12 ga. barrel lengths

[perkis]

which is a better barrel length? 26" or 28"; i have no problem with the longer 28" but am looking for a new semi-auto and would like to know the pros and cons of each barrel length; i do alot of deer hunting (slugs) and pheasant hunting and any input would be appreciated; thanks

 

[Steve C]

There's no balistic advantage beyond a 24" barrel. The longer barrel 28" is usually better for longer shots as it gives you a better sight radius. If your primary use is Pheasants, ducks, and trap shooting I'd say go with the 28". If you'll be shooting mostly short range grouse, brushy area hunting with quick crossing shots or shooting skeet then the 26" would be faster on target and a better recommendation. I personally like the 28" with modified choke for hunting just about anything.

 

[Third_Rail]

I seem to recall that at anything over 14", velocity doesn't increase significantly for "standard" loads.

My preference, that aside, is 26" - it just feels right to me. Of course, I also like 28"... and 22", and I have a few 18.5"....

 

[gezzer]

Ballisticly length makes no difference.

Handling it is personal depending what you are doing. Some like 26" for skeet or 30-32 for clays or trap. Again personal choice, try different lengths and find what YOU are comfortable with. Never minding current fads.

 

[Jack2427]

You will find the difference to be nothing-except the length may affect your swing and follow through. Sight radius on a SG is not relevant, except insofar as it might allow a better "pick up" of the barrel/sight as you mount the gun.
At 26-28" the above are the only differences you will find, and they might be so insignificant as to be not relevant. With bigger differences in length, those factors may become more significant.

 

[mete]

Remember that a 24" auto or pump has the same overall length as a 28" O/U .A 24" auto is all you need I think. Handy for the woods , good balance,plenty of sight radius.

 

[Tom Held]

Ring my ears

If you plan to use it for waterfowl hunting your partners will hate the 26" barrel. That extra two inches can create some nasty ear ringing when your shooting partners are shoulder to shoulder.

 

[JohnBT]

Or, heaven forbid, a short ported barrel in the blind. Any ported barrel for that matter. "Look, your gun just fell in 8 feet of water."

For waterfowling the longer the better in case you need to paddle the boat, push the boat, retrieve decoys, use it as a hiking staff or tie a rag on it and wave for help.

John