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Barrel length will not effect the pattern. "X" amount of choke is "X" amount of choke, no matter how long the barrel. A short barrel will have some very slight effect on velocity, but not enough to matter. Where length will come in to play is on "gun dynamics" or how it swings, I can NOT shoot short barreled guns, but others I know swear by them. So just "try before you buy." And remember, short barreled guns are LOUD, and can really hurt the hearing of someone in the blind with you, or you, if you are not careful. Good luck with your new gun. I hope you enjoy it [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

From experience here...

The problem with the 390s could be that water has gotten in the receiver (it is AL on the 390s) and worked its way to the bottom, when the gun is sat on its butt.
What happens is the recoil spring gets rusted into the receiver extention. Your buddies need to call Beretta and get:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>Recoil Spring
Recoil Spring Cap
Stock retaining nut(8mm x 1.0 pitch)</UL>

currently these items are on back order, but total including shipping is under $10.

When the 390s come from the factory they are coated in a preservative, but apparently they do not grease this spring. Grease it up with a 90w gear oil upon reassembly. It won't get powder residue in it as it is just inthe receiver tube.

Like I said I learned this lesson the hard way!

Also I just got off the phone with Beretta and the 390 Walmart gun is offically out of production, and they are getting bombarded with requests for it!

[ January 21, 2002: Message edited by: RotDorn ]

The longer the barrel does not mean the longer you can reach out and touch them. or so I have been told, I personally still do not believe it, I think the longer barrel gives you a longer sight plain and from that a more accurate shot at greater distances.

by the way, my 390 had an extra set of tubes and wrench if somebody needs them, there is an extra improved and modified tube, and wrench, I would imangine that somebody is going to buy one with out the complementary package.

In times past the reason for a longer barrel duck, and even longer barrel goose guns was so that the propelant could burn completely. With the advent of current day powders that is no longer an issue.

One thing can be said for a 28" barrel though, you have a longer sight radius, which IMNSHO really helps on pass shooting.

no wonder i can't hit the side of a barn, I knew something was wrong, I always wondered why, those "reflex" shots always seemed to do better for me.

This is NOT a negative comment guys BUT...BBL length should not matter at all regarding sighting. If you are looking at the bbl while shooting moving targets, you may need to re-think how you shoot. Most of the good shooters I know never even know the bbl is out there when they shoot. It DOES come into play regarding balance, loudness, etc. I don't want to start this discussion again but...if you're closing one eye, and using the bead or rib to point with, for me that means something is WRONG, there are easier ways of hitting what you're aiming at.... [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]