28" or 30",...and why??

L

los

New member
I've decided to purchase my first Shotgun. 46 years old and never owned one! I guess it's about time :) I intend to use it once in a while in Quail and WW Dove season, but will mostly be utilized out at the Club for Skeet/Sporting Clay shooting throughout the year.

The SG will be a 12g Ruger Red Label (preferably the 28" English stock model.). But I can't decide which barel length will work better with the intended use? If a 30" barrel is better suited, I'll have to purchase the standard grip model as Ruger does'nt make an English stock O/U w/30" barrels.

Are there notable differences in shot pattern when comparing 28" to 30" models?. How about notable recoil differences?? Does Ruger sell O/U barrel sets??

Any advise or commentary will be appreciated.
-Jimmy
 
The trend in Skeet and SC is toward longer barrels, but there are certainly plenty of 28" out there. If that is what it takes to get the straight grip you want, go for it.
I don't know if Ruger sells barrel sets. Do you think they would tell you if you asked?
Recoil will be little different, pattern none.
 
Being in Trap shooting myself and purchasing my first shotgun a few years ago I had the same question about length as you - which to choose? After all's said & done the real practical reason for the length differences is in the weight of the firearm and the movement of it's mass. In Trap for instance a longer barrel is desirable because of the bird trajectory and speed - the heavier weight will keep the mass of the gun moving against your instinct of maybe slowing down or having a jerky movement while tracking the bird. Now with Sporting Clays though you don't have nearly the smooth, long following shots like Trap for instance and you're forced to move that gun & barrel much quicker, thus a shorter barrel with less weight & mass will do the job more efficiently.

There's more to it, but this is a major reason for those different barrel lengths on the same model of gun. These are the things one will take into consideration when trying to better your sport over time - the type of thing that will get you that extra bird or two when you find yourself at a competition level where you're trying to eek-out every bit of performance you and your gun has the ability to shoot...
 
Go with the 28"...

The longer bbl is preferred by competition shooters because it helps w/ follow through, this can also be accomplished by adding a bbl weight to a shorter bbl. The 28" will be best in the field and is offered in the stock configuration you prefer, go that route and add a bbl. weight for club use if you feel you need it.

P102
 
You might also think about how the straight English stock will affect the way you shoot. It's been my experience that it fatigues the wrist more with a straight stock than with a pistol grip stock. If the main reason for the gun will be clay games then I would recommend a pistol grip stock and a 30" barrel, if you plan to shoot more feathered game than clays go with a 28" barrel. The looks of a straight grip are timeless on double gun, but they have there drawbacks.

I used a Ruger with 28" barrels for 7 years on the registered skeet tournaments, it did well against the Kreigoffs and Brownings. I put over 40,000 rounds through that gun, it did go back to Ruger twice for some minor repairs in that time.

Handle the guns you plan to buy, not all set up the same form Ruger. Some have a bit more drop in the stocks than others.
 
^ Great input guys. Thanks a bunch. Think I'll get the 28" English stock model.

But now it's Ruger vs. H&K . Decisions,.. Decisions :)
 
One more thing, los...

the English stock doesn't "carry" as well in the field when you're doing alot of walking (for quail). the pistol grip is much easier and more comfortable for that.

P102
 
^ Thanks P102.

I really don't anticipate doing too-too much bird hunting. Mostly out at the range shooting Clay. So far, everyone I've talked with has recommended I purchase the "pistol grip" version.

Do you know anything about the Fabarms made shotguns. Looking at a Lion Max 2 (English stock). I understand H&K doesn't manufacture them, but are involved somehow??
 
Remember one thing, you get what you pay for in O/U's. I don't know anything about the HK line of shotguns so they may be all right. The initial expenditure of cash for the shotgun is probably the cheapest part of shooting. Go for the best you can afford. It will be worth while in the long run.
 
Myself I would go for a nice Remington 1100 auto with 28" barrel with choke tubes full,mod and imp/cly In 12 or 20 and use it for anything that flys.If I had one shotgun that is what I would get.But I own 5 1100s 12 & 20s.But have to say have owned 3 over/unders and got rid of all three just did't like them??????????????????
 
los, I'm w/ kudu o this..

Don't know anything about that manuf. either. Agree also that you get what you pay for. The Rugers are good guns but don't have a big following in the target world. Best bet for that (and depending on pocketbook) is to start lookng at used Browning Citori's, if you can and want to spend more look for a good used Rem. 3200 or Krieghoff K80. Don't get me wrong though, for all-around use the Ruger will do fine.
 
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