26 or 28 inch?

Rugerman

Rugerman

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Time to replace my trusty Wingmaster with another Wingmaster. Need one that shoots 3" shells. That being decided on, my final decision is whether to get the 26 or 28 inch barrel. Any preferences or things to consider before choosing? I am leaning towards the 26 inch but need to know the pros and cons from those who have them. I should mention that it's for waterfowl.
Thanks.
 
I've used a Remington 11-87 for years, and have owned several of them in both regular and super-mag configurations. I have tried barrel lengths of 26, 28 and 30 inches and my far and away favourite was the 26 inch. It just felt natural to me for some reason, and I used that gun for both upland and waterfowl. Heck, I even had a 10-round extention on it one time and used it for pin-shooting. (That was fun!) I found that the shorter barrel swung on game much quicker, and in the bush wasn't as obtrusive as the longer tubes. Having said that, there really isn't THAT much difference between these - it's a matter of personal preferrence.
 
I'm using a 28" barrel on my both my Browning BPS and my Springfield SxS. I think nowadays, especially with interchangable chokes, it just has to do with feel. A 28" barrel just feels right for me and my reach. Just hold a few Wingmasters with different barrel lengths and see which one you like and fits well with your reach.
 
Why not buy a 3.5.... they are only a couple of bucks more and with a 26" "barrel it's almost the same sight plane as a 3" with a 28" barrel and handles just as well.
Plus the fact that the longer forcing cone in the 3.5 inch chamber makes for less recoil shooting 3" shells!
Bonus is if you need to shoot 3 1/2 for anything your capable.
 
I think you should go with the 28" it will give you the better sighting plane for the longer shots and should balance the gun better and help reduce some of the recoil. I've been waterfowl hunting for the past 36 years and have used all kinds of barrel lengths and if you don't use the 26" alot you could have a problem with over swinging your targets.Alot of shooters go with the 26" when using a semi because they are heavy forward especially with the longer barrels,the 26" gives them a better feel and helps put the balance between their hands where it should be.With your pump gun and a 28" barrel this is where the balance will be as well.
 
scout3006 said:
I've used a Remington 11-87 for years...., and have owned several of them in both regular and super-mag configurations. I have tried barrel lengths of 26, 28 and 30 inches and my far and away favourite was the 26 inch. It just felt natural to me for some reason, and I used that gun for both upland and waterfowl. Heck, I even had a 10-round extention on it one time and used it for pin-shooting.
Click to expand...
Presumably this was before the mag limits were put in place by the Campbell government or occured in some enlightened jurisidiction that doesn't have mag capacity limits on semi-auto shotguns? ;)

Rugerman, the advice to pick up guns with both barrel lengths is good. Remington barrels come not only in different lengths but depending on the gun different weights. A Light Contour 26" is too light IMHO but very nice in 28" length. The standard weight barrel is better in 26 inch. YMMV.
 
I had a 28" Wingmaster and sold it for a 26" 870 Special Purpose (regular contour).

For me, it handles better, and is a good compromise for upland for the one shotgun owner. :)




 
In my own experience, 28" offer a better resale value. Barrel lenght doesn't matter in terms of velocity (only on paper for purist)....but it can only help a bit for the aiming.
 
I think they're the same price for either. I would go with the 28" just because I've heard many times that those two extra inches do indeed make a difference.
 
Personal preference.

But keep in mind as someone mentioned there are different kinds of 870 barrels. ie. light contour, express, etc.

There is a noticeable weight difference between a 26" LC barrel and a 26" regular contour or Express barrel.
 
My preference is a 28" pump or auto-loader, 30 or 32" O/U.
I do have a 26" SxS 20 ga. which I use for upland birds.
Find that 28" pumps/autos seem to balance & swing the best for me.
 
Went from 28" and 30" to a 26". If you carry it on a sling you will notice the difference when walking in a bush trail when not hunting.
 
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