What is a vent rib barrel?

[hometheaterman]

Can anyone tell me what a vent rib barrel is? Is it the rib that some shotguns like the 870 expresses have on top of the barrel? If it wasn't a vent rib would the barrel just be round with nothing on top?

 

[EvanWilliams]

OK, the rib is on top of the barrel. If it has openings in it, then it is ventilated.
If you had no rib then you might notice the convection waves(?) coming off the hot barrel. Also, if the rib is right down the middle as it should be, then it helps you to avoid canting the shotgun. That is what I was told, years ago.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

It also provides better sight alignment, as you are looking down a continuous sight plane to the bead or sight at the end of the barrel.

 

[JWF III]

Can anyone tell me what a vent rib barrel is? Is it the rib that some shotguns like the 870 expresses have on top of the barrel? If it wasn't a vent rib would the barrel just be round with nothing on top?

Yes. Yes (answers #1). And now-a-days yes. Some older guns can be found with solid ribs. i have a M12 Winchester that has a solid rib.

Dryhumor is spot on in the reason for the rib. It provides a natural line for your eye to follow. If the shotgun (stock) fits you properly, with a vent rib, just focus on the target. Your eye/brain will naturally (with some practice) do the rest.

Wyman