26" vs 28"

[giggity]

I have both a 26" and a 28" barrel for my 870 12 gauge. I'm cutting one of them shorter. I don't really see much of an advantage from one over the other so I figured I'd ask you guys. Which barrel would you keep?

 

[dist1646]

I would keep the 26" barrel just because it is handier. I'm not a shotgun guy but, as I understand it, a shotguns choke is based on the number of pellets in a 30" circle at 40 yards. The diameter of the choke is based on what the industry has determined will achieve that standard. I.E., full choke will put more pellets in the circle than cyl. choke. Those standards are not determined by barrel length.

 

[platoonDaddy]

If you live near PG Trap & Skeet Center, stop in and talk to Morgan. For sure he is the ProFromDover on shotguns.

 

[67temp]

For me a lot would depend on the intended use for the barrel, also the characteristics of each such as vent rib, porting, choked or interchangeable choke, mid bead....etc. If you plan to shoot trap a longer barrel and vent rib is nicer. if your are going to go turkey hunting you would want the shorter barrel.

 

[giggity]

Both barrels are identical besides length.
Vent rib, no port, and interchangeable chokes.

 

[pbharvey]

Keep the 28" barrel, that's the "normal" do-everything length.

 

[Uncle Duke]

Your primary intended use is what I'd consider. Longer barrels can swing better with less body movement. One reason you'll see trap guys for example with long barreled shotguns. They can utilize the advantages of longer barrels because they can swing those preferred longer tubes unobstructed. Thats the nature of their trap game.

Shorter barrels can be quicker handling and less cumbersome, especially with heavy brush in upland game hunting, which by its nature is more about obstructions oftentimes and snap shooting. For upland hunting, which represents my primary shotgun usage, I personally much prefer 26 inch. The 2 lesser inches of barrel is a tradeoff I personally see as advantageous, but only because of my primary usage.

 

[giggity]

I know this sounds kinda crazy but I really don't have an intend for either barrel length, that's why I'm cutting one. This will be a spare barrel. I figured I'd keep one in its original length incase I ever decided to go skeet shooting or turkey hunting one day.

 

[dist1646]

I am told that trap shooters use longer barrels because it is easier for them to maintain momentum during the swing. I have broken 24 out 0f 25 with a 26" barrel and like I said, I'm not a shotgun person.

 

[iH8DemLibz]

Keep the two inches of sight radius.

 

[El_flasko]

Keep the 28" barrel, that's the "normal" do-everything length.

This.

 

[giggity]

If the 28" is what is more normal, is it safe to assume that the 28" would be easier to sell too if I decide not to keep it?

 

[dist1646]

If the 28" is what is more normal, is it safe to assume that the 28" would be easier to sell too if I decide not to keep it?

Definitely more demand for 26" barrels when selling. 28" barrels are so common, it is hard to get a decent price for them.

 

[Augie]

If they are both vent rib barrels don't cut either, basically just trashing a good barrel. If you feel a need for a short barrel sell the 26" and buy a plain barrel to cut or one already cut, you will probably come out money ahead.

 

[giggity]

I prefer the vent rib barrel so one of them is getting cut. I'm just undecided on which one to cut.

 

[ted76]

870 barrels are so cheap and common, that I would not cut either and either keep both and buy another that you want, or offer one as a partial trade to a dealer that has what you want at a show or offer it or sale here or on another site and buy what you want.

 

[giggity]

I'm cutting one of these barrels. My mind is set on that. No one makes a vent rib barrel in the length I want. I'm sorry if you don't like it but it's happening. What I'm asking is what others prefer, the 26" or 28".

 

[28Shooter]

If you are set on cutting one of those barrels, cut the 26".

 

[giggity]

If you are set on cutting one of those barrels, cut the 26".

That's what I'm leaning towards right now. Thanks

 

[jimbobborg]

Just out of curiosity, what are you cutting the barrel length to?