28" vs 30" barrel length

[marshy]

So gents,

For someone looking at buying an O/U or SxS for say wing shooting and clays, which barrel length do you prefer and would suggest, and why? :)

Had a look at a Beretta Silver Pigeon 686 with both the 28" and the 30" , and although the 28" tended to carry better, I know there's a tendency to go for the 30".

Looking forward to hearing everyones views :)


Marshy

[mtoich]

I would recommend to go with the 28" for general wingshooting (from greywing to duck)
Go for the 30" If you intend to hunt more for duck, gyppo and spurwing.
30" barrels shoot a slightly tighter group and at a slightly higher velocity than a 28", slightly better for bigger birds (taking into account that they are both choked equally and shooting the same load of course).

[Gidsie]

I would take the 30" and rather choke it down...
Nothing can compensate for site radius... you can choke a 30" but you cant increase sight radius and pointability...

And also look at the new Browning Citoris.. Carlos in Centurion is your guy..

Me.. Im waiting for the Beretta ExtremaII

[obasch]

30" barrels shoot a slightly tighter group and at a slightly higher velocity than a 28", slightly better for bigger birds (taking into account that they are both choked equally and shooting the same load of course).

Shotguns shoot patterns not groups and the pattern is determined by the choke irrespective of barrel length. Furthermore, shotgun ammo reach maximum velocity at approximately 25" of barrel length so just forget about velocity. Pattern determines effectiveness in shotgunning, velocity only becomes of value if you try & reach out to 60m + ranges. South African birds on average are shot at less than approximately 35m.

[THOMAST]

Best to take your shottie to a shotgun range with different makes & weight shot and see how it patterns on a pattern board.
Whats good for the goose is not always good for the gander (Pardon the pun!)

[KK20]

Shotguns shoot patterns not groups and the pattern is determined by the choke irrespective of barrel length. Furthermore, shotgun ammo reach maximum velocity at approximately 25" of barrel length so just forget about velocity. Pattern determines effectiveness in shotgunning, velocity only becomes of value if you try & reach out to 60m + ranges. South African birds on average are shot at less than approximately 35m.

i like your post

[wthang]

I have a s x s 32" with both barrels fully choked (and I mean toight).
It's a real goose hammer of thor but makes life a little more difficult for the rockies.
As mentioned look at what you will be shooting most and go from there. 1/2 and 3/4 choke set ups are the most common.

[janoakley]

Marshy what did you decide in the end because I am sitting with the same dilemma now. 28" or 30?

[marshy]

Jan, I'm still quite undecided :/ i think I'm going to have to go and have another look and shoulder both side by side for a good comparison :)

[kurly]

Marshy are you looking at buying new or 2nd hand? Where have you been "shopping"?

Reason I ask is that I am also in the market for a shotgun and I'm also in Durban.