question for gulfcoast

[mississippi]

i asked this same question a couple of months ago. just want to make sure i remember what was said. it is concerning a short barrel versus a long barrel, say 24 vs. 28. it was my understanding that the shorter barrel was just a preference and didnt really affect the shot pattern to a large degree. is this correct? i saw some people preferred the longer barrel because it helped them swing through the target better. is my thinking right here? [img]images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]

[GulfCoast]

Yes. Short barrels versus long barrels will not make any difference in the actual pattern (2D or 3D, either one). Pattern is a function of the choke (tube) and with lead shot, the speed of the shell(faster=wider, slower=tighter), the size of the shot(larger=tighter, smaller=wider)and the hardness of the shot (harder=tighter, softer=wider). Steel obeys most of these rules, other than speed. Travis can probably explain that better than I can.

Where you get into arguments for and against longer barrels is in gun dynamics, or how it "swings" which is a function of shooting style, upper body strength and reflexes. I personally like longer barrels (even 30" on an auto) but I have pretty quick hands and shoot maintained lead virtually all the time. 32" barrels on an O/U or auto would be a disaster for a "spot shooter" who relies totally on hand speed. Make sense?

I still think 28" on an auto, which tends to be lighter than a double, is the best compromise for most people. This is especially true, IMHO, with synthetic stocks, which are MUCH lighter than wood stocks, making for a "quicker" gun. If you go with REALLY short barrels, bring extra hearing protection for your friends.

[ August 20, 2001: Message edited by: GulfCoast ]

[Dixie Boy]

24" on autos
(AL 390, AL 391)

26" on O/U
(686 silver pigeon & 686 ONYX)

Just my Pref.