Lets talk shotgun barrels

[craziehunter]

The length of the barrel vs. the pattern. The same choke with different length barrels would have different groups at the same distance, correct? But is it enough difference to matter? What about velocity, would it also be close to the same or a big difference of energy loss?

I ask all of this b/c my gun has a 30" barrel. That coupled with me not being the best shot brings me to question if a shorter barrel would work better for me when in the duck hole. I know in the open places I can reach out and kill birds at a good step, but close up it is just terrible.

Some would look at the shell length and shot also. It has a little to do with the equation. I've shot most shells out there just to compare. By far Black Cloud and Kent 3" and 3.5" #2 and #4's have done the best for me. Hevi-shot 3.5 #2's is what I shot the last two years and have not been overly impressed. Just waiting to shoot all of them to go back with Kents.

All that being said--- Thoughts??

[Dux Be Us]

Need a little more specific information about your gun. Do you have a fixed choke? A fixed full choke on an older gun may not pattern todays duck loads consistantly. Todays choke systems are the shiznet. Dont think youd lose much velocity unless shooting larger shot sizes through a full or xtra full choke. I prefer a longer barrel...gives a better sight plane and follows through better for me. I use a modified choke and 3.5" cheapo Winchester #3's for dux over dekes outta my Nova with a 28" barrel. Alotta fellas prefer a shorter barrel if gunning from a confined blind. Different strokes for different folks I reckon.

[Anatidae]

Good Questions.

The length of the barrel vs. the pattern. The same choke with different length barrels would have different groups at the same distance, correct?

Most likely

But is it enough difference to matter?

'Depends on your criteria and how detailed you want to get with the data

What about velocity, would it also be close to the same or a big difference of energy loss?

2-4" difference in bbl length probably un-noticeable as far as effectiveness. Obviously there will be slight differences in velocities using different barrel lengths (in the lab). Talking about % of powder 'burn' inside the barrel......more burn inside bbl = more pressure = more muzzle velocity (so I've heard). Downrange velocity is a product of inertia of various shot sizes and metallic properties.

I ask all of this b/c my gun has a 30" barrel. That coupled with me not being the best shot brings me to question if a shorter barrel would work better for me when in the duck hole. I know in the open places I can reach out and kill birds at a good step, but close up it is just terrible.

Deductive reasoning says you've answered your own question.......30" produces good results for long shots. If that doesn't work in the other situation, it could be a product of dynamics (gun mount, swing, i.e. gun balance, bbl weight), type of lead, visual position, choke selection, etc.).

Some would look at the shell length and shot also. It has a little to do with the equation.

Perhaps at close range and maybe in your equation, but it has been proven that shorter shot columns tend to produce better patterns than longer (i.e. say the patterns of 2-3/4" 12 and 3-1/2 12 ga) especially in high-velocity offerings

I've shot most shells out there just to compare. By far Black Cloud and Kent 3" and 3.5" #2 and #4's have done the best for me. Hevi-shot 3.5 #2's is what I shot the last two years and have not been overly impressed. Just waiting to shoot all of them to go back with Kents.

All have differing downrange and sustained velocities because of differing shot size, wad configuration, and metalic properties.

All that being said--- Thoughts??

Thoughts:

Talking about several different things, here........

• Gun Dynamics - how well a particular set-up swings in different hunting situations (or doesn't) - i.e. barrel legth x, y , or z for field shooting vs x, y, or z for timber shooting
• Shooting style or mechanics - balance, fit, type lead.....etc.
• Velocity - yes, the longer the barrel (in most cases) the more 'burn' there is inside the barrel - causing more pressure = max attainable MUZZLE velocity - downrange velocity is influenced by shot size, wad configuration, and metalic properties. A chronograph can aid in determining velocities at various distances.
• Pattern efficiency (chokes, bbl length, loads, etc.) - patterning board will answer these questions

Too many variables to venture a helpful response.

Happy Hunting!

[craziehunter]

[quote="Dux Be Us"]Need a little more specific information about your gun. Do you have a fixed choke? A fixed full choke on an older gun may not pattern todays duck loads consistantly.

I have a 870 super mag with interchangable chokes.

Anatidae-- Wow, great analysis. Laying out all the info tells me, I just need to slow down and choose my shots. I tend to be a bit quick on the trigger.

[RNAIL]

and go to a pattern board and see what choke and shell combo works best in your gun. Step off about 40 steps and shoot at a 30" circle and see what you get, your gun will patten a certain brand and shot load better than others. Its trial and error testing. Once you get a good idea on that, go to a skeet range or better yet a sporting clays range and shoot. Do this often before season and you will be amazed how you can improve. It builds your confidence and gets you in the habit or correct gun position, sight picture, swing and follow through. It will teach you patience also. Have fun.

[teul2]

Anatidae-- Wow, great analysis. Laying out all the info tells me, I just need to slow down and choose my shots. I tend to be a bit quick on the trigger.

And, if your not hunting wide open fields, try some 2.75in or 3in shells. You may be surprised.

[cwink]

Also going to depend on what type of shooter you are.. I am more of a point or instinctive shooter, instead of a swing shooter. So for me shorter barrells work better..

[Anatidae]

Crazy' - I suspect the struggle to hit consistently at shorter ranges (in your case - since you have less trouble with longer targets) may be as simple as not keeping your head on the stock or not narrowing your focus on the target as well as you do at greater distances - both caused by a relaxed visual position (sight picture relative to desired point of impact). Sometimes we just take a closer target for granted and get lazy.

There is more of a tendency to 'measure' the lead as distance increases (splitting your focus between barrel/bead and target. The same thing CAN happen at close range particularly if you have less confidence and don't trust your eyes.

If you want to come to Starkville sometime - I'll take you to the gun club and check a few things. I'm not a qualified instructor but will be glad to pass-on what I've learned over the years.

[GulfCoast]

Eye on the rock, head on the stock!

Take Randy up on his invitation for the gun club.

[Anatidae]

As much as I've shot over the years - If I don't shoot on a regular basis, I still have a tendency to pick my head up to get a better look at some targets......usuallly the close ones or straight-aways. I do it more in duck hunting because of too many clothes and just the excitement of having a bird in my face. It's any easy thing to lapse into.

I missed a banded mallard drake 3 times years ago because I just got excited and didn't pay attention to detail - keep yo head down. Head, shoulders, hands, arms and gun must move as ONE unit.....otherwise, results can be sad. I'll never forget that bird as long as I live. If it's close enough to see a band on it - it's close enough to kill with little effort and the right choke/load.

[MudHog]

I have an 870 Express Mag that originally had a 28" barrel. I could not hit the broad side of GH22 g/f if she was standing 10' in front of me. I switched to a 30" barrel and now I hit most every shot. I've noticed the biggest difference shooting sporting clays where your constantly shooting and can see the difference. Now, how much was credited to the barrel change or to my mental thinking that I needed a 30" barrel, I don't have that answer. I just know I'm more comfortable shooting now with the 30" barrel than the old 28" barrel.

[craziehunter]

Thanks for the offer Anatidae. I will pm you some time and try to get something set-up.

[Bonecollecter1111]

If it's close enough to see a band on it - it's close enough to kill with little effort and the right choke/load.

lol i have done this a couple of times myself, find myself focusing on the band and thinking i gonna kill the bird. i always shoot under and behind if i think its got jewelry