Shotgun barrel length.

[wayfarer5]

How much does shotgun barrel length really matter for 3 gun? I'm looking at buying a shotgun that can be used for both competition and home defense so I'm wondering how much barrel length really matters. Seems like you'd want a longer barrel for more accuracy, but a shorter barrel for better maneuverability. Thanks!

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[Tlock]

Length does matter, its how you use it.

 

[roseburger]

Most run 22" or so to accommodate longer mag tubes. I think I have a 22".

 

[Tlock]

My work sbe2 was a 24 inch and I used it for everything. Coyotes close range to long range seagull shoots to goose hunting.

 

[Stomper]

Length does matter, its how you use it.

I was told it's the width of the barrel, rather than the length that makes a lasting impression....

 

[phidelt208]

So 3gun, competitions, and home defense dynamics are vastly different.
You can certainly run a defensive shotgun in 3 Gun and be FINE. However if you were looking to be competitive you're going to want a shotgun that holds 13 shells.
For obvious reasons, that makes it not conducive for home defense.
I would go to a match see what the guys in the top 5% are running and see if you can make that fit into a defensive shotgun if not, you're way better off having two guns.

I can save you time though and tell you I spent a long time shooting my home defense shotgun in 3 Gun and wished I would've bought a competition gun way sooner.

And here's the thing if you decide you don't like competitions you can always sell your competition gun and keep your home defense shotgun.

 

[Nosferatu]

Don't worry about it for your first few matches. Run what you have and then you can determine what works best for you.

I didn't like the 24" barrel, the 21" 1301 was the sweet spot for me.

 

[ORfisherguyx]

Barrel length in 3 gun matters, based on the rules of the match/division you're shooting in. Some rules dictate how far your mag-tube can extend past the end of the barrel.
Chokes in your shotgun can definitely make you're match outcome better, depending on which ammo you're playing with.

 

[spookshack]

I was told it's the width of the barrel, rather than the length that makes a lasting impression....

Hung like a tuna can you are.

 

[Stomper]

Hung like a tuna can you are.

Even better... a sardine can.

 

[Tlock]

Even better... a sardine can.

Kipper snack?

 

[roseburger]

Even better... a sardine can.

You should really see a doctor about that.

 

[Stomper]

Kipper snack?

Yep, well used... a bit fishy and salty.

 

[Stomper]

You should really see a doctor about that.

What a coincidence, that's what I told your sister!










OK, OK... I'll stop with the GI humor now!

 

[ma96782]

Well......you could go to a 3 Gun Match and just ask around for the opinions of the competitors involved in the sport.

LOL.....mind you, I originally thought you may have been talking about SASS. Yeah....they also do 3 guns too. Rifle, pistols and shotgun. Only......there is an important criterion that the firearms be of the approiate era (see the rule book on that).

Anyway.....just based on my observation (for SASS).......20" barrel seems to be most favored for shotguns. BUT, But, but.....the targets are admittedly close.

View: https://youtu.be/CX19P0ua1eY?si=hbyMA7mgcP37lJe0


Aloha, Mark