Is there a real difference in patterns today with a 24 inch barrel versus a 28

[12 gauge watergun]

Just wondering if anyone has knowledge if there is a difference in patterns between a 24 inch barrel and 28 inch barrel at 40 yards.  Not able to run outside and give it a field test.  Also I was wondering if there was any recommendations between the two since I mostly blind hunt.

[bobcat]

No I don't think there's any difference in performance. The only difference would be in the balance of the gun and the length of your sighting plane. Which is what helps you hit your target on the longer shots.

[jackelope]

longer barrels swing better on moving targets. i'd save the 24 for turkeys and predators.
the pattern will mostly come from what choke you choose rather than barrel length.
you should always shoot a patterning board to see where your gun hits...just like sighting in a rifle. 

[ducksdoom12]

i think the 28 helps you reach out and touch em a little better on some of the longer shots. that could be because of what bobcat said.

The only difference would be in the balance of the gun and the length of your sighting plane. Which is what helps you hit your target on the longer shots.

but i have always thought its because the extra 4 inches of barrell keeps the pattern tighter over a longer distance.

[satchel3006]

length doesnt matter might help it swing better but the 24 inch one would work just as well especially if you practice with it

[carpsniperg2]

longer is always better and it more depends on the choke shoot a good choke and you won't see but maybe a few pellets i use to shoot a 24 rem 870 express supermag a turkey gun for ducks and geese once i found the right choke nothing to 40 was safe i now shoot a browning bps great gun love it. there is not much diffrence between the patterns at 40 i have in my garage

[road.kill]

a 24 will most likely be a little louder for your hunting partners in the blind. but with todays choke etc i think if it swings okay for you, you should be good to go

[ducksdoom12]

they do swing different for sure. a 24 swings alot quicker, i use a over/under 24 inch barrel when i am upland hunting because my swing is faster and i can get on a quick bird faster. a 28 swings alot smother

[BigGoonTuna]

is there going to be much difference in velocity with today's loads with a 28 vs 24in barrel?

my dad's got a marlin goose gun with a 36" bbl.  hasn't shot the thing in years, probably not safe for steel(he gave up duck hunting after steel became mandatory)

[h2ofowlr]

I know the shorter the barrel the more damage it does to your ears if your not wearing plugs.  Many of the 10 gauges they started making in 26" barrel.  Quicker swing supposed, but I like the longer sight picture of the 28-30" barrels.  You can control the spread of the pattern with the choke being used.  My dad has a shot gun with a 6' barrel.  Its fairly quite to shoot, novelty or pass shooting piece.

[teal101]

I shoot a 26".  My dad likes 28".  No real difference just preference.

I also shot my dads 30" 10 gauge on the opener.   Freakin cannon!

[12 gauge watergun]

Well the shorter barrel is WAY louder with big loads. Finally did pattern tests with chokes in both barrels.  I only had a two pellet difference with either barrel in the modified choke at 35 yards.  I choose the 28 after trying both barrels with clays, just personal preference.  Thanks for the info. 

[carpsniperg2]

what ever works best for you is best just like i said with mine only a few pellets diffrence between the 2