Shotgun barrel length

[jchief]

Researching for a new shotgun for mainly duck hunting. What are the benefits/differences to the different length barrels from the 26 - 30"?

Thanks

[Deadly D]

you can go with 26 or 28, I prefer the 28 cause the 26 will blast some ones ears. The IC and M are your best chokes

[Armand16]

I shoot at 28" and 30". Seems like i can draw a bead quicker on the 28" and the 30" might have more reach. Shoot IC in both

[Kenner18]

I shoot a 28" with either a patternmaster ext range or an Imp Mod choke

[jlincecum]

26 is gonna be all around easier for you and will perform just as good as the other 2

[Top Dawg]

The shorter the louder

[jlincecum]

Originally Posted by Top Dawg

The shorter the louder

uuuhhhhh......its a shotgun. theyre all loud

[cmcnabb]

A 26 and a 28 is a huge difference with ears ringing. Ill never own a 26 or shorter

[Spunt Drag]

Most outfitters won't even allow barrels under 26" because of the hearing and muzzle safety.

[jlincecum]

Originally Posted by Spunt Drag

Most outfitters won't even allow barrels under 26" because of the hearing and muzzle safety.

x2. had 2 people show up one time with 24" turkey guns. not cool, and wont happen again.

[I make oil]

I hunted with a 20'' barrel on a 870 one season and it didn't bother me but my hunting partners hated it! I now hunt with a 28'' and they are much happier. I had a friend who shot a ported barrel and after hunting with him one time I'll never let anyoune in my blind with a ported barrel. Talk about LOUD!

[DA COVE]

The longer barrel gives u a longer plaining surface which equates to getting on target a little faster. I have shotguns in 21", 24", 26", 28",& 30". The only one i find louder is the 24" ported slug barrel. But I'm near def anyway. I personally like the 26".

[Fishmaster19]

I have an extrema 2 that came with a 28" barrel. I shot well with it then one day a faulty shell caused the barrel to blow up on the end...had it cut down and re-threaded. now its 25.5" with a 1" choke sticking out the end and I shoot better with ie then I did when it was a 28. Don't notice any difference as far as it being louder. I think it comes up faster and swings better now. IDK If i bought another gun I'd prolly get a 26" and put a custom extended choke. and remember, if your shooting steel...a modified choke is the same as full with lead, improved is same as modified with lead, etc.

[Bdub]

Got a Marlin goose gun that shoots BB very well at 75 yds whereas my A400 will smack em real good at 50 but not so well at 75 with the stock choke (I think its mod if I remember correctly). I've been thinking about getting an aftermarket choke but most my birds are shot close range so I'd like to save some breast.

[ifsteve]

28" is my favorite length for a waterfowl gun. Both my Browning Maxus 12 and Winchester SX3 20 have 28" barrels. I have also shot 26" barrels for both autoloaders and light upland O/Us and they are fine.

30" barrels, IMHO, are too long for a hunting weapon. They are slower to mount. They do help in maintaining swing such as when shooting sporting clays but for hunting I think they are too cumbersome in a tight blind for quickly mounting and shooting.