26 or 28 inch shotgun?

[lentz]

I'm in the market for a new shotgun and i think that i have made up my mind as far as the make/model. My question is that i'm not sure if i want a 26 or 28 inch barrel. Aside from the fit of the gun, what are other things that are good or bad about the different barrel lengths.

[Yeti]

Originally Posted by lentz

I'm in the market for a new shotgun and i think that i have made up my mind as far as the make/model. My question is that i'm not sure if i want a 26 or 28 inch barrel. Aside from the fit of the gun, what are other things that are good or bad about the different barrel lengths.

Honestly? You won't notice the difference. If it were measurable the 28" would swing smoother and the 26" would get on target faster. For me I would get the one I thought looked the coolest, simple truth.

[nobrownline]

As far as performance there is no difference. I swing better with a 30" tube. You need to find out which swings best for you.

[Headhunter]

What is it going to be used for mainly? Upland, I would go with a 26. Waterfowl could go either was. My next waterfowl gun will be 26 as I will more than likely get an extended choke too. But size doesn't matter.

[sprigkiller09]

I shoot waterfowl and upland and I prefer a 26. Smoother and faster swing and doesnt seem to lessen my range in anyway.

[lentz]

This is mainly going to be used as a waterfowl gun with the occasional upland and goose hunting also. What do you all mean by "swing", i think that i know but i want to make sure.

[glowball]

I've always been told that you gain nothing with the 28" barrel. Only if it fits you better should you go with it. The 28" is longer so it should swing slower. Opposite for the 26". Swing being moving the gun left to right or visa versa while on target or getting on target.

[lentz]

I assumed that is what everbody means by "swing" but i just wanted to make sure that i was on the same page as everybody else.

[Gun Rod Bow]

Originally Posted by nobrownline

As far as performance there is no difference. I swing better with a 30" tube. You need to find out which swings best for you.

I really don't think a shorter barrel "swings" any faster or slower. The longer the barrel, the longer the sight plain, the less margin for error.

Swing to a lot of folks is really balance. It should balance between your hands. I prefer a longer tube. (30" if avail) A longer barrel will tend to "keep swinging" a little better by having more weight in front. And follow through is key to good shotgunning.

In waterfowling, the longer tube keeps muzzle noise away from you and your buddies and I think are a bit safer to lean up in a blind for instance.

Personal preference really.

Handle them both, chose the one you like.

[ICHTHYDEMON]

If hunting next to your buddies in a blind,I'd get the 28. The 26 I've shot was noticeably loader than a 28.

[namu mac]

Originally Posted by ICHTHYDEMON

If hunting next to your buddies in a blind,I'd get the 28. The 26 I've shot was noticeably loader than a 28.

Your blind buddies will appreciate the 28"-less muzzel blasting. Also as stated above a longer sight plane.

[Yeti]

Originally Posted by Gun Rod Bow

Swing to a lot of folks is really balance. It should balance between your hands. I prefer a longer tube. (30" if avail) A longer barrel will tend to "keep swinging" a little better by having more weight in front. And follow through is key to good shotgunning.

No and yes. Swing can be affected by balance but not how you are thinking. It has nothing to do with feel between the hands. It has everything to do with weight at the end of the barrel, if the gun is balanced. A good swinging gun helps to maintain a steady stroke and better follow through. The more weight at the end of the barrel the better the follow through. That is why my first gun was a 28 guage 11-48 with a Cutts compensator. At 13 years old you can't help but follow through with that gun!

In general a shorter barrel leads to a quick pointing gun. Again, in general it won't swing as well as a longer barrel. But in my experience 2" is hard to detect in a semi or pump. There is already alot of weight in your forward hand. On an o/u or single in is more noticable.

[billc_sbio]

I like 26" on my repeaters.

I have a couple of older guns with 28" and after trying the 26" I decided I liked that better, 10 ga. Goose gun and all. (Plus I've added extended choke tubes on my guns so now they've got 27" barrels anyway)

[SImudBogger]

A lot depends on reciever length. A 3.5in auto has a long reciever. The 26 might feel like a 28 because of this.

[Tar Heel]

I've got a 28" and probaly woould have done better with a 26". I hunt from boats and jump shoot alot. However, I have made some really nice clean kill long shots with the 28" and it's probaly as good a length for goose gunning and more open field and layout blind situations. If your going to get extende choke tubes, that might really push you down to a 26". I may just go ahead and get an O/U for jump shooting and upland.

[gottafish]

Originally Posted by ICHTHYDEMON

If hunting next to your buddies in a blind,I'd get the 28. The 26 I've shot was noticeably loader than a 28.

That was My though as well. I hate hunting with a guy with a short gun

[Bismark]

IMHO fit of the gun does more for "swing", "sight plane", ect than barrel length. Ask any target shotgunner or gunsmith and fitting the gun to YOU makes the difference. A lot of new shotguns come with spacers to adjust drop at the comb and length of pull (LOP). LOP can change with bulky winter clothing, so changing it for early season geese/upland hunting, to January goose hunting makes a difference. I guide for geese, hunting mostly out of layout blinds in fields. I find the 26" barrel much handier, especially when an extended choke tube is added. Just my .

Aaron

[billc_sbio]

Originally Posted by SImudBogger

A lot depends on reciever length. A 3.5in auto has a long reciever. The 26 might feel like a 28 because of this.

Yep, and a (regular) 3" 12 ga. Browning BPS's receiver is ~1" longer than most others. A 10ga BPS's is longer yet.

And a SBE's receiver is so long that if you wanted the same overall length you'd have on most guns with a 26" barrel you'd want a 24" barrel on it!

[James in Idaho]

Depends on the gun and gauge. On an O/U, 28" is about as short as I would go, just for the balance. If it is a lightweight 20, and you can get it, 30" would be a better idea. I wish my Beretta 20 O/U was a 30", even the 28" feels a little stubby. On a pump or auto because of the receiver lenght it does not make much difference.

[Chesapeake]

By the 26" and then put an extended choke in it so you will have a 27"

Best of both worlds!!!


My last is a 26 and I cant tell one way or the other. If you blindfolded me and handed me a Nova I couldnt tell you the barrel length.

[salty dog]

Originally Posted by lentz

I'm in the market for a new shotgun and i think that i have made up my mind as far as the make/model. My question is that i'm not sure if i want a 26 or 28 inch barrel. Aside from the fit of the gun, what are other things that are good or bad about the different barrel lengths.

Ithink the decision should be based on what you're going to hunt and where. If you're hunting grouse in the coastal range, I'd advocate for the shorter barrel because of the faster swing and heavy underbrush. If you're hunting pheasant or chuckar in eastern oregon, go with the 28".

[Quack Attack]

Maybe somebody can enlighten me here, but I never understood the "faster" swing thing. If you are shooting correctly the length of the gun has absolutely nothing to do with how fast you swing, as you are moving your arm and upper body the same ratio in relation to your shoulder regardless.

Not only that, all of the sporting clays/skeet/five stand/trap shooters (pro's) shoot long barrels, and those targets are flying much faster than any bird.

The real benefit in terms of length of barrel has been mentioned twice and discounted in this thread, and that is sight plane, and weight forward. The weight forward part can be overcome with a large heavy gun and a short barrel if that is what you are considering. In a light gun however it is crucial to have more weight forward of your support hand to keep the momentum of your swing. This of course is your follow through (also mentioned above).

There are three things that will help you shoot better in a shotgun (besides your form), one is a good fitting gun, which helps you to align yourself properly, a longer barrel will help slightly here in terms of a longer sight plane. Second is to keep your face on the gun, and barrel length will have no effect, though fit might because it will give less felt recoil. And third is follow through. A longer barrel helps in two of the three, which is why every really good shooter I have know has recommended the longest barrel you can manage for the situation you are using it for (obviously the example above about coastal grouse shooting is a good example). I used to shoot a 30" 10 ga (long frame) with an extended choke for my jump shooting gun, and that was a perfect gun for jump shooting. Now I use a 28 for most of my guns because I hunt out of blinds and in cover frequently.

We used to have discussions at a club I worked at about the popularity of 26" or even 24" barrels and never could figure out why they became so popular.

So... I'll mimmick the best shooters I ever met and say..."Get the longest barrel you can manage for the situations you will use it for"

See ya on the range

[lentz]

I was reading some of the replies and something was said about the make and type of shotgun. I'm am leaning towards the Extrema 2. Most of my hunting will be duck hunting, both from a blind and jump shooting. I will occasionally hunt upland and goose. I have handled the 28 inch and it seems like i'm having to strech my arm a long ways out front. I like to be real compact when i shoot...this might not be the "correct" form but it is what feels natural to me. Maybe this is something that you all can give me some advice on. Thanks

[Yeti]

The length of the forearm on your Extrema, like my 391 is long. That does not meen you need to reach way out there. Find a position that is natural to you and don't worry about gripping the end of the forend.

The positioning of your hands will not change when the barrel length changes. If the 28" feels long to you get the 26". Like I said, on a semi or pump 2" is of little consiquence.

Good luck with your choice.

[Big Billy]

26 will get on target quicker for upland game, swing them both you will be able to tell what feels best

[Duckwheat]

Go 24" you absolutely will never shoot anything longer. Makes no difference in re to performance.

30" inch goose gun is a myth.

DW

[BrotherWolf]

Originally Posted by Duckwheat

Go 24" you absolutely will never shoot anything longer. Makes no difference in re to performance.
30" inch goose gun is a myth.
DW

Not hardly I used to have a long tom goose gun as a kid and it had a 32inch barrel on it

[Duckwheat]

The myth being they shoot any better, not that they exist.

DW

[BrotherWolf]

Originally Posted by Duckwheat

The myth being they shoot any better, not that they exist.

DW

OOOOOO....... I hadnt had any coffee yet!

[Gun Rod Bow]

Originally Posted by Quack Attack

Not only that, all of the sporting clays/skeet/five stand/trap shooters (pro's) shoot long barrels, and those targets are flying much faster than any bird.

Not to mention live pigeon shooters who typically shoot 32" tubes. Kinda like what Matt Dryke used to win a Gold Medal in Olympic Skeet (not the woooosified American version)

So... I'll mimmick the best shooters I ever met and say..."Get the longest barrel you can manage for the situations you will use it for"

See ya on the range

[Gun Rod Bow]

Originally Posted by Duckwheat

30" inch goose gun is a myth.

To each their own. I shoot a 30" goose gun and love it. Browning Gold btw. I am looking at some new autos, but they only come as long as 28" And I would NEVER shoot a 24" barrel...unless it was a pistol.

[lentz]

Thanks for all the replies. I always like to hear other peoples opinions. It's going to be atleast another month or so before i get this gun, so keep the thoughts coming. Thanks.

[DRUNK COWBOY]

Originally Posted by Duckwheat

30" inch goose gun is a myth.

I shoot a 30" in 10ga and shoot it pretty darn well. I have many other shotguns that are a lot more appealing, but I will miss more often with them. If I am after a tagreted bird, I will grab my most accurate gun. I think the better "performance" comes from the sight you can pick up with the length of the barrel. It is simply easier to aim

[Tar Heel]

Originally Posted by lentz

Thanks for all the replies. I always like to hear other peoples opinions. It's going to be atleast another month or so before i get this gun, so keep the thoughts coming. Thanks.

I have a 28" Xtrema, and think I would have preferred the 26", but since i havent shot one, cant say for sure. It is the sweetest shooting gun I've shot. Had a bad experience w/ a Benelli pump, so won't even consider them--so it goes.I am long and lanky, and with the extenders/shims that come with the gun, I have not had to add a stock extender--1st gun I've shot where i havent had to add a rubber extender. Their recievers do run a little on the long side, or so it seems.
The shooting pro at the gun club where they had the WF Fest. sells them, and i bet he has 26" and 28" to try out.Mith be worth a call. You dont relaize how soft shooting they are til you put a 3.5" shell in there and load for geese! The 28" is accurate at longer ranges with heavy shot, well balanced and light weight for an auto.

[Tvfowlhunter]

I would go with about a 18 inch barrel, Just kidding. I believe Gun-Rod-Bow is correct on the sight plain less error with longer barrel. But it really comes down to the shooter and what the shooter plans to use the shotgun for. I shoot a 28 inch barrel in my SBE and like it alot, but have friends that shoot nothin but 26's and they swear by it. With the new and improved choke tubes their is really no difference on the length.

I hope it helps,

TVFOWLHUNTER

[lentz]

Thanks for all the input. I will definatly take alot of these opinions into consideration when i buy my new shotgun. Thanks again!!

[Hunter Of Gun]

the 26" barrel will be a little quicker but not that much. your buddies hunting next to you will be muck happier if you get the 28" barrel.

[Northwest Pest]

Originally Posted by Quack Attack

Maybe somebody can enlighten me here, but I never understood the "faster" swing thing. If you are shooting correctly the length of the gun has absolutely nothing to do with how fast you swing, as you are moving your arm and upper body the same ratio in relation to your shoulder regardless.

Not only that, all of the sporting clays/skeet/five stand/trap shooters (pro's) shoot long barrels, and those targets are flying much faster than any bird.

The real benefit in terms of length of barrel has been mentioned twice and discounted in this thread, and that is sight plane, and weight forward. The weight forward part can be overcome with a large heavy gun and a short barrel if that is what you are considering. In a light gun however it is crucial to have more weight forward of your support hand to keep the momentum of your swing. This of course is your follow through (also mentioned above).

There are three things that will help you shoot better in a shotgun (besides your form), one is a good fitting gun, which helps you to align yourself properly, a longer barrel will help slightly here in terms of a longer sight plane. Second is to keep your face on the gun, and barrel length will have no effect, though fit might because it will give less felt recoil. And third is follow through. A longer barrel helps in two of the three, which is why every really good shooter I have know has recommended the longest barrel you can manage for the situation you are using it for (obviously the example above about coastal grouse shooting is a good example). I used to shoot a 30" 10 ga (long frame) with an extended choke for my jump shooting gun, and that was a perfect gun for jump shooting. Now I use a 28 for most of my guns because I hunt out of blinds and in cover frequently.

We used to have discussions at a club I worked at about the popularity of 26" or even 24" barrels and never could figure out why they became so popular.

So... I'll mimmick the best shooters I ever met and say..."Get the longest barrel you can manage for the situations you will use it for"

See ya on the range

It is simple geometry my friend. I won't go into the details but look at an extreme example and you can come to the conclusion that a shorter barrel is faster. Example: You are in your bedroom at night and a guy breaks in trying to kill you. Your weapon selection is a snub nose pistol with a 2" barrel or a surface to air rifle with a 82" barrel. If both are of equal mass which they wouldn't be....but if they were which one would you try to use to stop this intruder based on having to swing them the same distance to shoot. It has to do with the smaller fulcrum point. Example two: Pick two trees or other objects in your yard. Put your hand by your face and point to each object with your pointer finger swinging between the two. Now with your arm extended do the same thing. Which swings faster your arm or your finger?

[Quack Attack]

Originally Posted by Northwest Pest

It is simple geometry my friend. I won't go into the details but look at an extreme example and you can come to the conclusion that a shorter barrel is faster. Example: You are in your bedroom at night and a guy breaks in trying to kill you. Your weapon selection is a snub nose pistol with a 2" barrel or a surface to air rifle with a 82" barrel. If both are of equal mass which they wouldn't be....but if they were which one would you try to use to stop this intruder based on having to swing them the same distance to shoot. It has to do with the smaller fulcrum point. Example two: Pick two trees or other objects in your yard. Put your hand by your face and point to each object with your pointer finger swinging between the two. Now with your arm extended do the same thing. Which swings faster your arm or your finger?

I see your point, but herein is my quandary.

Being a third class lever (here goes the physics teacher in me...), the fulcrum is either the base of your hand (in your handgun example), or your shoulder in the long gun example. The effort force is the front of your hand or your forearm depending on the gun again.

Regardless of barrel length the distance from fulcrum to effort force does not change.

In your example # 2 two above you are changing this distance, but when you get a shotgun with a different barrel length you don't change the position of your support hand.
Therefor, physics wise, the only thing that would change would be the extra mass at the front of the gun, but simply because of the large distance from the fulcrum (your shoulder) and the effort force (support hand), adding 2 inches to the length to the resistance force is almost nothing in effort.


Additionally, if you are shooting properly you are moving your body at the waist to make this movement, in which case the speed of the barrel is going to be more relative to your ability to swing your whole body rather than 1oz of barrel.

So where did this thought of "shorter equals faster" come from then...

[DRUNK COWBOY]

NW Pest and Quack attack, Were both of you guy's on the chess team?


Lentz,

I would go shoot several shotguns and see what fits your body and shooting style the best. You might shoot better with a 26, but you might not.

[lentz]

A couple of my friends have autoloaders that i'm going to shoot. Fit is very important to me. I know that if it doesn't fit just right then i'm going to be kicking myself for even buying it.

[jordanb38]

I'm a little stout, so i get a better swing with a 26, although its a little loud, i guess its worth the extra noise from the buddies when in the blind