Welcome to THR !
In a word - Yes.
The reason folks use longer bbls for trap, clay games and hunting include :
-The apparent lead is shorter.
-Allows one to better swing the gun. [ read: the momentum allows better follow through. Many targets/birds are shot behind because one stops the swing]
-Balance. Which takes in consideration the mounting, swing and follow through.
A short bbl will fell birds the same as a longer, some birds are "easier" with a longer. Now I've not hunted woodcock but I have hunted in dense timber, this is where a short bbl has an advantage.
On a pump gun 21" - 23" bbls makes a dandy set up.
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Aside for the semi crowd reading and feeling left out-
Some semi's like the 1100 with 2 3/4 " chambers allow this as well . Remember the old 'Bird Gun" with straight stock?. Other semis are not condusive because we get into dwell time and such. The old Beretta 303 will ( especially the 20 ga with 23"bbl)
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Back to your 1300 ( and other pumps)
"If" you just happen to get a chance to have a gunsmith buddy about to cut down a bbl to 18.5"...see if he will cut at 24" and at 1" in increments as he shortens - and let you mount and swing the gun after each cut. I know what I think about the 21- 23" length. It is worth buying him lunch [ hint hint].
psst...you ever get a 20 ga pump , and an extra bbl...and do this...*grin*
Makes a very PC "Serious Situation"SG ...just an old bird gun used for SD is all...
