870 w 12.5" Barrel

[bluemike807]

How practical are these minimal-length barrels? Looking at getting one for general purposes, and as a hunting alternative to my Anti-Aircraft 28" smoothbore. What sort of patterning can you expect? Has anyone used them for hunting, and with what results?

Thanks

Mike

 

[Gatehouse]

SHot lots of grouse in close cover or roadside with short barrel shotguns, but they aren't very practical at all for waterfowling where you need a bit more barrel length to help your swing.

The short barrel shotguns are more for defensive use, although they wouldn't be out of place shooting a deer with a slug with, either.

 

[JamesM]

For hunting in a repeater I wouldn't go shorter then 18" they seem to swing smoother then the really short ones, with a doudle 24 or 26" gives a nice compact package.

 

[Claybuster]

They aren't very practical. I have used my 14" for clays and pest control. You lose velocity, increase the muzzle blast and unless you have an absolute need for a compact gun then an 18-20" barrel is a better choice for a slug or bear defense gun. For flying targets the 12-14" guns are bordering on useless. For birds on the ground they are fine but then so is a .22 or a well placed rock.