kennygarza
Member
Which one would be better for upland and waterfowl hunting? Is one easier to swing? Is one better for longer shots, if needed? This will be a 12 ga.
Please advise.
Thanks-KG
Please advise.
Thanks-KG
26" or 28" shotgun?
- Thread starter kennygarza
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kennygarza said:
Upland what?
My 28" pump 12 ga is bulky for dove and quail shooting in the brush. I want a 20 ga 26" double. But for waterfowl, trap, etc., the 28" pump 12 ga is great.
Longer shots aren't really the issue. Swing speed and smoothness are. You want a snappy gun to shoot flushing birds in heavy brush (or skeet), but a smooth swinging gun to shoot passing ducks (or trap).
Shotguns are a lot like golf clubs. Swing is the thing.
When I bought my Citori 20 some years ago, I ordered it with 26" barrels. No real complaints, especially on upland game. But sometimes I think I would follow through better with longer barrels.
Try both if you can. It doesn't make any difference on longer shots BTW.
Try both if you can. It doesn't make any difference on longer shots BTW.
MNgoldenbear
Member
Addition regarding longer shots -- Longer shotgun barrels will not generate more velocity/greater range, at least within the assortment of barrel lengths commonly found. However, since proper lead becomes more critical on longer shots, the longer barrels may help you in that respect ("smoother", hard to jerk, greater moment of inertia).
I'm perfectly happy with 26" tubes on my Rem O/U and auto, but never really had an issue with 28" barrel on my pump either. No significant experience with longer barrels. (Tried a couple of trap guns with long tubes -- felt nice, shot well)
I'm perfectly happy with 26" tubes on my Rem O/U and auto, but never really had an issue with 28" barrel on my pump either. No significant experience with longer barrels. (Tried a couple of trap guns with long tubes -- felt nice, shot well)
kennygarza
Member
Much thanks for the replies. I'm of the understanding that I could get do well with either length. I have 28" barrels on my pump and auto, but I'm interested in a 26" double. I appreciate your input.
KG
KG
usmarine0352_2005
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26" Barrel is the ONE YOU WANT.
I'd go with a 26" for all purpose like you want. In the duck blind, boat or laydown blind a 28" is really too long. The amount of smoother swing or added velocity you'll get with 2" is just not noticable. So for all around hunting go with a 26".
I've used a 26" inch Benelli SBE II from duck blinds, boats, laydown blinds, and pit blinds in MN to pheasant hunting in South Dakota and it works great.
It's an in between size between a 24" (too short) and a 28" too long. So stick with this compromise and you'll be fine.
I'd go with a 26" for all purpose like you want. In the duck blind, boat or laydown blind a 28" is really too long. The amount of smoother swing or added velocity you'll get with 2" is just not noticable. So for all around hunting go with a 26".
I've used a 26" inch Benelli SBE II from duck blinds, boats, laydown blinds, and pit blinds in MN to pheasant hunting in South Dakota and it works great.
It's an in between size between a 24" (too short) and a 28" too long. So stick with this compromise and you'll be fine.
ScreamnEagle
Member
The barrel lenght will not generate any added velocity, it is just in question of your plane of sight. I find a 28 to fit me better just because you get a little smother swing and a better view. You don't really aim a shotgun you point. and if the barrel is to short you may not get the view you want.
I use a 28 O/U, just what i like.
Do you shoot with both eyes open?
I use a 28 O/U, just what i like.
Do you shoot with both eyes open?
Sunray
Member
"...better for upland and waterfowl hunting..." Both require different chokes. For upland hunting, you'll find a shorter barrel with a more open choke is best. A 20" barrel with a modified or IC choke for upland game is ideal. The birds tend to be shot at closer ranges than ducks. For ducks and geese a longer barrel with a tighter choke is best. Both birds tend to be shot a longer ranges so a tighter choke is required.
I'd be thinking a 24" or 26" barrel with changable chokes. Or two barrels with different chokes. Mind you, you may be missing the opportunity to buy another shotgun.
I'd be thinking a 24" or 26" barrel with changable chokes. Or two barrels with different chokes. Mind you, you may be missing the opportunity to buy another shotgun.
JohnBT
Member
We shoot ducks and geese over decoys with Hevi-Shot and IC chokes. I thought about buying an Invector-Plus Skeet tube yesterday, but they were out of them. That was the only one they were out of.
Every shotgun I own has a 28" barrel. I'm in a rut, I think I'll get a 30" O/U or maybe a 32 next.
John
Every shotgun I own has a 28" barrel. I'm in a rut, I think I'll get a 30" O/U or maybe a 32 next.
John
sm
member
General all around...
<enter my gun fit to shooter spiel here>
I use 28" for everything. I personally prefer this for me , gets into balance, swing, less percieved lead...
Be it O/U, Semi, or Pump,The point mete brought up about overall total length is pertinent.
Quail, doves, duck, small game, deer...
Gun fit to shooter for task. In brush, such as woodcock or deer, shorter bbl is easier to tote.
In clay games, I have no problem and actually prefer 30"-34" bbls. And yes shooting from low gun a person can get a 8-9# gun up and on target fast. Proper form, correct fundamentals and all come into play.
IMO/IME this is an individual measurement. Body type, length of arms, height, age...
The best kept secret - the 1100 in 20 ga with 26" bbls is great for teenagers, petite ladies, or the older person whom has Father Time and such messing with them.
Hence the reason many folks buy a combo gun with longer and shorter tubes. Wood stocked as to allow for the tweaking of gun fit for a new shooter. Short bbl can do HD, deer, turkey and some even take the upland game in thick cover...just point the durn thing- not aim it is all.
<enter my gun fit to shooter spiel here>
I use 28" for everything. I personally prefer this for me , gets into balance, swing, less percieved lead...
Be it O/U, Semi, or Pump,The point mete brought up about overall total length is pertinent.
Quail, doves, duck, small game, deer...
Gun fit to shooter for task. In brush, such as woodcock or deer, shorter bbl is easier to tote.
In clay games, I have no problem and actually prefer 30"-34" bbls. And yes shooting from low gun a person can get a 8-9# gun up and on target fast. Proper form, correct fundamentals and all come into play.
IMO/IME this is an individual measurement. Body type, length of arms, height, age...
The best kept secret - the 1100 in 20 ga with 26" bbls is great for teenagers, petite ladies, or the older person whom has Father Time and such messing with them.
Hence the reason many folks buy a combo gun with longer and shorter tubes. Wood stocked as to allow for the tweaking of gun fit for a new shooter. Short bbl can do HD, deer, turkey and some even take the upland game in thick cover...just point the durn thing- not aim it is all.
TrapperReady
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Peronally, I prefer longer barrels. For the msot part, I like at least 28" barrels on single-barreled repeaters. For O/U's I like at least 30", and 32 if possible. The one exception to this is when hunting grouse. My prefered grouse gun has the barrel bobbed back to a hair under 24". It is far easier to manuever in heavy cover.
Vern Humphrey
Member
In general a gun that is muzzle heavy will give you a smoother swing. The penalty you pay is that it will not be as quick and snappy as a muzzle-light gun. Waterfowlers, who have time for a smooth swing tend to like longer barrels, upland hunters tend to favor shorter barrels.
Waterfowlers, who usually hunt from blinds, don't have to struggle through brush, or carry their guns long distances. Upland hunters, however, do have to struggle with these obstacles. Here, again, the conditions favor longer, heavier guns for waterfowlers and shorter, lighter guns for upland hunters.
Waterfowlers, who usually hunt from blinds, don't have to struggle through brush, or carry their guns long distances. Upland hunters, however, do have to struggle with these obstacles. Here, again, the conditions favor longer, heavier guns for waterfowlers and shorter, lighter guns for upland hunters.
charby
Member
I have bagged lots of pheasants and ducks with my 24" barrell on a Beretta Pintail.
scout26
Member
Yes,
Borrow/Get one of each and see what works best for you.
Plus what Vern said.
BigFatKen
Member
get extra range with 40" barrel
I garentee you a 40" goose gun will shoot longer. At least a foot over the 28"; more compared to 26".
I garentee you a 40" goose gun will shoot longer. At least a foot over the 28"; more compared to 26".
BigFatKen
Member
get extra range with 40" barrel
I guarentee you a 40" goose gun will shoot longer. At least a foot over the 28"; more compared to 26".
However, I call my 20" SxS with no choke "'ol can't miss". 12 to 18 yards where I do most of my upland shooting, its deadly.
I guarentee you a 40" goose gun will shoot longer. At least a foot over the 28"; more compared to 26".
However, I call my 20" SxS with no choke "'ol can't miss". 12 to 18 yards where I do most of my upland shooting, its deadly.
I use 1187 Super Mag 26" barrel for goose/duck. With the 3-1/2" shells they drop at 50yds. Some of my friends say 26" is too short. But we all kill birds.
To me leading the geese/ducks is the hard part.
My advice whether you choose 26",28" or 30" 12ga get one that shoots 3-1/2" shells and has changeable chokes.
Happy Hunting
To me leading the geese/ducks is the hard part.
My advice whether you choose 26",28" or 30" 12ga get one that shoots 3-1/2" shells and has changeable chokes.
Happy Hunting
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