Barrel length

[freezer]

What effect does barrel legnth have on a shot gun?
I have a 24 inch camo barrel and a 28 inch blued barrel for my mossy auto loader. With the ducks getting more shy I've been considering switching to the 24 inch cammo barrel. What effect will this have on velosity and pattern?

[Atwater]

If you hunt with partners, the 24" barrel is sure to ring some bells. The speed at which modern powder burns, and the tightness of patterns non-tox is known for makes the longer barrels somewhat obsolete. I'd stick with the longer barrel anyway, unless you're hunting alone. Just my 2 cents.

[STEVE IN SOCAL]

Velocity or pattern won't be affected, but the way the gun swings will. I'd stick with the longer barrel, unless they're dekin real well.

[bux-n-dux]

Second the short barrel and the noise. When I hunt my buddies club he has a 28" and I usually shoot my 1100 with a 26". He complains about the noise to no end, but doesn't stop inviting me out. Today I shot a 28" and loved the way the gun felt. I think 24" is too short for waterfowl personally. But that's like, you know, my opinion man.

[branthntr]

The longer barrel will help with a smoother swing and a better sighting plane. You won't see any diff in the vel/pattern. Go with the 28"
The ducks won't care :-) Movement/face showing will be what they will see first.When you pull up the gun ,it will be to late!

[dblsmk]

Besides, if you're worried about the barrel shine they make camo tape just for that situation.

[MThomas88]

Im gonna have to say the 28" is better for most waterfowl hunts! Notice I said most! If your hunting thick cover or jump shooting bird already down in the drink, the 24" barrel is a better option due to mobility. But if your chambering 3 or 3 1/2" shells, go with the longer barrel. My 835 is perfect with the 28" ported barrel for most of the refuge hunts and other field hunts when your taking 20 to 30 yard shots, but if their dropping in on your spread, a shorter barrel is possible, but loud as hell! I normally keep two shotguns in blind, one in my hands for duck and the other chambered with a good goose load to avoid changing out loads when the geese come out of nowhere!

Knock em' down and Line em' up!