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AR15.COM
4/11/2016 6:41:23 PM EDT
After extensive searching on a number of sites I'm no closer to deciding what length barrel I want. I've seen lots of threads that say X is better or they like Y but they're all pretty old. Like any sport 3 gun evolves and I'm curious what people like now and the type of stages they shoot regularly. Help me buy a new shotgun.
4/12/2016 1:58:33 PM EDT
[#1]
Most I see run a 24" barrel. That seems to be the sweet spot for most guns.
4/13/2016 7:40:34 AM EDT
[#2]
Honestly, they all work.

I have a 24"...I have seen a lot of 26" as well.  I do not think much shorter give you any advantage because you still have the extended magazine tube to deal with.

There are even times a 28" would have been fine, just makes it harder to move around corners.
4/13/2016 10:19:30 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By KeenansGarage:
Honestly, they all work.

I have a 24"...I have seen a lot of 26" as well.  I do not think much shorter give you any advantage because you still have the extended magazine tube to deal with.

There are even times a 28" would have been fine, just makes it harder to move around corners.
View Quote


I don't want anything to do with a 28". I shot an SLP competition at a match a few weeks ago and didn't care for how long it was. I'm leaning towards a 24" right now.
4/13/2016 8:48:59 PM EDT
[#4]
5+ years ago when the rules limited you to an 8 round shotgun tube a 21" inch barrel was the correct answer as it was the same length as the extension.  Now that most people are running 10-12 round tubes barrel length doesn't really matter as the tube will be sticking past the barrel anyway.
4/20/2016 9:04:54 PM EDT
[#5]
Not really any practical difference between 12"& 24" , shot pattern and slugs will be basically the same with any barrel length between those.
So what it really comes down to is weight and target transition times.
4/22/2016 5:33:19 AM EDT
[#6]
Thanks for the input guys. I decided to go with a 24" Benelli M2 with a full race package from Mike at AI. I was lucky enough to skip a long wait because Alpine Range in Ft. Worth, TX stocks them with his package already on the gun. I would highly recommend them if you're in the market and don't want to wait.
4/24/2016 9:53:54 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Heelsfan78:
Thanks for the input guys. I decided to go with a 24" Benelli M2 with a full race package from Mike at AI. I was lucky enough to skip a long wait because Alpine Range in Ft. Worth, TX stocks them with his package already on the gun. I would highly recommend them if you're in the market and don't want to wait.
View Quote



Good choice.
10/25/2016 8:55:44 PM EDT
[#8]
I run a 24" and it allows a +6 tube that extends just a few inches past the barrel.  This set up gets me 10+1 which I prefer over 9+1.  This is because starting a stage with 9 in the tube, then after you chamber one there is 8 in the tube and I can perform a load two if I want to top it off before the first shot.

Anything longer than that is not necessary for all of the stages at matches that I attend.