Shotgun barrel length

[del]

Hi all
Am new to shotguns have been given an old O/U and it works great but am looking at getting a 12g semi after trying a friends when we were out shooting pigeons loved it . What does barrel length do for a shot gun ? 28 30 32 whats the benefits ?

Cheers del

Edited February 20, 2017 by del

[HardFocus]

To cut a long story short, point at something in the distance with a pen and then point and follow it with something way longer. How does it feel ?

 

Longer tubes can help smooth out your swing and can be better for longer targets. Shorter tubes can be more lively and some people find them better for closer/faster targets.

 

Also the type of shooting you intend to do would have a great impact on your choice. I shoot clays so like 32" tubes but it's all personal preference. Best bet is to get to a clay ground and try different lengths and see what works best for you.

[Gunman]

As a beginner go for a safe middle option of 28" or 30" .dont be persuaded that you need anything else . When you have learned to shoot you can then decide for yourself what is right for you . Dont forget that long barreled guns are a current trend and that tens of millions of birds and clays have been shot with shorter barreled guns .

[JohnfromUK]

As a beginner go for a safe middle option of 28" or 30" .dont be persuaded that you need anything else . When you have learned to shoot you can then decide for yourself what is right for you . Dont forget that long barreled guns are a current trend and that tens of millions of birds and clays have been shot with shorter barreled guns .

This is good advice. I would add to try as many as you can to see the variety available and what suits you. Good gun fit is more important than barrel length (arguably the most important aspect) and good gun fit can only be done when you have developed a consistent gun mount and style.

[Wingman]

As has been said barrel length has no effect balistically, its all about personal preference and feel of the gun. I started out many years ago using 30" tubes but now prefer 28" on my clay gun anyway. I just prefer the slightly snappier feel in the swing with 28" barrels.

 

Best advice is to go and try various lengths out and see what feel best to you..

Edited February 20, 2017 by Wingman

[Stonepark]

Gents, he is interested in a Semi Auto............

 

Go for 24 or 26 in a semi, your receiver adds 8 inches to overall length, and velocity is achieved with 18 inch barrel, so anything longer is a bonus. (i.e. for sight plane 26 inch barrel in a semi is like 34 in a O/U but is much more pointable).

 

If you end up with extended after market chokes (and a lot of people do) they can put an inch or 2 or 3 on to barrel length

Edited February 20, 2017 by Stonepark

[Gordon R]

30" is probably the most popular and best for resale.

[bostonmick]

 

Gents, he is interested in a Semi Auto............

 

Go for 24 or 26 in a semi, your receiver adds 8 inches to overall length, and velocity is achieved with 18 inch barrel, so anything longer is a bonus. (i.e. for sight plane 26 inch barrel in a semi is like 34 in a O/U but is much more pointable).

 

 

I would disagree with your measurements. I have a beretta 400 with 30 inch barrel standing next to a dt10 with 30 inch barrels and the difference is around 3.5 inch.

[del]

thanks very much for the advice lads

 

cheers del