What is the optimum 12 guage barrel length

[JJHACK]

For upland game in 12 guage what is the best all around barrel length. I know I hated 30" barrels in the standing corn and thick forest, but the 26" barrel did not seem to have the power of the 30". Maybe 28" is the way to go for an all around upland gun?

I like the 30" barrel for shooting pheasants, and clay targets. Actually it's perfect for everything but close quarters and thick bush. What experience have you guys had?

My Shotgun is a 2-3/4" maximum, maybe that's why the 30" seemed better. If It could use the 3" mags then the shorter barrel might be good.  What's the standard 12 guage barrel length anyhow?

[dakotashooter2]

I  think the barrel lengths you mentioned have little effect on the "power" of a load.  Turkey barrels are commonly around 20" and deliver all the power one would ask for. The longer barrels give two advantages. One is a longer sight plain which allows for more accurate sighting. The other is a function of the swing or follow through. A short barrel will "start" faster but a long barrel "carries" throught the swing smoother and more effectively, the exact reason why many shooters prefer it for phesant and clays as you do. I personally prefer barrel on the short side because I spend a lot of time in heavy brush or confined spaces such as blinds and my reaction time is a little slow so a short barrel helps me get "on" the birds faster.

[Bullseye]

Most test I have read say that the difference in velocity (power) is not really affected by barrel lengths from 26 to 30".  The advantage of the longer barrel is exactly what the other posted stated.

[Frog123]

You pretty much got it with your last statement, 28" is basically the standard length offered in the majority of your mass produced guns. Most models can also be had in lengths shorter or longer depending on the guns specific application. One option is to purchase the gun with the optimum length suited for the majority of your hunting then if something else come along you can acquire an additional barrel for that specific application. Example, I have an 870 with a factory 28" barrel that suits me for the biggest majority of my hunting ie. doves, waterfowl, squirrels. I also have a 20" barrel just for turkey, this barrel is too short and not very suited for any of the above applications. I have patterned both  and compared velocity differences between the two, Yes, they are there. Is it noticeable? It depends on the load being shot. With the majority of you field loads up to an 1 1/4 ounce there is not much difference but once you start pushing 1 5/8 to 2 oz's then the velocity spread becomes more apparent due to the differences in powders. Does this make a difference?  Not really, it still kills turkeys and other animals just as dead.



Frog

[Leftoverdj]

Something to consider is that action type matters. If you want long barrels on a compact gun, go to a double.

I doubt that you really gain much with the longer barrel but what makes you happy, makes you happy.

[Bowhunter57]

JJHACK,
The optimum barrel length for you is the barrel length that fits YOU. Shorter barrels swing faster and longer barrels swing slower. You need to choose the barrel length that fits YOU and your type of shooting needs.

Everyone is different in their shooting needs, so it's an individual choice.

Most of the shooters that choose a short barrel are using it for turkey hunting and need the shorter barrel length for the close quarters that they hunt. However, that does not include everyone. I prefer a 24" barrel because it swings quicker and I like that for ALL of my shooting/ hunting needs.

Longer barrels offer a longer sighting plane and a slower and smoother swing that some shooters prefer for "wing" shooting.

As for ballistic differences....there are approximately 10 to 25 f.p.s. of difference between a 24" to a 28" barrel, with the same ammunition. That's not enough of a difference for the average shooter to notice and certainly not a good enough reason to choose a 30" barrel when a 24" barrel is what fits you and your shooting needs.

Good luck with your choice!
Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[armycar01]

I am new to shotgunning, and i am not sure what wing shooting is. Could ya help me?

[Big]

Wing shooting is shooting something that's flying, like a dove or a clay target.

Keep asking questions; we're all here to help each other.

[Questor]

My 12 gauge has a 28 inch barrel. It seemed to feel right when I bought it, and I haven't regretted it.

[armycar01]

My Stevens 940a 12ga. has a 36 in. barrel, and for wingshooting I prefer it to my Savage 24B .410 with a 24 in. barrel.

[jdbe]

I have a question regarding barrel length measurement.  How is it measured?  From the front of the chamber to the tip, or from where the chamber area taper ends to the tip?  
I recently purchased a Benelli nova in 12G used ( could not afford a older wingwaster and wanted the versitality of the 3 1/2 lol) and while the barrel states 3 1/2 inch chamber, it does not state barrel length.  I measured it while affixed to the gun from the point the barrel meets the reciever and that seems to be 27".  Would this be the 26" or 28" barrell?

[Brushhunter]

Hey Bowhunter-- that signature about Rosie O'Donnell is hilarious. lmao!

[razmuz]

26 inches