Shotgun barrel length

Have been looking at getting a new SBEII for next season and am thinking about getting it in a 24″ barrel. Anyone have any experience or thoughts on a barrel that short?

I am in the minority but I prefer short barrels. The longest I own is a .410 w/ a 26 or 28. My over-unders and pumps are all 22 thru 26 inches. The shot pattern behaves the same, groups sizes still the same, just shorter sighting plane. I am able to hunt geese w/ a 12 bore pump w/ only a 24 inch barrel and do not feel at all disadvantaged.

I am in the minority but I prefer short barrels. The longest I own is a .410 w/ a 26 or 28. My over-unders and pumps are all 22 thru 26 inches. The shot pattern behaves the same, groups sizes still the same, just shorter sighting plane. I am able to hunt geese w/ a 12 bore pump w/ only a 24 inch barrel and do not feel at all disadvantaged.

I agree with Robby, the short barrel really only affects the sight plane and it swings faster. All my shotguns are 26 inches.
Ron

I agree with Robby, the short barrel really only affects the sight plane and it swings faster. All my shotguns are 26 inches.
Ron

If you hunt for waterfowl or pheasants where a sustained lead is used you may be disappointed by the short barrels. They are very whippy and not consistant to swing. Snap shooters (grouse hunters – jump shooters and those who only take close range shots at their game) like the short barrels – I don’t for most of my hunting. In fact – if you look at sporting clays guns where consistant swings are needed they are often 30 or even 32 inches. There is a good reason for that. Myself – I am awefully fond of 28 inch barrels… your results may vary, Chuckles

If you hunt for waterfowl or pheasants where a sustained lead is used you may be disappointed by the short barrels. They are very whippy and not consistant to swing. Snap shooters (grouse hunters – jump shooters and those who only take close range shots at their game) like the short barrels – I don’t for most of my hunting. In fact – if you look at sporting clays guns where consistant swings are needed they are often 30 or even 32 inches. There is a good reason for that. Myself – I am awefully fond of 28 inch barrels… your results may vary, Chuckles

i went from 26 last year to 28 this year—–i like it better

i went from 26 last year to 28 this year—–i like it better

28″ for ducks geese
26″ for grouse
24″ for turkey’s
20″ for deer
18″ for well whatever comes through the door late at night.

28″ for ducks geese
26″ for grouse
24″ for turkey’s
20″ for deer
18″ for well whatever comes through the door late at night.

I seem to be a little slower to shoulder and swing through than in the past. I thought a shorter barrel might help me speed up a bit.

I seem to be a little slower to shoulder and swing through than in the past. I thought a shorter barrel might help me speed up a bit.