26" or 28" Barrel - how to choose?

[DougB]

A friend of mine is getting a new Remington 1187 semi-auto shotgun. He'll use it for hunting a variety of birds (pheasant, quail, dove, duck, turkey, etc.). It won't be used for big game or home defense. He's about 5'7" tall and in good shape. He asked me if I thought he should get the 26" or 28" barrel. I've noticed that 28" barrels seem more standard, but I have no idea which would be best for him. Does a longer barrel give more velocity and/or range (as it does with a rifle)? Would a shorter barrel swing more naturally for someone his height? How do you choose a shotgun barrel lenght? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Doug

 

[45auto]

No additional range in the longer bbls for shotguns.

I'd pick the one that "swings" better or just feels better. Sorry for that 'standard' answer- doesn't help much...but!

A lot depends on how heavy the bbls are. I own a 1100 with 26" bbls and that's about the heaviest I would want to go for hunting, particulary quail, pheasant, etc. Sitting in a duck blind, with a heater the 28" or even a 30" would be fine.

Now, my 1100 is very old so they may have lightened up the bbls on the new ones, changed it with 1187, etc , so back to whatever feels best!!

All things being equal or can't tell the difference between the two bbls, I'd go with the longer ones.

 

[Badger Arms]

On the 11/87, I'd go with the 26" barrel. The extra two inches would be fine if you're going to use it exclusively on the Trap Range or in a Duck Blind, but if he intends to use it anywhere else, the shorter barrel will be an asset. Anything beyond, say, 22" won't make the gun shoot much faster. Longer barrels have only one true advantage. They provide more 'sight radius' and allow you to point a little truer in some situations. Frankly, I don't see the difference between a 28" and 26" barrel especially on a repeating shotgun that's as long as the 11/87 is in the first place. Get the shorter barrel, just make sure it's remchoked.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Use the shortest barrel that you can still remain fluid with. Why carry all that extra weight and ungainliness of a big ol long smoke pole??

I prefer shorter barrels myself------26in is my long tom.

Own 5 shotguns right now:

1- 18.5in --pump
2- 24in --pumps
2- 26in ---1 auto--1 SxS------the overall length of the SxS is still about 2 inches shorter than the 24in pumps. Very handy.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Six of one, 1/2 dozen of t'other. Get what feels best, no ballistic handicap nor advantage. Longer barrels swing more smoothly, but 2 inches is not crucial. Might not be enough to note.