Barrel length vs gauge.

[DonaldBabbett]

Is there any logical reason for field 12 ga. guns to be offered only in 28" barrels by many gun makers while the similar model might only come with a 26" barrel in 20 ga.?

Why does a 20 need a shorter barrel in the field?

[tallengnr1]

Based on my understanding (and the link below seems to confirm it), on a average 12 gauge load, after traveling 28 inches of barrel length, the velocity of the projectile will not increase (the powder is all used up).

For a 20 gauge, that length shortens to 26" for maximum projectile velocity

Link: https://www.outdoorlife.com/how-to-c...-barrel-length

Ultimately, pick the barrel length that swings and feels the best for you.

[newbutold]

The shorter barrels make for a quicker swing in the field and at skeet. Some like the longer trap guns.

[Trapdude86]

For hunting I like my 26”. For sporting clays I like my 30”. I’ve shoot 34” on trap with great success. It’s all about the gun swing to me and not the sight picture like some say for them.

[Garandimal]

28" Bbl. is an efficient compromise... like a 4" service pistol.

Long/short enough... for everything, and great for most things.

Both my 12 and 20 Ga. Wingmasters sport 2-3/4" 28" MOD Bbls, and have shot everything for decades with them. No complaints or reason to change.

Did add an 18" CYL Mossberg 870 Bbl. for the 12 Ga. - for social work.

GR

[tallengnr1]

Size Matters...

[W.R.Buchanan]

Shotgun barrel length changes with the tides as to what is best for whatever.

Used to be, Skeet guns all had 26" bbls. My newer Browning Citori .410 has 32" bbls. Most guys buying O/U Shotguns for clays are going to 32" bbls. My Browning Citori XT has 30" bbls. Wish I'd gotten 32's. I shoot skeet with that gun as well and the longer barrels seem to swing nicer. Can't tell by my scores.

Most field guns have 28" bbls as that is considered to be the best compromise. Used to be Upland Guns with mod and full barrels were 28" and guns with IC and Mod barrels were 26". Now everything has Removable Choke Tubes so that is no longer a consideration.

Gauge has nothing to do with it. Now it's all personal preference.

Randy

[JagerDog]

I have shotguns in every gauge - break-open and pumps; the majority are 28" (including a 4 gauge skeet set) with my trap guns ranging from 30" to 34". IMO, barrel length has zero practical effect on velocity and everything to do with balance. I'm not even convinced of value of these long trap barrels.

I was gonna say balance. Lighter frame on 20's. Barrels lighter too, but not proportionally. A field (particularly one well suited for upland hunting) gun typically balances between the hands while a trap gun can be forward weight biased as it doesn't move much and can help keep the gun moving. Higher end clay guns can get away with longer barrels while maintaining a "neutral" balance since they can be of lighter construction (stronger steel), but cost more than most anyone would pay for a field gun.

[LynnJr]

Barrel length is determined by how far you will be shooting.
In skeet you don't need much of a barrel.
For jump shooting quail and pheasants you need more length because you get multiple shots.
For ducks and geese you need even more length because ducks are shot at farther distances.
Trap is shot at longer distances than skeet hence the longer barrels.
20 gauges use less length because 45 yard shots on geese with 7/8 ounce just isn't as practical as a guy using 3-1/2 12 gauge loads.

[Horrendo Revolver]

I shoot everything better with a 26” barrel.

[pennstater]

28" Bbl. is an efficient compromise... like a 4" service pistol.

Long/short enough... for everything, and great for most things.

Both my 12 and 20 Ga. Wingmasters sport 2-3/4" 28" MOD Bbls, and have shot everything for decades with them. No complaints or reason to change.

Did add an 18" CYL Mossberg 870 Bbl. for the 12 Ga. - for social work.

GR

Pretty much agree with this.^^^

[russ69]

...Why does a 20 need a shorter barrel in the field?

I'm guessing guys that buy 20g guns are looking for a lighter gun and shorter barrels make the gun a bit lighter.

[XVIga_Rob]

[DonaldBabbett]

The new model Benelli Nova field 20 pump guns only come in 26 and 24 inch barrels.

I would only buy the 26" in the pump 20. This would be used for doves as well as grouse, pheasant and quail. Doves and quail zoom a mile a minute so the snappiness of the shorter barrel might make sense here.

However, one can get a Beretta Silver Pigeon I over/under 20 ga. in 26, 28 and 30 inch barrels.

I probably go for the Beretta 26" still for extra snap on fast birds. Skeet barrels are shorter due to fast targets at close range.

Sometimes our barrel length selections are limited as to what the gun makers offer in certain models and gauges.

[k1dude]

I think 20's come with shorter barrels simply because the majority of users are kids and smaller adults. To keep the weight light and the balance correct, they use shorter barrels.

My big complaint is the dearth of 20 ga aftermarket longer barrels for most makes.