I'm looking at selling a couple shotguns and buying a "do everything" shotgun. A Versa max with a 22" barrel, most of the time it will be used for 3gun events but it would be nice to be able to still use it for hunting the odd time. I know a longer barrel would be ideal for a straight hunting gun but with the right choke and a 3 1/2" shell do you think this set up could still get the job done?
Goose hunting with a 22" barrel and the right choke?
- Thread starter SKS-Stu
- Start date
That barrel and the right choke will get the job done with both 2 3/4" and 3" shells. As long as you take the time to pattern the gun to determine the optimal load and choke combo, you're set.
The only real disadvantage for a barrel that short is it's lack of swingability, as you'll find it swings rather quickly.
-Nick
The only real disadvantage for a barrel that short is it's lack of swingability, as you'll find it swings rather quickly.
-Nick
Unless you are an experience wingshooter with very good technique, that 22" barrel will be a handicap to your swing.
And it'll be loud as hell. No idea what it will do to ballistics on any length of shell, but I don't think there is any characteristic that you'll improve by going to a 22" barrel. 26" would be the minimum I'd consider for hunting.
And it'll be loud as hell. No idea what it will do to ballistics on any length of shell, but I don't think there is any characteristic that you'll improve by going to a 22" barrel. 26" would be the minimum I'd consider for hunting.
I'm curious to know what you plan to do with your "do anything" shotgun with 22" barrels. Because 22" barrels are a bad choice for hunting anything, for trap, for skeet, for sporting clays etc. In fact anything that requires you to hit a moving target. As others have noted above, gun handling suffers badly with barrels that short. I have one 26" barrels shotgun, one 27" barrel shotgun and 17 that are 28" to 30". Wish the 26" one was 28". I'd shoot it better.
Actually, anything hunted with front and rear sights ie. Deer and turkey, the shorter the better...... as for other hunting, upland and waterfowl I would agree with you.....
I us my 535 with the 22 inch barrel for every thing .extra full choke for turkeys mod choke for steel ducks and geese and a improved mod for bunnys and birds .throw in the open choke and shot deer with slugs .none of the animals know the barrel is a shorty .d
Ahsan Ahmed
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
A 22in barrel on a semi or pump will bring the OAL to roughly 44 inches (considering the 3.5in chamber). Assuming that it is bird hunting one has in mind, therefore, success may be dependent on the type of bird hunting involved. For grouse in close cover, jump shooting ducks or over decoys it is possible to make consistent hits provided the individual is fully accustomed to using the shotgun. However, the barrel is still short for effective wingshooting and the handicap will be more experienced in Waterfowl hunting scenarios where one can't get away with snap shooting. Moreover, the muzzle blast from a 12ga, particularly in a duck blind will not be appreciated by the fellows present. 
TheCoachZed
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I have hunted ducks/geese with barrels of all lengths from 18 to 32 inches. I only had real success with 28 inch barrels, but I would willing try a 22 or 24. If you are hunting bears or deer as well and want a do-it-all gun, I'd go with 24 ...
I think a mod here, maybe Jay, has a 3.5-inch Baikal with a 24-inch barrel.
I think a mod here, maybe Jay, has a 3.5-inch Baikal with a 24-inch barrel.
Well as I stated it will be mainly used for 3gun, where there is a lot more of a moving shooter then a moving target. Hunting is only something I will be doing the odd time. I undstand and longer barrel would be better for hunting but that is not the main purpose for the gun. I was just looking for anyone else's experience with a shorter barrel for waterfowl. I would not think ballistics would be much of an issue with 3 1/2" Magnums? My main concern was getting the right shot pattern.
22" is kind of an odd length. Not that it matters.
A 22" with an open choke will do nicely for upland birds and small game.
Doubt you'd need or really want a 3.5 Mag for anything, but it isn't about barrel length for hunting. Muzzle flash and blast will be astounding, but not really an issue. Except to anybody near you.
Ballistics always matter. The pattern a shotgun's barrel makes with specific ammo is far more important. Go pattern the thing and see what it'll do at different distances.
A 22" with an open choke will do nicely for upland birds and small game.
Doubt you'd need or really want a 3.5 Mag for anything, but it isn't about barrel length for hunting. Muzzle flash and blast will be astounding, but not really an issue. Except to anybody near you.
Ballistics always matter. The pattern a shotgun's barrel makes with specific ammo is far more important. Go pattern the thing and see what it'll do at different distances.
