Shotgun question: barrel length affect pattern?

Ronan_357 · #1 10-13-2013, 03:54 PM

I was shooting my 12 gauge today and I was wondering does barrel length affect pattern? If so how?

Icatchfish · #2 10-13-2013, 04:24 PM

physics,
think about what a shot or a slug does in the barrel when its shot.

here is a clue, bounce bounce bounce
got it ???

perfect

Whitetail Whisper · #3 10-13-2013, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icatchfish

physics,
think about what a shot or a slug does in the barrel when its shot.

here is a clue, bounce bounce bounce
got it ???

perfect

Wow, someone was sipping on some Haterade this morning. No it does not affect the pattern I think shotguns generally get their peak velocity at 22 inches. The longer length is for the way the gun handles. The longer barrels swing more smoothly (trap gun) shorter barrels get faster target acquisition but can be easily nudged off course (skeet gun). Check it out at the gun counter, I found it quite obvious when I use my O/U for hunting or my semi for trap.

Ronan_357 · #4 10-13-2013, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icatchfish

physics,
think about what a shot or a slug does in the barrel when its shot.

here is a clue, bounce bounce bounce
got it ???

perfect

Thank you for your very not helpful post, maybe keep it to yourself next time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitetail Whisper

Wow, someone was sipping on some Haterade this morning. No it does not affect the pattern I think shotguns generally get their peak velocity at 22 inches. The longer length is for the way the gun handles. The longer barrels swing more smoothly (trap gun) shorter barrels get faster target acquisition but can be easily nudged off course (skeet gun). Check it out at the gun counter, I found it quite obvious when I use my O/U for hunting or my semi for trap.

Thanks for your helpful post, I knew about swing differences in barrel length but I wasn't sure about length affecting pattern.

markswoman · #5 10-13-2013, 04:55 PM

That's right. The barrel length does not affect the pattern, only the kind of choke you are using.

catnthehat · #6 10-13-2013, 05:04 PM

Shot size, choke, wad type, and velocity play a much big part in how a gun patterns, but no, barrel length doesn't.
Cat

Ronan_357 · #7 10-13-2013, 05:33 PM

Okay, it looks like I'm going shopping for new chokes and more shells. Thanks everyone

"No Choke"Lord Walsingham · #8 10-13-2013, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Shot size, choke, wad type, and velocity play a much big part in how a gun patterns, but no, barrel length doesn't.
Cat

The information in this post is entirely correct, as are the others that share similiar information. Barrel length is of little importance on a shotgun and has no appreciable impact on a guns pattern.

The general idea is that shorter barrels make a gun handier/easier to point where as longer barrels provide an increased sighting plane and promote proper form and technique (follow through, as stated by Whitetail Whisper). Some think that a shorter barrel is better in heavy cover, I am of an opinion that even 8-10 inches of length doesn't make a huge difference as what will get me tangled up with a 28" will also tangle up a 20".

Dog hunter · #9 10-13-2013, 06:23 PM

Ok so i bought the 870 marine this weekend shot a couple ckickens today. What a mess.I got some cheap 7-1/2 loads what will give me a tighter pattern? Because it doesn't knock there heads off the way my old ranger did

elkhunter11 · #10 10-13-2013, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Ok so i bought the 870 marine this weekend shot a couple ckickens today. What a mess.I got some cheap 7-1/2 loads what will give me a tighter pattern? Because it doesn't knock there heads off the way my old ranger did

Most marine/tactical shotguns like the 870 marine are bored cylinder, in other words, they don't have a choke. Although changing the load can effect the pattern somewhat, you aren't likely going to find any load that will shoot much tighter patterns with that barrel.

Dog hunter · #11 10-13-2013, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Most marine/tactical shotguns like the 870 marine are bored cylinder, in other words, they don't have a choke. Although changing the load can effect the pattern somewhat, you aren't likely going to find any load that will shoot much tighter patterns with that barrel.

Yeah thats what i thought,didnt really by it for hunting chickens anyway,i love it all the same lol , thanks

Selkirk · #12 10-14-2013, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitetail Whisper

. . . No it does not affect the pattern I think shotguns generally get their peak velocity at 22 inches. The longer length is for the way the gun handles. The longer barrels swing more smoothly (trap gun) shorter barrels get faster target acquisition but can be easily nudged off course (skeet gun). Check it out at the gun counter, I found it quite obvious when I use my O/U for hunting or my semi for trap.

Well said ^

Depending on the load/shot/etc. sometimes maximum velocity in shotguns can even be reached in as little as 18 inches, but 20 to 22 inches is a pretty good rule-of-thumb to use as the average.

Get the barrel length that works best for you, and the job at hand. For concerns about shot pattern, see Cat's comment in post #6.

Good Hunting!

Mac

Jack&7 · #13 10-14-2013, 03:57 PM

What a timely thread! I was wondering the same thing...

Now that I have my answer, I have another few questions: where can I get a barrel professionally cut down? Any recommended gunsmith close to Calgary? Approxmate cost?

I have acquired an old single shot 12 ga in great shape that I would like to have cut down to the bare minimum length to keep handy when going into bear country. Plan on using 00buckshot or slugs.

catnthehat · #14 10-14-2013, 06:24 PM

Henry Remple can handle that job no sweat.

As far as changing patterns with loads goes, that is where hand loading rules!
Something as simple as a wad change make. Big difference Ina pattern at 25 yards

Cat

Whitetail Whisper · #15 10-14-2013, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack&7

What a timely thread! I was wondering the same thing...

Now that I have my answer, I have another few questions: where can I get a barrel professionally cut down? Any recommended gunsmith close to Calgary? Approxmate cost?

I have acquired an old single shot 12 ga in great shape that I would like to have cut down to the bare minimum length to keep handy when going into bear country. Plan on using 00buckshot or slugs.

If it was me, I would not do anything until I contacted Briley down east to see if they could do it while installing some thin wall chokes. (I think that's what they are called). You may find out changing out your shotty will be more economical.

Now that I read your entire post, maybe look into the cost of a Mossy 500 with a defence barrel. Cheap, klunky and reliable.

Selkirk · #16 10-14-2013, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack&7

. . . I have acquired an old single shot 12 ga in great shape that I would like to have cut down to the bare minimum length to keep handy when going into bear country. Plan on using 00buckshot or slugs.

I hear ya ^, but a single-shot shotgun for bear defence is considered 'minimalist' buy today's standards.

During most bear encounters, things tend to happen 'very' fast (I know ... I've been there twice). The chances of being able to reload a single-shot shotgun for a required second shot (before your head is in his mouth), is usually next to none.

If it's in good shape, keep that single-shot 12ga, but consider putting it to a different use.

Good Hunting,

Mac