Barrel length

LarsJ · Mar 21, 2018

I do understand that balance is important, but I can't wrap my head around the difference in barrel lengths. Especially the choice between the 30 and 32 inch versions. Balance aside what are the benefits? If it is smoother swing that is the argument, why not 34 or longer (I understand at some point you won't be able to catch up with the target).

Is the pattern significantly different at typical impact distance? (and any "proof" of that?

Longer sight plane is the only thing I can come to think of ( even though not aiming when shooting shotgun).

Is it just what's in at the moment? (or manufacturers need to keep the selling numbers up?)

It's a genuine curiosity I have.

Lars

chippy · Mar 21, 2018

No difference in pattern or speed. Its just balance smoothness of swing and weight. And 32s just somehow feel right.

balltrap · Mar 21, 2018

I was told by the wife it's not the length it's how you use it !...............she thinks I am a sh*t shot :lol:

Hamster · Mar 21, 2018

I know 2 people who shoot a 34" gun extremely well, I know several dozen who shoot 32" guns extremely well, I know 1 AAA shot who shoots 30" by choice, I don't know of a single high ranking ESP shooter who prefers 28" - based on such overwhelming data it's clear 32" just happens to be the best compromise to tackle clays slow and fast at ranges between 15 - 65 yards. My personal guess is that the subject is related to "moment of inertia".

ChrisPackham · Mar 22, 2018

I think getting used to the gun you have and using it well is more important. I therefore assume lots of people have tendency to have a ‘stopping the gun’ fault and as H suggests a longer and therefore heavier feeling barrel helps mask this..

When I bought my first gun the shop suggested 32 barrels but it didnt it feel right to me and I was apparently on the edge of being tall enough at 6 foot... I have found that so long as I concentrate I don’t tend to stop the gun anymore, even with 28 barrels, although my XXV can feel a bit stabby if I’m not shooting well..

Paul120 · Mar 22, 2018

balltrap said:
I was told by the wife it's not the length it's how you use it !...............she thinks I am a sh*t shot :lol:

She thinks, we know. :lol:

balltrap · Mar 22, 2018

Paul120 said:
She thinks, we know. :lol:

:lol: how can you call anybody sh*t :lol: if I shot as bad as you I would take up fishing :angel:

westley · Mar 22, 2018

balltrap said:
I was told by the wife it's not the length it's how you use it !...............she thinks I am a sh*t shot :lol:

And she is NOT alone on that one ! :angel:

westley · Mar 22, 2018

balltrap said:
:lol: how can you call anybody sh*t :lol: if I shot as bad as you I would take up fishing :angel:

I already HAVE ! :wink:

balltrap · Mar 22, 2018

westley said:
I already HAVE ! :wink:

The fish will be safe then

Paul120 · Mar 22, 2018

balltrap said:
:lol: how can you call anybody sh*t :lol: if I shot as bad as you I would take up fishing :angel:

True. Just waiting for the invite to join you fishing.

Wonko the Sane · Mar 23, 2018

Hamster said:
I know 2 people who shoot a 34" gun extremely well, I know several dozen who shoot 32" guns extremely well, I know 1 AAA shot who shoots 30" by choice, I don't know of a single high ranking ESP shooter who prefers 28" - based on such overwhelming data it's clear 32" just happens to be the best compromise to tackle clays slow and fast at ranges between 15 - 65 yards. My personal guess is that the subject is related to "moment of inertia".

That level of "evidence" is nothing more than conjecture. Based on criteria derived from the above it is obvious that I am lusted after by the majority of the women on the planet. And there is just as obviously little evidence to the contrary.

I believe that the recent long barrel fad is attributable to nothing more than King George's use. There is no inherent ballistic or balance advantage in length alone. And the whole "sight plane" argument is nothing less than ludicrous for shotguns. I'm pretty sure that far the majority of OT/UT shooters would agree.

Hamster · Mar 23, 2018

Wonko the Sane said:
That level of "evidence" is nothing more than conjecture. Based on criteria derived from the above it is obvious that I am lusted after by the majority of the women on the planet. And there is just as obviously little evidence to the contrary.

I believe that the recent long barrel fad is attributable to nothing more than King George's use. There is no inherent ballistic or balance advantage in length alone. And the whole "sight plane" argument is nothing less than ludicrous for shotguns. I'm pretty sure that far the majority of OT/UT shooters would agree.

I love when people refer to 32" barrels' popularity as a "fad", it's been fadpenning since the mid 80's :lol: and FYI this one has nothing to do with George, he was in fact one of the last of the Greats to switch

, Bidwell was another who is now on record as saying he regrets not doing so earlier.

My other favourite is people saying it's because gun manufacturers are pushing us to buy longer tubes

like it saves them money to give us two extra inches. :lol:

LarsJ · Mar 23, 2018

Hamster said:
My other favourite is people saying it's because gun manufacturers are pushing us to buy longer tubes like it saves them money to give us two extra inches. :lol:

Well if they get us to buy another 30 inches, at the cost of the two extra is worth it. Not saying they are not better though. But that's consumer economy, make needs for people so they buy more/new.

Wonko the Sane · Mar 24, 2018

It has been a fad in the US for the ATA people for decades. Having started with that I of course went for the "necessary" 32" for doubles. Finding other games interfered with that. And there was an unfortunate experience seeing a junior OT team shooter besting all the 34" sbt guys from the 27 yard line with a ridiculous 30"!!! barreled O/U!!! So during the quest for Truth and Justice I suspect I tried about every commonly available combination of weight/length/rib. And I flipped everything but the 72cm->75cm, 1.34->1.59kg barrels that I have for the guns now.

Of course, that would just be me. Shoot whatever.

be safe

Charlie

ips · Mar 24, 2018

26" game for the fun of it

28" game cos its just right

30" clays cos its just right

Anything over 30" is a fad same as multi choke and high rib......i will get my coat

ChrisPackham · Mar 24, 2018

ips said:
26" game for the fun of it

28" game cos its just right

30" clays cos its just right

Anything over 30" is a fad same as multi choke and high rib......i will get my coat

Agreed!

chippy · Mar 24, 2018

I cannot believe you two are on the internet. Carrier pigeons must be more your thing.

FlyingTrotter · Mar 24, 2018

I am with the old boys ......

wait a minute I’m an old boy too

Barrel length

Help Support Clay, Trap, Skeet Shooting Forum:

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Similar threads

Join the conversation!

Join today and get all the highlights of this community direct to your inbox. It's FREE!