26" vs 28" Shotgun Barrel

utahpredator_7

utahpredator_7

New member
I'm going to buy a semi-auto twelve guage here soon and I can't decide between a 26" or 28" barrel. It will be used for ducks primarily, geese,doves, pheasant, chukars, quail, coons, coyotes and rabbits. What are the advantages of the longer/shorter barrels and which would suit my uses best? Thanks
 
you will get a little more velocity out of the 28" tube, remember with steel shot "speed kills"

the 26 will be a little easier to point and haul around

You should get the gun that fits you best if you are tall and have long arms go with the 28, if shorter and have short arms go with the 26.
 
It will be a choice you make based on what "feels" or "looks" best to you. If it were not for the quail, chukar, rabbit part of your question I would suggest a 28". But, the "grouse, quail, rabbit and chukar" "thing" is done in cover and involves fast target acquisition. That is better handled at the shorter barrel lengths.


Your question posed a single choice for " ducks primarily, geese,doves, pheasant, chukars, quail, coons, coyotes and rabbits"

For that set of "choices" I have ten shotguns 12-20-28 gauge, some autos, some doubles and form 30 to 21" barrels... Merging that into one gun means a few compromises. Those compromises are yours to sort through. A 26" Remington 1100 in 2 3/4" with choke tubes will get close for most, in my opinion (but that is just my opinion). Good luck and enjoy whatever gun you do choose.
 
The longer the barrel the better the aim. The drawback is the extra weight. If the extra weight doesnt bother you go as long as you can.
 
For one there is no gain in velocity for a shotgun between the two mentioned. The follow thru and sight radius on a 28 inch model "MAY" be better for you if it fits you or suits your needs. If you are coming up out of a layout blind the 26" tube would be my choice. I hunt geese from a layout blind and they are usually right over the top of us and barrel length and sight radius has never made an ounce of difference. You have more to worry about over which choke tube works better for you than 2" of barrel.
 
Originally Posted By: FALFireFor one there is no gain in velocity for a shotgun between the two mentioned.

A wad acts same as a bullet, it holds pressure back and the longer this happens (to an extent) the more velocity will be transferred to the ejecta weather it a bullet or shot string

Now I may be splitting hairs, but it would be measurable maybe only a 50fps but it is there

As said before what ever fits you best doubt you'd notice and extra 2 anyway. unless it is a O/U
 
Maybe I should have stated "The velocity gains of a mere 20-30 FPS is not enough of a difference to make a real difference in the real world of hunting with a shotgun".

As stated, you would be wise to find the one that mounts, fits, feels and follows through smoothly enough that will allow you to actually hit your target.

If you want to review shotgun barrel length vs velocity go here.

http://www.guncustomizing.com/tech.htm#barrelvelocity
 
I believe (if my once average at best memory serves me) that most 12 ga loads have reached max velocity in about 20 or less inches... In fact, I believe that those 32" Marlin "Goose Guns" actually started to lose velocity because the gas started to contract from cooling... Now, after I have shot off my mouth I am going to dig through my "old stuff" and find some actual facts... LOL If I make a fool of me I'll post what I find...
 
The velocity difference is not decernable in the field. The real world benefit of the longer barrel is less precieved "Lead" on game with the 28" barrel Vs. the 26" barrel.

This is why trap shooters have always used 30" barrels or longer. Sporting clay shooters use 30" or longer and "SKEET" shooters converted to 28" inch or longer barrels in the 90's.

Hoggy
 
If you are in a blind with another hunter, they will appreciate the longer barrel. I had a 24" on a Beretta Pintail and my hunting buddy constantly complained that it was really loud. Went to a 26" Benelli SBE and he doesn't mind shooting quackers with me any more.
 
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