New Gun

[dforsyth]

i need yalls help on barrell length, i am not sure what is the best all around length for waterfowl 26 or 28inch.Need yalls help.


thanks

[Jason Mears]

I personally use a 28". With some of the top of the line chokes out now, you should be able to use either and reach out and touch them.

[Eric Wolf]

It is really personal preference. I like 26" barrel because i think that the 28" barrel is a little too long for me, but just go to the gun shop and see what one you like better.

[Craig Boyd]

Like they said, go with what fits you. I have a 28" though.

[David Rearick]

I like the 28" barrel. Seems to do well for everything. It really isn't about the length, but the feel of the gun and the smoothness of the swing. I have hunted with some 26" guns that shot well, and some 30" guns that shot extremely well. Typically the heavier the barrel, the smoother the swing, but there is a happy medium typically around 28". If the front half of the gun is too light, which is sometimes caused by barrel length, you tend to have a more erratic swing.

[Bob "Chappy" Chaplin]

As I agree with David on the smooth swing, what I have done is put an extended choke tube on my 28 inch barrel, and now it's about 30 inches with a real nice smooth swing.
Just a thought.

[Rich Good]

d,
I have to agree with the other guys. I like the old 30 inch barrels, so my choice on newer guns is 28 inch with a extended tube !

[quackaddict]

In all reality with modern shells there is no real difference in performance from a given shotshell after about 22 inches (I believe that is the right figure) This is why turkey guns can have short barrels. Back in the old days long barrels were needed to let the powder expand and to get the full potential out of a shell. With that said its really all personal preference. I wouldn't buy a gun just because it has a 28 or a 26 inch barrel. Barrel length should be an afterthough. Also be aware that not all guns are the same even with the same length barrels. Many O/U guns have 30 or 32 inch barrels and are still shorter than many pumps or autos with shorter barrels. Personally I prefer a mildly barrel heavy gun for good swinging characteristics. Not uncontrolably heavy but enough to make me swing through. A good friend of mine is absolutley deadly with a Mossberg 500 with a 24 inch barrel. He is almost as good as me:rolleyes: .

[Dan Hemmingsen]

depends on what you are hunting. The longer barrel, the smother swing you get.

I have no problems shooting with my Beretta 391 Urika with 32" barrels, and I've seen big guys shooting with 26" barrels.

You need to try what length suits you best. The best place to do this is at the shooting range.

[Mike Hungle]

If you're going with a gun capable of shooting 3" shells, I'd go with the 28" barrel. If you're going with gun that can handle 3 1/2" inch shells, I'd go with the 26" barrel. This is based on having a 28" barrel on a gun chambered for 3 1/2" shells that at times I find a little long.

Just my opinion!

[Mike Hungle]

If you're going with a gun capable of shooting 3" shells, I'd go with the 28" barrel. If you're going with gun that can handle 3 1/2" inch shells, I'd go with the 26" barrel. This is based on having a 28" barrel on a gun chambered for 3 1/2" shells that at times I find a little long.

Just my opinion!

[Tom Cannon, www.Outdoor-z.com]

I have found its tough to beat the all around "handiness" of a 26 inch job.

[kontekontos]

When buying my new m2 benelli i was pretty much set on getting a 28inch barrel,but once i got to the store and held both guns. I felt more comortable with the 26 barrel on this gun. So i got it instead.

Funny thing is that on my previous gun i liked the way the 28 felt when holding it.

So if you feel comfortable shouldering the 28 then get it,if you don't,then get the 26. Thats my opinion.

konte

[dforsyth]

thanks for all your help. means a bunch thanks again:)