28" VS. 26" Shotgun Barrel

[aliagha]

So I was in the market today looking for a new semi auto 12 ga with 28" barrel. the particular model I was hoping to get was in stock but they only had it in 26", so i tried it on and It felt good, I was swinging much faster and now am considering getting it in 26" barrel. My question is: how much of the range and power do you lose with a 26" compared to the 28"? what is your opinion?
Will be using it for upland and duck hunting.

[Gateholio]

Virtually zero performance difference from a ballistics standpoint.

[f350ps]

I've heard that you lose about 10 fps per 1" of shorter barrel length, if that is true you would never notice a difference. K

[The Dawg]

I wouldnt worry too much about losing FPS. Id rather have a gun that fits me better, and go from there.

[Crazy_Farmer]

On my newest gun I decided to go with a 26" barrel after using 28" barrels for years, and I havent noticed much of a difference at all. The balance of the weight and swing speed are two things you might notice. I always felt a difference when I used a 870 I had with a 30" barrel over my dads 28" 870.

If it feels right, I wouldnt hesitate buying it

[aliagha]

Well up until now, I have only considered barrel length in reference to the fixed choke barrels, the longer the barrel the tighter the pattern, but with today's interchangeable choke tubes I was a little confuse as to what else the barrel length can refer to. The gun in question is the Weatherby SA 08 Upland, I was originally thinking of buying stoeger M2000 but I was disappointed with the poor finishing. BUT, I was really surprised to see the great quality of the SA 08 despite the fact that it was made in turkey. I know that weatherby makes good rifles but does any of you guys have any experience with weatherby shotguns?

[little moose]

i have a pa 08 love the fit , nice shooting , have apx 1500 rounds through it in all weather shoots like new still

[Foxton Gundogs]

Depending on the main aplication I used a 30" mod 12 for years on upland and it worked well I now shoot a Red Label 26" and it is deffinately faster handleing and I love it for upland but for an alpurpose gun if I could have only (GOD forbid) 1 I would go with a light, well fitting 28" semi with 3.5" capabilities. IF you can get your choice of gun with 3.5" in 26" then that would be my choice if I hunted upland 50% of the time or more.
Just my opinion.

[BULLNUTTS]

Hey aliagha- Just in answer to your question,Yes i have an weatherby shotgun. A few years ago I purchased a weatherby sas slug gun 12 guage.made in italy its a rare semi-oto thats specifically designed to shoot slugs.
There was a design problem in that the barrel stuck out in the reciever stopping the shells from cycling-however it was a factory defect and weatherby very quickly [and for free ] remmedied the problem via expert gun smith and weatherby rep for canada Mr. Dave Jennings [Whom owns and operates Jennings Outdoor Sports ] in Pritchard,bc.Apon recieving the gun back from Mr Jennings whom also field tested the gun with every round on the planet before pronouncing it ready and trustworthy-I would put it up against any semi out there and then some. It is flawless and a dream to shoot!!! the new gas recoil system they use takes the kick right out of it! I purchased this gun with tracking wounded bears in mind in tight cover and a friend whom works with alaska f&game told me several of the officers now carry this exact gun [slightly modified ]when going into the brush after killer bears ect. I'll try to post a pic braa I know of several bird nutts lol that purchased the semi versions of bird guns from weatherby and love them also.Now having said all that -The trusty ol'1100 will put as manny birds in the bag as one can find tooo lol P.S.- As the Weatherby rep for Canada Mr. Jennings is a wealth of info and always a pleasure to deal with! [hint hint ]

[Str8shooterbc]

It's made in Turkey. Turkish guns have a good reputation.

I would rather have a 26" on a pump, or for that matter any shotgun, I was going to use for upland birds than a 28" - just a little more handy. It comes with 3 choke tubes. If you buy it get a skeet tube to go with it - Ruffed Grouse or Close rising Pheasant. Modified for over Deeks and full for Turkey. If you can find an extra full it will do better on Turkey.

Remember to check the choke tubes for steel shot capability. Usually you cannot use steel shot on any choke tighter than Modified. If you use steel shot in a full choke you may fuse it permanently.

[Dutch]

I like the 26" or 28" for the quick point and ease of handling but as I shoot a 32" inch trap barrel I shoot a 30".Even my upland gun is a 30" same as yours Foxton, 1955 model 12.Try them out if you can:)

[porcupine]

I prefer a 28" on double barrels and a 26" on semi autos and pumps. Go with what instinctively feels best.

[Gunner]

I stick with a 28 on most scatterguns except my skeet guns which are 24 and 26.The only time I've ever wanted a shorter barrel for birds is when I used to hunt out of pits in Saskatchewan.I've never had a problem with a 28"bbl in my layout blinds and I like the slightly longer sight plane. Gunner

[Drillbit]

Whatever feels best. Whatever points best. If you can't tell the difference get a 26, it will be easier to handle if you're in a tight space.

[aliagha]

thanks for the response,
So, I went out to the trap range with my old Win Super X, I have 2 barrels for it, One is a 28" (Fixed modified) the other one is a 26" (improved cyl), I tried on both barrels, I focused on better handling and target acquisition, Although the I was much quicker with the 26, I really liked the longer site plain of the 28" and I was more accurate with it, So in the end, I decided to go with the 28" since I mostly do pass and trap shooting.
got myself a Weatherby SA 08 upland, I was really impressed with the quality and finishing of this gun considering the fact that it is made in turkey, Chambers 3", comes with 3 chokes and 2 gas valves, one for light loads and the other one for heavy, really light and fits like a dream.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/417133_10150553195391920_700766919_9266503_3015805 39_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/431378_10150553194981920_700766919_9266500_1846894 36_n.jpg

[Str8shooterbc]

The reason you did better on trap with the 26" is because it was IC and you were probably on the 16 yard line. More open choke for closer ranges. Use a Mod for 20 yard or more handicap line and you will shoot equally well. Most chose a choke too tight for distance.

[aliagha]

The reason you did better on trap with the 26" is because it was IC and you were probably on the 16 yard line. More open choke for closer ranges. Use a Mod for 20 yard or more handicap line and you will shoot equally well. Most chose a choke too tight for distance.

I did better with the 28" barrel ( modified)

[Str8shooterbc]

Interesting. Usually doesn't happen like that. Use modified on Pheasants. Sometimes though Mod isn't "Mod" and it is always a good idea to pattern your shotgun with different ammo - you will be surprised at how much each differ.