Buying first trap gun, question about barrel length

[dyst0pia]

I'm buying a Winchester 101 Pigeon Trap (this one: http://www.winchesterguns.com/produc...20C&mid=513059), but I don't know what barrel length to use. What are the tradeoffs between the 30'' and the 32''? How should I choose which one to get?

[Fjold]

Try them out or at least swing them in the shop. The center of balance is going to be different so you have to go with which one feels the best to you.

[fiddletown]

A shorter barrel is easier to start swinging, but stops more easily. A longer barrel will keep moving better. If you have any tendency to stop your swing (rather than follow through and swing through the target), you might prefer the longer barrel.

But the bottom line is that it's a very personal choice. For a while I was using a 32" O/U and 34" single, which seemed to be pretty much the standard. But I was able to try a 30" O/U and 32" single, and I found I did better.

[bjl333]

A shorter barrel is easier to start swinging, but stops more easily. A longer barrel will keep moving better. If you have any tendency to stop your swing (rather than follow through and swing through the target), you might prefer the longer barrel.

But the bottom line is that it's a very personal choice. For a while I was using a 32" O/U and 34" single, which seemed to be pretty much the standard. But I was able to try a 30" O/U and 32" single, and I found I did better.

Actually go and try and swing both lengths. For a long time people were using 30's for trap and 26's for skeet. Well now they are up to 34 & 32. all I have to say is get what feels the best ...

The 30" can be use to shoot skeet too, all you have to do is lower the comb and put skeet chokes in !!

[mjsweims]

The swing is very important. Also of importance is where you pick up the target, so be sure either fits well and you can see down the rib easily. The longer barrel will give you a narrower (more precise) view the target.

[BMC]

A lot of good info already shared here. I'll add that the functionality of barrel length has more to do with the weight and swing. As Fjold noted, which one you prefer will be up to you to decide because some people prefer shorter barrels and others longer barrels. Longer barrels tend to have an advantage in swing because essentially you will move/swing less as compared to a shorter barrel and it is a generally accepted understanding that longer barrels smooth out your swing which is very important in moving target shooting presentations. Another thing that many people do not take into consideration is that not all 30" or 32", etc barrels weigh the same. The weight and balance of the same length barrels on different model/mfg of shotguns can vary quite a bit.

[dyst0pia]

Thanks for all the great information, everyone! I'll see if I can find some of these to try out, and then just buy the one that feels right.

[BMC]

If you'll allow me to make a suggestion. I suggest that if you are going to "try out" some of the different shotguns to do it while actually shooting them. There is a quite a bit of difference between mounting and swinging a gun in a shop or just "air shooting" as compared to actually doing the deed and drawing a conclusion from that.

[bjl333]

If you'll allow me to make a suggestion. I suggest that if you are going to "try out" some of the different shotguns to do it while actually shooting them. There is a quite a bit of difference between mounting and swinging a gun in a shop or just "air shooting" as compared to actually doing the deed and drawing a conclusion from that.

Very true ... unforturnately not every gun can be found at ranges to rent or borrow !! Or we won't have good deals for like new guns !!!!