Barrel length for Pheasant?

[gunstock]

I am looking at a new Citori 725 12g over/under field shotgun for Pheasant shooting. It will also be used for rabbit, chukkar, grouse and pigeons as well as bird dog training.
I will use it for trap, clays and maybe skeet to improve my shooting but I am not interested right now in competition.
What barrel lengths would you recommend ? The field version is available in 26" and 28", the sporting 30" and 32".
I already have a 20g Citori feather with a 26" barrel.

 

[stubblejumper]

If it is going to be a field gun, I stay away from ported barrels. I would go with 28" barrels myself.

 

[M12shooter]

If your pursuit was to be strictly trap, clays, 5 stand, etc... then I would opt for the 32" in a sporting gun. Because you wish to hunt upland stuff, mainly pheasant, as well as small game with some clay action I would thus lean toward 28" barrels in a field version as well.

 

[mrgoat]

Your original question asked an opinion on barrel length for pheasant in a Citori 725.

My opinion would 28", as I have done alot of pheasant hunting. It will swing quick enough for the close in birds and still be smooth enough for the 40+ yarder's without being to wippy.
The secondary uses will also be adequately served by the 28" barrels as well. You could go 30" if your comfortable with that length for the close in work.

My best advice is to go with the length "your" comfortable with that you can consistantly break targets.

 

[Ardent]

Field guns I actually really like at 26", less so on a side by side, but it's nice when walking with a over / under with the action open in long grass etc as the barrels drag and hang up less. Sure, you can break it over your shoulder but I like to carry "low, open, and ready", also a big part of the reason I prefer side by sides; a shallower open angle.

 

[Mount Sweetness]

Use your 20g Citori with 3in magnum #5's....perfect for pheasant in my opinion.

 

[finstr]

Use your 20g Citori with 3in magnum #5's....perfect for pheasant in my opinion.

 

[Turkeyslayer 1300]

28's on a Double and 26 on a repeater.

 

[scott_r]

Ive always had 26" on my pheasant guns, really liked them.

 

[stubblejumper]

Use your 20g Citori with 3in magnum #5's....perfect for pheasant in my opinion.

A 2-3/4" load of nickel plated #6 is my favorite pheasant load in my 20 gauge.

 

[Turkeyslayer 1300]

I should also mention I like to run a heavier load and more open chokes, especially with the 20. It's not the be all end all but works for me.

 

[hoytcanon]

I prefer the shortest barrel available... in an upland gun, I am looking for balance and quick pointing, not for swinging ability... you give up nothing in pattern density (choke down if necessary)... you gain compactness and agility and lighter weight... thats a no brainer.

You actually don't even need a barrel for pheasant... my son got this one last fall;

 

[blargon]

20Ga o/u, 28"