Updated*** A400 XP **New 3.5" duck gun, 26"

[etwinam]

This question may have been answered but I can't find any specific answer, only a bunch of people on duck boards arguing over it with no actual answer.

I Finally got my budget for an A400 duck gun, Deciding if I want to go 26" or 28". I currently shoot a 28", my other two shotguns I use are Mossberg 500 field with Modified choke for Duck and Quail, and A300 for clays and trap with an extended Light mod choke.

Since I'll be adding the A400 Extreme plus to the mix, what barrel length should I get? As I understand it, the 26" will swing faster and be more versatile, but the 28" is more what I'm used to and perhaps will get me more range. Also this will be my first 3.5" chamber shotgun, so the receiver may be a little larger. Both guns felt very similar in the store when I hold them and mounted them. Will a 3.5"rcvr 26" gun feel similar to a 3"rcvr 28" gun due to the extra weight and receiver length?

I know better than to assume I can have one gun do everything but it would be nice to be able to use my duck gun for clays as well sometimes, especially since A400 is an expensive gun and I'm not sure I'll ever afford two of them, one for clays and one duck. perhaps I'll just keep the A300 for clays even though it is technically a field gun.

Anyone have any input on this? Please help me decide, I plan on using this gun for many years and not replace it any time soon. I'm more of a buy once cry once guy.

Also, Black or Camo? Will camo really help fight rust better? Or is it a marketing ploy... . just curious on input, thanks everyone!!

[trapperjohn]

[Elgatodeacero]

You will likely end up shooting 3 inch shells 98 % of the time.

I think 3.5 inch shotguns offer very little increase in performance, with a big weight and price penalty.

If you get one, get the 28 inch barrel.

Have fun!

[trapperjohn]

Also, the ONLY difference between a 26” and 28” barrel is in the swing feel (and maneuverability in a blind if that’s where you shoot). The 2” difference in length will make absolutely no difference in range.

Now 2-3/4” vs 3.5” may be a noticeable difference in performance, but likely not.

[etwinam]

What do you expect the A400 to do that your A300 can’t?

Shoot 3.5" shells mostly, but also the stepped vent rib and patterning should be more an upgrade on the newer gun.

[etwinam]

Also, the ONLY difference between a 26” and 28” barrel is in the swing feel (and maneuverability in a blind if that’s where you shoot). The 2” difference in length will make absolutely no difference in range.

Now 2-3/4” vs 3.5” may be a noticeable difference in performance, but likely not.

Yes, mostly blind shooting. Thanks for all the help,

I guess I'm confused then.... why do so many people shoot 28" barrels in sporting Clay's? Strictly for the weight balance and swing? I would think those factors all relate to duck hunting even more. Is it sight raduis?

[etwinam]

You will likely end up shooting 3 inch shells 98 % of the time.

I think 3.5 inch shotguns offer very little increase in performance, with a big weight and price penalty.

If you get one, get the 28 inch barrel.

Have fun!

Thank you. I'm leaning towards the optifade marsh 28" currently.

[NATEWA]

I don’t notice the difference between the two. Go with the 26”. You can put on an extended choke that will add a little length and weight. 3” hevi shot and a good choke will kill birds. Too much recoil with the 3 1/2 shells for me, even with the kick off stock. I’ve thought of shooting 2 3/4” shells for ducks and keep the 3” shells for geese. Sold my a400 and primarily shoot my a300.

Good luck.

[NapalmCheese]

26 vs. 28 inch, it's personal preference. I like 28 inch barrels, the extra length and weight should help you follow through with your swing. Training and practice are the only real cure however. That being said my duck gun is a 26 inch Nova, it feels about as long as my 28 inch barreled 16s and not as long as my 30 inch barreled 12 gauge pump gun. I can't comment on the balance compared to the 28 or 30 inch barreled guns because they are all different brands/models.

Black or camo, it's personal preference. Camo guns that are dipped are often slightly more rust resistant than plain black/parked/blued/whatever guns.

[ysr_racer]

Oy vay, I'm at a loss here. The difference between a 26" barrel and a 28" barrel IS TWO INCHES.

The difference between an A300 and an A400 is a marketing ploy, nothing more. How many times have you been duck hunting, and what is the A300 not doing for you, that you think an A400 will?

Now if you want a new gun because you want a new gun, go for it. But if you think it's going to be any different then the gun you already have, you're deluding yourself.

[isntzen]

Paul Harrell just recorded a video in which he concluded that;
Using number 6 shot, there was less than 100fps difference in velocity between his 14 in and 20 in shotguns. So one might speculate that the velocity difference between a 26 in and 28 in Barrel would be completely insignificant.

[shovelon]

Geometrically speaking the longer barrel may point a little more accurately at far targets. I would be opting for the longer barrel.

[BajaJames83]

Most people myself bbnincluding with 3.5 guns have only shot a handful of 3.5 shells 3" and 2-3/4 high brass is plenty.
The only nice thing about a 3.5 gun to some is the added weight reduces recoil a tad but that's personal preference at that point.
IMHO barrel difference between 26 and 28 is more about feel and balance for you as you dont get any extra range or velocity.

[ysr_racer]

Longer barreled guns have a better resale value.

[etwinam]

Interesting, thank you