26 or 28 inch barrel ???

[walleye vision]

Hey guys,

I'll be getting myself an SBE II soon, but I don't know which barrel length to get...i'm leaning towards a 26in, but would like to hear any pro's and con's you guys may have for either. I currently shoot a 28in 870. I know it's not that big of a deal, but for that much $ i don't want to regret it.

thanks, WV

[tealitup]

Which one feels better to you when you bring it up to shoot? I do not think that there is any difference in accuracy between the two. I am a shorter guy and the shorter barrel is better for me.

Also, are you going to use the gun for grouse hunting also? Maybe you want the shorter barrel in the brush.

[GatorBait]

Also, keep in mind, which barrel you can swing alot easier. Normally, if you have shorter arms it's easier to swing faster and more accurate with a shorter barrel and Vice Versa. It all comes down pretty much to your personal preference and comfort while shooting.

[fwp]

Interesting...I started with a 30"r with a full chokeway back when (47 years ago) I first started hunting ducks...went to a 28"mod for a long time...then went to 26"mod when I found I was just a little slower than when I was a youngster...works great and am still figuring out what to shoot when I am 90...really short and light...lol

[tearin' lips]

Whatever feels better. You have to choose a gun that when you go to shoulder it you are instantly looking at the bead at the end of the barrel. My preference happens to be a 26" barrel, I can get it on the target quicker and it feels much more comfortable for me to shoot. But as we have mentioned personal preference for "the shooters fit" is going to be your main priority in finding a gun that is right for you.

Take Care and Good Luck!

[shae1986]

I have the SBE and went with the 28" barrel. I also put a pattern master extended on there which hasn't come off all season, for some reason i just shoot better with it on. But anyways, i agree with everyone else that it has to deal with personal preference. I like the longer barrel, i think it helps keep me on target better, but again thats probably only bc it fits me good. Good luck with your decision, bc i had to make the same one.

A. Shae

[Nova]

I agree that you need to get what is comfortable, but also what are you hunting. I assume since your buying a 3.5" gun that you hunt waterfowl. I feel the longer barrel is better for waterfowl hunting. I would go with the 28" if it were me.

[Guest]

I shoot much better with a 28" barrel, I have had 26" and 24" barrels and have a really difficult time hitting birds consistently with the shorter barrel.

Shorter barrels are lighter and you can swing faster... but you dont need to swing all that fast shooting at birds over the decoys. I would rather take .12 second longer to get on target and make a true shot.

[ccarlson]

I made the switch to a 24" barrel on my benelli M1 about 10 years ago and really like it. I hit better right away than I ever did with a 26" or 28" barrel.

With the good chokes and better patterning ammo, the down range patterns are so similar that there is no patterning advantage to going any longer. For me the shorter barrel helps me get on target faster and I've never had a problem with range.

It helps to know your shooting style though. I am an instinct shooter more than a follow through shooter so the shorter barrel is a bonus for me with its quick response time to getting on target. I use the same gun for grouse, pheasants and ducks and geese.

ccarlson

[HC Eye Hunter]

Dido, I have the same set up with a 24" barrel and love it.

[mwal]

For waterfowling I have used a 24 inch barrel on my 835 since I got it in 1988. Modern shells do not need the length to burn powder like they did with black powder. With the longer receiver of the 3 1/2 inch 835 and my new 935 the 24in just felt right to me.

Mwal

[IceHawk]

I like 28 inch barrels. I prefer the longer barrel length it really let's me draw a bead on my target. As others have stated check out both sizes and compare. Make a decision on what feels the best for you.

[Hookmaster]

ccarlson's post is mine to the T. My first steel shot gun was an 870 with a 26 inch IC barrel. When I got my Benelli M1, they only had a 24 inch barrel left. The guy at the store said Benellis have a longer receiver so the length of the gun would be like an 870 with a 25 inch barrel. I compared them when I got home and he was right. With the modern chokes the barrel needs to be no longer than 21 inches. Longer doesn't do anything ballistically. I also shoot instinctively and the M1 is my gun for all of my hunting, upland or waterfowl.

[bigdog]

In that gun I prefer the 26". For my 3" guns I have both 28" and 30" and have not noticed any difference in how I shoot. For my 10ga I have a 26" and a 30". With a 26" the overall length of the gun is the same as a 3" 12ga with a 28" barrel. For me the 28" and 30" barrels in a 3.5" 12ga or a 10ga just get to long in a blind. But it is all up to what feels most comfortable to you.

[Fish&Fowl]

Quote:

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For waterfowling I have used a 24 inch barrel on my 835 since I got it in 1988. Modern shells do not need the length to burn powder like they did with black powder. With the longer receiver of the 3 1/2 inch 835 and my new 935 the 24in just felt right to me.

Mwal

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The myth is that longer barrels are better for long range, but with the new shells and powder it doesn't matter anymore. Get the right choke to meet your shooting needs and the rest is all about how it feels like everyone else said.

[Daveo]

There is no performance differance in barrel lenth with all of the new ammo out today.

A couple of things the lenth will do for you is give you a longer or shorter sight plain.

I for one like long barrels because I like a longer sight plain.

Another one is your swing the shorter the barrel the faster the swing.

Some people get excited and tend to over swing there gun and a longer barrel will help slow you down..

As alot of people said what ever one fits YOU the best

[Level3]

I started hunting with a 26" and had to make a little adjustment when I went to a 28". I prefer the 28" for waterfowling. I'm making many passing shots, which the extra length helps with staying on a target and keeping a smooth swing. I wish I had a 26" when I use my waterfowl gun for phesants and grouse. Those shots are more often straight a head or 45degree angles. I still get on birds, but I don't need that extra 2" in that situation. If you are going to use the gun for primarily waterfowling, I'd lean to 28" If it will be an all around gun, I'd say 26"

[fish4cats]

How about 32" like my Browning A5. I love it, wouldn't trade it for the world.

[Daveo]

Truth of the matter is,,,once you get a gun to fit you

The rest is up to YOU...Its no rocket sceince, if you are not on the bird your going to miss.

you can change your choke all you want to or change your load or your gun or blaim any one or thing you want to,,but still the bottom line is,,,if your not on the bird you will miss..

One of my shooting teachers fav. saying's is shut up and shoot.

In other words stop thinking and or blaiming your gun,,just shoot,,

but get a gun that fits,,