Shotgun barrel length?

[PEGUY]

I recently posted some questions about shortening my shotgun. This has since raised some more questions.

What effect does barrel length have on a shotgun? Why would someone want a 28" barrel other than it having a better (longer) sight line making it potentially more accurate? Aside from this is there any difference between a 28" and a 20"?

I know there are a number of you with vast knowledge on this, so please speak up.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[canucklehead]

For all normal barrel lengths (lets say, 18"+), the only thing that length affects is the swing/balance of the gun. It's a hell of a lot tougher to swing an 18" barrel in a straight line than it is to swing a 30" barrel.

Between a 20" and 28", again, the only difference is how well the gun swings through targets (skeet, birds, whatever).

When you start talking 14" barrels and shorter, I'm thinking you start to lose velocity, as there is still some unburned powder by the time the shot cup reaches the end of the barrel. Kinda like the velocity difference between a 16" barrelled 9mm carbine and a 5" barrelled handgun....