Does shotgun barrel thickness make a difference in anything?

[mr00jimbo]

Some tactical shotguns have thick walled barrels. Some hunting shotguns like Wingmasters have thin ones.
Is the barrel thickness of a shotgun related to volume of shooting, durability, or anything?
If not, what's the point of guns like the 590A1 having a thick barrel option?

 

[madtrapper143]

A thick barrel would be stronger IF it is made of good steel. Lot's of older single shots have thick barrels but average strength due to the type of metal used. Thick barrels in tactical models have good steel and are made that way for durablity in extreme conditions and to handle the multitude of projectiles and shot they are expected to fire. So to answer your question barrel thickness does not always mean strength unless high grade steel is used.

Darryl

 

[sgt.rock]

For me, I opted for the 590 with the thinner barrel, as I had a remmy 870 and didn't like the extra weight. The lighter shotty swung much better. I take reasonably good care of all my firearms, so I cant imagine going for the heavy barrel. I never use my barrels for driving nails when woodworking. I have several hammers.

 

[Grouse Man]

Barrel thickness? Affects total weight, balance, and how much force you can apply to the barrel in the use of such things as bayonets, or using the barrel itself as a weapon (i.e. in a military/tactical application).

 

[straightshooter]

Barrel thickness is also a determining factor when deciding if chambers can be lengthened, forcing cones can be lengthened, and/or barrels can be threaded for removable chokes.

 

[facemans]

If you are going to be shooting several hundred rounds in a short amount of time, depending on the quality of the steel a thin walled barrel may not be able.to.handle it, but for a hunting shotgun that will not be the case for.most people so they don't bother with the thick ones for shotguns designed specifically for hunting