Barrel length question

[powdergun]

I want a dual purpose pump. One for geese, ducks etc. and one for grouse. I've got a mossy 535 with the accuchokes and a 28" tube for the ducks. I was wondering if anyone has hunted grouse with the 24" barrel ? What chokes would you use for a good grouse slayer ?

I like the idea of the shorter barrel for maneuverabilty through the brush.

 

[12magnum]

the 24" would get on target quicker for grouse , but the 28" is ok to. either barrel with an improved cylinder accuchoke would be great. even the mod. choke would do. ideally 24" barrel and accuchoke imp.cyl. would be hard to beat.

 

[Win/64]

I prefer a longer barrel in an upland gun because the swing is smoother 24" I think would be to short.

 

[Calum]

Depends on what you practice with.
IMHO this and choke type is more important, then barrel length.

For the areas I hunt grouse in a longer barrel is a hindrance.

 

[Grouse Man]

I'd say you're on the right track. Get as open a choke as possible for that 12 ga, and you'll have a very deadly gun. And one that doesn't hamburger what it hits.

 

[straightshooter]

I wouldn't expect either barrel length to be a handicap - each would have it's advantages, depending on the time of the year and how thick the brush.

I'd definitely advise that you pattern your chokes in both barrels and at a variety of distances (making sure to pay closer attention to the distances where most of your shots present themselves). What you'll find is that the best choke at 20 yards leaves large gaps at 40 yards. Even the same tube in 2 different barrels may yield different results.

Nobody can tell you what to expect and you'll never know until you try the actual combination (shells, barrel, choke - yes, the shells can make a huge difference, too).