Barrel Length

[mfox1616]

Just one quick question guys. I am going to be buying a new gun for myself and my 14 y/o son. I know I am going to be getting 870's for both fo us, as I have had the one I currently use for nearly 15 years now with no major problems. My question is on barrel length. What in yalls opinion is the best barrel length for ducks? Thanks for any input you can provide.

[duckkiller]

28"

[chattahoochee]

26'' Like my rims.

[Rice]

28" with a Kicks or Pattern Master choke and you are ready to whack and stack

[GordonGekko]

whatever you and your son shoot well with and doesn't blast your blind buddies ears.... I switched to a 26" this year from a 28 and never missed a beat (but the sight plane is the same ).... that being said most of the time it is easier to accurately point a long stick than a short stick....

[c-bank]

If you want to get the most out of you shells stay with the longest you can. I believe 28" is the longest you can get in an 870. Sure saves the man's ears next to you too!

[GulfCoast]

Its a total no-brainer. Shoot the longest barrel you can handle. For a grown, non-metrosexual male, that is at least a 28". Go 30" if you can, or 32". Ignore people who say long barrels "get in the way" in the pit or the woods. They are delusional, fibbing, or have never tried it. I hunt out of pits all the time with long sticks, it ain't no big deal. Ignore people who say a short barrel is "quicker." It also stops quicker, and 95% of hunters and shooters miss behind, which is compounded by a short, whippy gun. Call that guy "Sir Miss-a-Lot."

[Delta Duck]

I have shot a 24" barrel for the past 15 years. I did not choose it years ago it is what was on the gun.

I don't do any aiming if the gun is positioned right on my shoulder I hit the target.


Oh I have missed before! I think I have, Some birds have just flown a mile before they die!!

I have had complaints about the short barrel in the pit ringing ears. I have also had my ears rang by 28" barrel.

I only stand 5' 10" most of the time I'm the shortest person in the pit!!

[4dawgma]

I think for the kid you want the shortest barrel you can get. less weight and easier for them to swing, then as they grow you can always get a longer barrel

[mfox1616]

Thanks everyone for the input. I think we will go with the concesus. GO STATE!!

[MSDawg870]

Last year at a big BBQ/skeet shoot/outdoor karaoke fest, I had a buddy pull out an 870 with a 40 something inch barrel on it. It was a sight to see and fun to shoot. You could let the skeet get on out there and smoke em like it was a 20yd shot.

[cwink]

No longer than 26"

[hencutter]

26" for me.But that is what I'm used to.

[Greenhead22]

Best barrel length for all situations is 26".

[4dawgma]

Best barrel length for all situations is 26".

That's what she said.