Jump to content

Barrel length


420W

Recommended Posts

I'm going to buy a SBEII i will mainly use it for turkeys but will do some small game hunting with it from time to time. I wanted it with a 26" barrel i would like to know what others are using. Would a 24" work as well or do you think they are to short and there is also the 28" to consider. What seens to be the best all around.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On modern guns such as the SBEII, barrel length has no bearing on pattern density. It's all in the selected choke tube.

 

Barrel length does affect your sighting.

Longer barrels offer a longer sighting plane and thus give the illusion of being closer to the target. Longer barrels also help a wing shooter make a more fluid swing and follow through on moving targets.

 

Shorter barrels have obvious advantages in heavier cover, and they are preferred by birders who hunt over pointing dogs, deer hunters, and turkey hunters.

 

Another thing to consider is the fact the sighting plane on a 24" semi-auto is about the same as it is on a 28" O/U or SXS. This is because that longer receiver extends the plane by several inches, making it the barrel appear longer in the sight picture.

 

With no other game considered, the 24" is the best selection for turkey hunting. The target is generally still or barely moving, and many turkey hunters use low power optics which take barrel length completely out of the equation anyway.

 

26" is a good selection if your small game hunting is going to include some wingshooting on doves, ducks, geese, etc.

 

If your small game shooting is going to be flushed birds, rabbits, and the like, then the 24" is your best choice.

 

[ 02-05-2006, 11:13 AM: Message edited by: tucker301 ]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I mostly hunt ducks and I started with a 28" pump. Shot it for about 10 years then swithed to a 30" pump for a couple then went to a 24" pump for 10 more years and they all worked great. Was a little worried about the 24" at first but never wondered after I started hunting with it. My SBE is 26" and I love it too and shoot better with it than any of the others.

Choke tube and pattern testing are the key.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...