Semi-auto with 24 inch barrel

Ahsan Ahmed

Ahsan Ahmed

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Appreciate opinions from folks who might be using a 12 or 20ga semi with a 24 inch bbl for Waterfowl ..... in view of the fact that receivers on a semi (most brands/types) tend to be longer therefore compensating a bit in terms of the overall length of the shotgun - however, do you still find the shorter bbl a handicap in any manner?

I do realize that this depends greatly on personal fit/feel/preference - just seeking some common opinions that may be experienced.

Thanks,
 
I use a 26" (I know, not 24") SX3. I use it for various purposes like waterfowling, clays, upland, and I really enjoy using it for bird shooting. For clays I prefer my (now gone.. :() O/U, which has a 28" and easier to swing.
 
I think the 24" barrel takes some getting used to. I shoot a Mossey 930 with 28" barrel with no trouble but I also carry a Cooey(Quad Gun) with a 21" barrel and it takes some getting used to. It seems butt heavy and I think we rely on that extra barrel length and weight to help carry our swing through when shooting. I tend to shoot behind with the short barrel. I have to concentrate on my swing and follow through when using the Cooey...ST...
 
Barrel length helps balance out the rear weight bias on many autoloaders, helping smooth the swing and encourage follow through.

In addition, on long crossing shots a longer barrel reduces the perception of lead required and in the process makes for more precise pointing.

I think a 28 or 30 inch barrel makes a decent waterfowl gun, but I have a 32" that I will be trying out this winter...we'll see how it works!

Jeff
 
I have a 20 gauge BPS with a 22 or 23 inch bbl. It is deadly on closed flushed birds and decoyed mallards, but now that I have tried it, it would be the last gun that I would choose for most waterfowl. Of my 4 autoloaders, 3 have 30 inch bbls and one is 28. When I need to shoot instinctive, the 28 seems short and the BPS feels like a brick. For my shooting style, those shorter ones are not my first choice.
 
Thanks for the input. I've been nursing the idea of getting a 20ga Benelli M2 with a 24 inch bbl. Presently, I own just SXS and O/Us....figured a 24in bbl may not be a bad idea since I would use that as a rough weather gun for Upland and some Waterfowl. The OAL on that M2 is 45.5 inch and corresponds to the OAL of my 28in barrelled breech-loading guns.

Guess it would be prudent to go the middle ground route and opt for a 26 then...had a 20ga Nova 26" for a brief period that swung fine. The 12ga M2 28" that I had also owned was just too long for me.
 
Fabarm Lion H38 or H68 with 24" tribore barrel .. its a very light shotgun, 3" chamber, but dont let the weight ( or lack thereof ) fool you, it eats the recoil and is lovely to shoot.

its got everything you want, large safety, easy to clean gas system, vent rib, high vis bead, interchoke,most come with mag extension ( 7 rounds ) light weight. and looks very nice with the timber stock and handguard
 
Fabarm makes an excellent product. However, I'm kinda partial to Benellis :) having owned some of their semis previously ...... inertia system lends to superior ease of maintenance.
 
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