[OMH]

I've found a shotgun that i am about to purchase (thanks for previous posts on my "which gun" question) Here's the problem. i was all ready to purchase, but store only has a 26" barrel, when i was thinking 28" would be the better fit for me. does it make a difference? I'm 6', 195 lbs. I will be hunting only upland. the gun is a 12gauge O/U.
Is there any significant difference between the two? this is my first gun purchase.
thanks!

 

[Bone Collector 85]

26 would work but the 28 inch barrel will hold a better pattern

 

[jerseyhunter]

I like a short barrel for crawling through thick stuff. After all your not shooting geese. As far as the pattern, that's why they come with different chokes. Just pattern it and see what it does at what range. Range meaning distance, not the place your patterning at.

 

[bloodtrails]

26 would work but the 28 inch barrel will hold a better pattern

Not necessarily.

 

[GreenHead]

All of my upland guns have had 26" barrel, or shorter. Including my Citori O/U, and I actually wish I had 24" tubes on it.

O/U's already have a short action compared to magazine guns, and you're not a short guy, so I don't think you would want shorter than 26".

And, to be honest, 2" is not a great difference.

I prefer short, quick guns for flushing little critters, but not too light.

Good luck.

 

[Old School]

26 would work but the 28 inch barrel will hold a better pattern

BULL!!!!!!

 

[Old School]

The ballistic diference between 26 and 28 inch barrels is insignificant.

Patterns are determined by choke not barrel length.

Longer barrels give you more site radius, better for longer shots.

Shorter barrels swing faster.(good and bad)

If and when you pattern your gun, pattern high vs low velocity rounds and be amazed. Hint! Why do trap and skeet loads patter so nice?

 

[BROWNING 10 GA]

a 28" bbl on an o/u doesn't seem as long as on a semi or pump.the gun will still point and swing naturally.
for me personally is it were a 20 ga,I like the 26" but is it's a 12 ga I'd go w/ a 28".
if it's a 12,the longer 28" bbl would be nicer for clay should you ever decide to shoot.

 

[archer36]

26 would work but the 28 inch barrel will hold a better pattern

Not true. There is no advantage to a longer barrel ballistically. The advantage of a long/heavier barrel is smoothness of the swing. A short barrel, such as those on Turkey or Rifled barrels are suitable for shooting at stationary targets. Longer barrels, such as those on Waterfowl guns, are for longer sighting planes and a smooth swing. The 26" barrel is perfect for small game. Short enough to get through tangles and long enough for open shots.

 

[2Barrel]

The ballistic diference between 26 and 28 inch barrels is insignificant.

Patterns are determined by choke not barrel length.

Longer barrels give you more site radius, better for longer shots.

Shorter barrels swing faster.(good and bad)

If and when you pattern your gun, pattern high vs low velocity rounds and be amazed. Hint! Why do trap and skeet loads patter so nice?

That is correct. Couldnt have said it better myself.

 

[henro]

Not true. There is no advantage to a longer barrel ballistically. The advantage of a long/heavier barrel is smoothness of the swing. A short barrel, such as those on Turkey or Rifled barrels are suitable for shooting at stationary targets. Longer barrels, such as those on Waterfowl guns, are for longer sighting planes and a smooth swing. The 26" barrel is perfect for small game. Short enough to get through tangles and long enough for open shots.

Perfectly said.

 

[Setters4Life]

Select what feels best to you. A 26" or 28" barrel will pattern the same, while velocity gain with the longer barrel may be nominal yet inconsequential. It's the forcing cone, internal barrel dimensions and ultimately choke that determines the pattern, not the barrel length.

 

[yano318]

I have an old Remington 1100 field model. It has a 21 inch barrel with a fixed modified choke. I hunt duck, goose, etc form it and never have had a problem.

 

[OMH]

Wow! consenus seems to be the 26" is just fine for what i'm doing. Thanks for all of the input. I will be purchasing the gun on Friday, I'll post pics.

 

[beef]

NO!