barrel length questions

[davebo]

HI
I am new to the forum and wow I must say this is awsome.
I am looing to purchase a new semi prob beretta 391 urika for duck/goose hunting. I am not sure as to what advantage I would have with a 28 or 30" barrel. My understanding is there there is no advantage pattern wise but there might be some for velocity. Can you help me to make a selection by letting me know what the pros and cons would be?

ok here is another one? does anyone know if the gel pad for the beretta teknys will fit on the urika since they are both 391's? The pimply kid at the gun store dosent seem to be the most reliable source.

Thanks

Dave

 

[Levi Garrett]

Go with the 28''. todays ammo will work great , steel shot use 4 shot and smaller with full choke, and mod for larger shot.
The 30'' has little advantage , only on pass shooting for better following the bird.
Frank

 

[Grouse Man]

The biggest impact of barrel length is on shotgun balance. Forget about pattern, velocity differences. For example, the Rem 1100 was designed for optimum balance (whatever that meant to them) with a 28" barrel. You could make it muzzle heavy with a 30, or lighter with the 26.

For ducks and geese, the 28" will be just fine.

 

[davebo]

thanks. That helps, all about personal preference then. I just wanted to make sure that there wasnt really any performance difference.

dave

 

[Tozman]

thanks. That helps, all about personal preference then. I just wanted to make sure that there wasnt really any performance difference.

dave

There is a performance difference. The longer barrel will provide a higher velocity. But the difference is minimal and should not be factor in your decision making.

Waterfowlers prefer a longer barrel (28" or 30") because it will provide a longer sight-line and a more accurate shot.

As indicated above by Grouseman, balance is the other factor to consider.

IMHO, anything between 24" and 30" is fine for overall use.