SG bbl length

[boyzuker]

I'm starting to look around for a new hunting shotgun, what are the characteristic differences between a 26 and 28 inch bbl? Is it just how it swings? I'm 6'5" so I am assuming that a 28 would be best for me. This will be the first SG for hunting I buy new so I figure I should get the facts.


Edit: I forgot That the gun I'm looking at also comes in 30"

[xLusi0n]

Get a 28" as it's in between

[BigDogatPlay]

It's all about feel. What feels best I am closer to 6'5" and I prefer shorter barrels on hunting and sporting shotguns. They feel the best and work the best for me.

I have a 24 inch vent ribbed barrel with choke tubes on a Mossberg 500 that feels great to me and swings like lightning. My O/U is 28 inches and is pretty darned close to right. I'd like to try the same gun in 26 inch just to see if it would dial in, but that's not a "have to have" as the 28 inch shoots very well for me.

On the other hand I have an 1100 with a 30 inch tube that swings like a phone pole to me... way too long. I'm going to be replacing the barrel with something a bit more compact.

Try as many different barrel lengths as you can. Shoulder them and swing them in the store. If possible, try to fire some different lengths as well.

Also... once you decide on a gun and get it worked in a bit, you should consider having the stock fitted for you. If you are anything like me, you might need just a bit more length from a standard stock for your best fit.

[mjsweims]

See what feels and fits best. If you will be hunting wooded areas 26" is often better. In open areas a longer barrel often works better because shots are further and the longer barrel narrows the sight plane.
But if it doesn't swing well you won't shoot well.

[mike100]

Is this a break action gun or a pump/semi-auto? a 30" over-under swings just like a 28" pump due to the shorter receiver on the o/u.

really, any of those common lengths work well unless you are engaging very long shots like ducks or trap shooting.