Barrel lengths, what is the difference.

[Alberta Bigbore]

im out to buy a new multi purpose shotgun soon for hunting.

this will be for grouse, pheasants, ducks and geese. Im looking at a few models and some of them give a choice of a 28 inch, 26 inch, and a s4 inch barrel. Is there some kind of difference in how the shot will spread out in a longer barrel vs a short barrel? a 26 inch barrel feels the most comfy for me, but just looking for some advice here.



thx


Bigbore

 

[Grouse Man]

The barrel length has no noticeable effect on velocity or pattern. Noise, yes (longer is quieter). Balance, yes. Swing momentum, yes (longer has more).

Most guns are designed for best balance around a 28" barrel. If the 26" feels best to you, that's the best barrel for you FOR THAT GUN, as another gun may feel right to you with a 28", understand?

 

[Sharptail]

The speed of the shot is virtually unchanged with any barrel length greater than 17 inches. The spread of the shot is determined by the choke / load combination, not barrel length. The balance of each individual gun is different. If the one you are looking at feels best with 26 inchers, go for it. If most of your shooting will be pass shooting ducks and geese at longer ranges, find a gun with 30 inch barrels (for the long sighting plane and steady swing).

Sharptail

 

[bill c68]

I like a 24-26" on a semi and 26-28" on a O/U

Again like everyone else said, whatever feels best to you.
I used to love 20" coachguns until I started hunting with one, definitely harder to swing smoothly.

 

[Alberta Bigbore]

thx

thx for the advice guys. most pump guns feel just right with 26" for me, and O/U with 28". I just wasnt sure, as i see alot of SxS with very shortr barrels, or specific upland pumps and semi that are shorterthan normal, thought it meant something. Must be just for bushwacking.



Bigbore

 

[Calum]

As mentioned above... the birdies are not going to notice the extra 10-20 fps with a few more inches on the barrel. So Go for comfy all the way.