Perfect upland game barrel length and gauge?

[sheephunter]

Effective killing range: 18.5"=25 yards, 20"=30 yards, 24"=35 yards

Why would there be a difference in effective range between barrel lengths? This has been discussed to death on here and barrel length has very little effect on velocity or pattern in a shotgun when you get past 14.5 inches. The only difference in range between an 18.5" barrel and a 24" barrel would be 5.5". It's a commonly believed myth that shorter shotgun barrels equal shorter effective ranges but generally that's not true.

 

[Vimy Ridge]

I like a 26" barrel and 12 gauge.

 

[Win/64]

Why would there be a difference in effective range between barrel lengths? This has been discussed to death on here and barrel length has very little effect on velocity or pattern in a shotgun when you get past 14.5 inches. The only difference in range between an 18.5" barrel and a 24" barrel would be 5.5". It's a commonly believed myth that shorter shotgun barrels equal shorter effective ranges but generally that's not true.

X2...... But longer barrels handle better and swing better in the field.

 

[Crazy.kayaker]

doubleman I've been keeping an eye on the EE for a SxS any gauge for $200-$300 there are a few but they tend to go fast. I have 2 12 Gauges and am hoping to get something with a lighter gauge in SxS or O/U just because I already have 2 12 Gauges in Pump and Single. Variety is the joy of life and shoguns just make if funner I was leaning towards the 20 gauge as I've noticed more 20 ammo on the selves then 16 ammo.

 

[Covey Ridge]

I've shot hand thrown clays with my dad's .410 coachgun

Coachgun and .410 do not seem to go together? Can't see John Wayne, saying "Hey Sam! Think we may be in for a fight! Those red skins are gettin a mite close for comfort! Pass me that .410 double."

 

[njlondon]

I have seen weight mentioned only once in this thread.
For grouse and woodcock, over a dog or not, a well-fitted and balanced light gun beats a well-fitted and balanced heavy gun. Hence I shoot a 20 gauge. Usually a Citori, but one of the best was a 20 gauge Franchi ultra-light semi. Weighed 5 1/4 pounds as I recall, and was balanced well.

 

[Win/64]

Coachgun and .410 do not seem to go together? Can't see John Wayne, saying "Hey Sam! Think we may be in for a fight! Those red skins are gettin a mite close for comfort! Pass me that .410 double."

Who's Sam?

 

[Covey Ridge]

Why would there be a difference in effective range between barrel lengths? This has been discussed to death on here and barrel length has very little effect on velocity or pattern in a shotgun when you get past 14.5 inches. The only difference in range between an 18.5" barrel and a 24" barrel would be 5.5". It's a commonly believed myth that shorter shotgun barrels equal shorter effective ranges but generally that's not true.

Northman999,
Don't say I didn't warn you

 

[Covey Ridge]

X2...... But longer barrels handle better and swing better in the field.

Depnds on the field. If it is thick bush, you might not get any swing with longer barrel

 

[Win/64]

Depnds on the field. If it is thick bush, you might not get any swing with longer barrel

Depnds = Depends just look at the packaging you may have put on a "fresh" one this morning.

 

[sheephunter]

X2...... But longer barrels handle better and swing better in the field.

To a point for sure.........but for upland where quick mounting and swing is often required, I find a 26" barrel works best for me. Lots of guys prefer 24" barrels though.

 

[Covey Ridge]

Who's Sam?

He's just some fictitious guy I made up just as a 410 would be fictitious if used on a real coach gun

 

[easy]

Why is the 20 a better choice than the 16?

A plus with the 20 would be the 3" capability. I don't think 3" shells are offered for 16 ga. A 20 gauge 3" shell's payload gets you pretty close to a 12 gauge if needed.

 

[Covey Ridge]

Depnds = Depends just look at the packaging you may have put on a "fresh" one this morning.

Glad you reminded me. This topic is so riveting that I may not get away in time

 

[Crazy.kayaker]

Just so everyone knows I'll be hunting in new growth and old growth forests and in open grasslands. Kamloops has all three and lots of it. So I need something for dense brush and open brush and grasslands. I love where I live.

 

[Win/64]

A plus with the 20 would be the 3" capability. I don't think 3" shells are offered for 16 ga. A 20 gauge 3" shell's payload gets you pretty close to a 12 gauge if needed.

Factory loads in 16ga 2 3/4", 1 1/8 oz. shot are easy to find in my area. No need for 3", for upland hunting.

 

[Crazy.kayaker]

Factory loads in 16ga 2 3/4", 1 1/8 oz. shot are easy to find in my area. No need for 3", for upland hunting.

and what area is that may I ask as you have no location on your profile

 

[Win/64]

and what area is that may I ask as you have no location on your profile

Southern Ontario. Where after 3 days of Snow and at least 2 feet on the ground and this morning it's pouring rain.

 

[Crazy.kayaker]

Southern Ontario. Where after 3 days of Snow and at least 2 feet on the ground and this morning it's pouring rain.

I'm in Kamloops BC and we have about 1-3 feet of snow depending on your elevation but it's mostly stopped for now so I'm off with my .22 and Single shot to see If I get lucky and find a rabbit or two at 4000-5000 feet. Now where did I put the snow shoes....

 

[Covey Ridge]

If I get lucky and find a rabbit or two at 4000-5000 feet. Now where did I put the snow shoes....

Hope you mean elevation? 4000-5000 feet is to far to shoot rabbits unless you get a rifle from Alberta Tactical