bigalexe
Member
I was wondering if 4" of barrel from 24 to 28 will make an appreciable difference in pattern. I plan on using the 24 because its lighter but if the shorter barrel will give me a better pattern I would like to try it.
How will 4" of barrel affect patterns?
- Thread starter bigalexe
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Hunterdad
Member
no noticable differences
oneounceload
member
If you use the same choke, there will be ZERO difference. Barrel length has nothing to do with patterns - the choke constriction at the end of the barrel determines that. Barrel length does have an influence with swing dynamics
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
Given the barrel lengths you mention, 4" more or less barrel should make zero difference in patterns. In practice, if you use two different barrels, there may be observable differences in patterns, but that has more to do with the differences between individual barrels than the length of the barrels. In fact, you might well see observable differences in patterns between two different barrels of the same length.
Shotgun barrels are often a law unto themselves where patterns are concerned, but length has little if any influence on that...
lpl
Shotgun barrels are often a law unto themselves where patterns are concerned, but length has little if any influence on that...
lpl
bigalexe
Member
Thanks, I didn't want to waste extra shells patterning when they cost a buck a piece.
I think you misunderstood. You still need to practice. No 2 barrels are the same. Two barrels that look exactly alike may shoot very differently. It is not uncommon for them to shoot left, right, high or lower than your aim. Not to mention pattern the same loads differently. The fact that one is longer or shorter has little to do with it. The 2 barrels may in fact shoot the same. But I wouldn't hunt with it until I found out for sure.
Virginian
Member
Drastically, if the choke was in that 4". If the chokes are the same in both barrels, very little.
bigalexe
Member
jmr40, why exactly is this your opinion? I'm only asking because lets say I already had one barrel and was considering buying another one... how would I pick out which barrel to buy N.I.B. at the store?
I'm not trying to nitpick I'm just looking for a little clarification. I understand that in this situation it's a stretch since I already own both barrels.
win71
Member
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I doubt you'll see any difference
I bought an old Parker two barrel set in 12 ga. Both sets of barrels and the frame have the same serial number so I believe it was bought from the factory that way. The barrel sets are marked 1 and 2. One set is 26 inch and although not marked, the constrictions make it improved cylinder and modified. The other set is 30 inch and choked exactly the same only in opposite barrels. Choke to choke they pattern #6's almost exactly the same.
Why this gun was ordered this way is anybodies guess. The weird part is the longer set is choked like other doubles. Right barrel I.C, left Mod. The shorter set which is handier to use over a pointer is choked backwards. Mod. on right barrel, I.C. on left. With double triggers it gets a little confusing.
I bought an old Parker two barrel set in 12 ga. Both sets of barrels and the frame have the same serial number so I believe it was bought from the factory that way. The barrel sets are marked 1 and 2. One set is 26 inch and although not marked, the constrictions make it improved cylinder and modified. The other set is 30 inch and choked exactly the same only in opposite barrels. Choke to choke they pattern #6's almost exactly the same.
Why this gun was ordered this way is anybodies guess. The weird part is the longer set is choked like other doubles. Right barrel I.C, left Mod. The shorter set which is handier to use over a pointer is choked backwards. Mod. on right barrel, I.C. on left. With double triggers it gets a little confusing.
To try to clarify my point. If you have patterned your 28" barrel and know how it shoots I would not assume another barrel (even using the same choke tube) will pattern the same. It may well, it may not. I would still pattern the gun with the different barrel to know for sure. The length of the barrel is not important. A 24" barrel is capable of shooting groups just as tight as a longer barrel. But every barrel is just a bit different.
There is no way to know which to pick. Just have to shoot them and see what happens.
Not trying to confuse you, which I may have done. If I were in your shoes I would simply try both barrels and use the one that patterned the best. There may well be no difference. But I'm not going hunting until I KNOW where my bullets or shot patterns are going.
There is no way to know which to pick. Just have to shoot them and see what happens.
Not trying to confuse you, which I may have done. If I were in your shoes I would simply try both barrels and use the one that patterned the best. There may well be no difference. But I'm not going hunting until I KNOW where my bullets or shot patterns are going.
bigalexe
Member
Ok thanks, I thought you were telling me to pattern each barrel and see what works better/worse or throws it where I want it.
I would never assume one barrels throws shot or slugs exactly where the other one did. A side affect of being a student in the engineering/machine trades is a familiarity with manufacturing variances.
My initial question was an end-around to ask "Should I even bother shooting both barrels at the patterning board or just the one I plan to hunt with?"
I would never assume one barrels throws shot or slugs exactly where the other one did. A side affect of being a student in the engineering/machine trades is a familiarity with manufacturing variances.
My initial question was an end-around to ask "Should I even bother shooting both barrels at the patterning board or just the one I plan to hunt with?"
You won't see any practical difference in pattern, all else being equal.
You won't see much, if any, difference in velocity between a 24 and 28" barrel.
You will see a difference in how the gun swings. Quicker with a 24, but harder to swing smoothly. Slower but smoother with a 28.
You won't see much, if any, difference in velocity between a 24 and 28" barrel.
You will see a difference in how the gun swings. Quicker with a 24, but harder to swing smoothly. Slower but smoother with a 28.
bigalexe
Member
I hope I'm not swinging on turkeys, probably should have mentioned that's what I'm preparing for.
JWF III
Member
4 inches of barrel, will make 4 inches of difference. The muzzle will be 4 inches further from the target with a 24" barrel, compared to a 28" barrel. So in reality, no noticeable difference at all.
Wyman
Wyman
glazer1972
Member
None.
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