Pump Shotgun, 24" vs 28" barrel?

[Mystery_Milk]

I've been thinking about getting a 24" barrel for my shotgun. I haven't enjoyed carrying a 28" barrel around.

Right now this would mostly be for small game hunting and turkeys. If I can't tell the difference for swings either (so far I haven't been able to tell the difference between a 26" and 28" O/U) I might use it for clays/birds as well.

One thing that's got me worried is that someone said a shorter barrel makes shots a lot louder. I haven't had to shoot without ear protection yet but I can totally see that being a possibility especially with small game hunting where I'm not in one place.

[therealnickb]

I can’t believe it would be louder for “you” with a short barrel.

My 20” kills clays for me just like my 28”. But it’s s pistol grip so I don’t take it hunting. I’d have loved to have a 24” or less for road hunting pheasant this year. Get out of the truck quickly with the 28” wasn’t that smooth.

[newbutold]

On game, noise isn't a problem for me. My 28's are my short brush guns.

[etwinam]

I have a 24" and a couple 28"

24" is fine for small game, just adjust your choke accordingly.

[ceh383]

One thing that's got me worried is that someone said a shorter barrel makes shots a lot louder.

No real discernible difference.

[Carcassonne]

Mathematically there is a difference in noise level. Chances are you won't know the difference.

[JagerDog]

To you, no real noise difference. To those around you, it could be minor or could be Yuge. Resident small game, generally not an issue. Duck blind, Yuge issue and less safe.

Wing shooting, I find a 28" to be about perfect with an alloy receiver. A balance/swing thing, not a pattern thing.

If you want to shorten the whole package, breech loaders are a good way to go.

[Mystery_Milk]

To you, no real noise difference. To those around you, it could be minor or could be Yuge. Resident small game, generally not an issue. Duck blind, Yuge issue and less safe.

Wing shooting, I find a 28" to be about perfect with an alloy receiver. A balance/swing thing, not a pattern thing.

If you want to shorten the whole package, breech loaders are a good way to go.

Strange, I find 28" to be better for the more rear-heavy steel receivers.
I thought about getting a Stevens 301 just for small game but thought it'd be kind of silly when I already have a pump. It's about the same price as a new barrel before fees but it's a single shot.
SxS and O/U are pretty expensive now.

[bigbossman]

What you really need is a 26" barrel.

[Mystery_Milk]

What you really need is a 26" barrel.

Haha Mossberg doesn't currently make that for a 12 ga 500. I think they have one for 20 and one for the 535.

[NATEWA]

Haha Mossberg doesn't currently make that for a 12 ga 500. I think they have one for 20 and one for the 535.

http://www.mossberg.com/store/500-12-gauge-all-purpose-barrel-26-marinecote-6-shot-90021.html

[RNE228]

I've taken a lot of ducks, some geese, and turkey with a Mossy 835 with a 24" barrel. Was my first shotgun(used Dad's before). It is a really a turkey gun...

24" is fine for static shooting, ie turkey. That is what my old Mossy 835 was made for. Having used a 24" barrel for hunting, and an older Rem1100 Skeet with 26" barrel for clays, they work fine. A lot of older skeet shotguns are 26"; they work better from a low hold. Ie they come to the shoulder faster.

I do prefer to use a 28" barrel in the duck blind. Have moved to a 30" on trap and skeet. They swing better....

[NapalmCheese]

I prefer longer barrels for shooting on the the wing. That being said, I was hunting turkey out in Los Padres NF one year and saw boatloads of quail around in some heavy brush; I remember thinking I'd prefer a pretty short barreled shotgun with an open choke for that kind of work (just to decrease the chances of getting hung up on branches and stuff).

I hunted rabbits last year with a 30" barreled pump, it didn't hamper me any and seemed to hit the things I pointed it at.

As posted above though, breech loaders are definitely shorter for similar barrel lengths.

[pennstater]

Mossberg 930 All Purpose Field comes with a 26" barrel. #85001.

[Bull Elk]

I'd get a 26" or 28" barrel over a 24".