Shotgun barrel recommendation

[rtracer13]

I'm looking at buying a new shotgun in the near future and debating what barrel length to go with. I will be using it mostly for hunting (ducks, geese, but also sometimes deer/bear with buckshot/slugs) and occasionally going out for trap shooting.

My question is would using a shorter barrel cylinder bore and then using screw on chokes to control the choke be my best option or would I limit myself too much for ducks/geese?

I'd be hoping to carry slugs/buck shot and bird shot (most likely BB) at the same time to change up depending on what I encounter as a lot of the good duck/geese spots here also have lots of bear and the occasional deer.

For this reason I was thinking the screw on chokes which would be much faster than a barrel change up. I have only recently got into shotguns though so if this logic is flawed let me know I would appreciate the feedback.

 

[9.3mauser]

I don't think you'll find a short barrel very satisfactory for wing shooting. The short sight radius and choppiness of swing will make things a lot harder than they need to be. I would go with an intermediate length, 26-28". The longer barrel is no great handicap for hunting four-legged game.

 

[rtracer13]

Understood, the shorter barrel was mostly for easily getting it in and out of the truck and to reduce overall weight, but I see what you mean about sight picture.. Now if I was to mount a red-dot rather than use bead on the barrel would the choppiness of swing still be a big concern?

 

[stubblejumper]

Now if I was to mount a red-dot rather than use bead on the barrel would the choppiness of swing still be a big concern?

Using a red dot won't make the the gun swing any smoother.

 

[rtracer13]

Using a red dot won't make the the gun swing any smoother.

Sorry, I meant that is the swinging that big of a deal or is it something that could be dealt with? I have an old 28" semi and used to have a 18.5" pump, but couldn't really notice any difference in shooting trap..but there was some time between owning the two so I didn't have a chance to compare them side by side.

 

[rtracer13]

If getting an intermediate length is best, would leaving it cylinder bore and simply using screw on chokes be just as good as having a specific choke?