Norincos & the subject firearm is both.



















































