Is there a do-it-all barrel length?

R

radshop

New member
The suitability of various barrel lengths for different purposes is obvious, but I'm wondering if something like a 24" barrel is reasonable to hunt, defend the homestead, and break some clays for fun. Or is that a jack-of-all trades-master-of-none proposition?

[This is mostly a hypothetical about barrel length - I'm not looking for advice on a specific purchase. I know that barrels are cheap and easy to swap on most current production pumps, for example. More interested in opinions on whether there is a good do-it-all length if you could only have one.]
 
If you ask me, which you just did :p ,20 inch is a satisfying compromise between a defense length (14" is prime IMHO, but 18" due to law) and a good hunting (28" IMO)
 
Probably not...

Might just want to get a popular style shotty, and, then buy two seprate barrels.....1X18" and, 1X20-some"
 
Definately have to agree with 20, with an improved or modified choke. I don't know how well it would work for skeet or trap, but it would probably be good enough for some hunting as well as HD.
 
Every shotgun I own has a 28" barrel; the autos, pumps, O/U's, everything. I'll probably buy a gun with longer barrels before I buy one that's shorter.

For home defense I figure I'll just stand back 10 inches. :)

John
 
I have checked into this quite a bit recently and last week bought a good used Mossberg 500 "COMBO" with both 18 1/2 in and a 28 in vent rib barrels and black synthetic stock etc. These Mossbergs are pretty highly regarded as a home defense weapon. There many other barrel lengths, types, options and accessories available as well making this gun VERY flexible. I am very happy with mine. I also have a 590 as well.

You need a pretty short barrel for home defense so you can manuver inside your house in tight places like narrow hallways etc. It only takes a minuet to change barrels. Then you an use the long barrel for hunting or trap shooting. Get some 00 Buck and slugs for home defense use.
 
I feel 26" is a good all-around barrel legnth. That is the legnth barrel I have on almost all of my shotguns. 24" is the shortest I would even consider for hunting, but I feel that it is really only an option for turkeys, while 26-30 is better for clays/skeet, waterfowling, and upland hunting. If you are serious about a shorter barrel for home defense, you can always get a shorter one later, but I am comfortable using a 26" for that (although if I really needed it, my 28" 10ga would probably get the call).
 
Hmmm...is it bad that I use a mossberg persuader 18.5" barrel for skeet? Is it bad that I use it to shoot skeet competetively?

I'd say 20" is a great all around length, if you have it threaded for choke tubes.

But I do not hunt, so I can't say how well a 20" barrel will work for that.
 
My 2 cents

22" best tradeoff for both hunting and defense.

24" best tradeoff for just hunting, all birdies (turkeys, waterfowl, upland).
 
My brother and I used to shoot skeet with his 20" Persuader.


With the right choke, I would think a good shot could get away with a shorter barrel.
 
20" - 22" would cover everything IMO...and I am a fan of shorter barrels (for shotguns) as they are just a lot more handy.
 
bgoldhunter, I'd be glad to answer any and all questions that you have.

NOTICE, do not get me confused with the pro's, I'm 15 and I compete in the senior novice division. I went to the national youth skeet shoot in Detroit Michigan last year and I used a Mossberg persuader, 12guage, 18.5" barrel and my backup gun was a mossberg 590 with 20" barrel.

.........I was a bit of a black sheep, and I got a lot of interesting looks and comments, but most were from kids my age so they thought it was pretty cool.
 
Nope, you just answered them. I hope you stick with it, and congrats on your accomplishments. It is a fun sport, and is one you can stay with for the rest of your life.

If you do stay with it, I have a feeling down the road you will go with a longer barrel for your skeet gun.
 
There's is no Magic barrel length that will do all things well. That's like looking for one vehicle to win at Indy, haul taters cross the continent and take its class in the Baja Run.

I hunted for a decade and more with short barrelled 870s. Fast handling in brushy habitat for quail and woodcock. But, longer shots were hard to make and the blast in a goose blind was bothersome.

Now, my slug shooters/HD tools still wear 10-20" barrels but my wingshooting 870s carry 30" barrels. I'm shooting better than ever.

Luckily, one can outfit a Big Four Pump or one of the common autos with both a long vent ribbed barrel and a short plain one for a doable sum.

Or, get multiples. Practice with my Clays 870 is practice with my Homeowner's Insurance Policy 870.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top