PDA

View Full Version : Shotgun barrel length



phil2
02-25-2009, 12:15 AM
New to waterfowl hunting, what is the best length for shotgun barrels ? Is a 26" barrel good enough?

Crazy_Farmer
02-25-2009, 07:44 AM
Yep, 26" is just fine, most waterfowl guns are inbetween 26-28-30" barrels, 28" being the most popular

Ian F.
02-25-2009, 08:56 AM
Think I read somewhere that in modern shotguns you need at least 21" of barrel for the charge to full develop, blah, blah, blah. After that it's preference and perception. Also keep in mind that my 30" sporting clays O/U is shorter then my 28" semi, becuase semi's and pumps have the reciever that adds a good 6 to 8" in length overall, and part of that is the sighting plane.

Very best,

Ian

870
02-25-2009, 12:24 PM
I have a 26 and a 28, and the 28 shoots and feels way better

thatskindafunny
02-25-2009, 02:51 PM
My friends 20 gauge model 12 is only 17 inches now. That's why I'm looking for a barrel for him. Anyone?

Ian F.
02-25-2009, 04:55 PM
Barrels aren't hard to find, do a google search with the make, model and gauge. Ellwood Epps in Ontario quite often has a number of older ones, also check out gun nutz

Ian

P.S. 17" could have in contravention of some laws

heyblast
02-25-2009, 06:14 PM
My BPS has a 32" barrel. Most would find it too long and wieght forward but the gun fits and is balanced for me. Just try shouldering different guns to see how they fit you. You'll know when you find the right gun. Probably it will be 26" or 28" barrrel.

thatskindafunny
02-25-2009, 08:55 PM
Barrels aren't hard to find, do a google search with the make, model and gauge. Ellwood Epps in Ontario quite often has a number of older ones, also check out gun nutz

Ian

P.S. 17" could have in contravention of some laws
Hmm, that's why he's looking for a used barrel. Bad reload with no powder and the wad was still in the barrel on the next shot. NASTY. Nasty. He's left with 17 inches.