870 express 28" vs 26" barrel

[Hoyt03]

Is a 28 inch barrel that much different then the 26inch. The store I buy from is having problems getting in a 28 inch barrel 12 guage, but they have the 26". I will be using this all an all around gun for a variety of things. Whats the biggest differences b/w the barrels and any advantages or disadvantages with each. Appreciate any help

[AJ]

Re: 870 express 28\" vs 26\" barrel

The difference is 20 - 30 fps difference in velocity between the two. The longer barrel will pattern slightly better, not a lot. The longer barrel will give more weight forward so the momentum is there for wing shooting. It is harder to start but easier to keep swinging. A shorter barrel is easier to start but also easier to stop. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable in brush. Longer barrels give a longer sighting plane. Its mainly up to the shooter. If you can shoot it well, it does not really matter which one you get.

Fellow member goosesmasher posted a great deal of info in his thread anyone up for a test??? .

[Shaun_300]

Re: 870 express 28\" vs 26\" barrel

I shoot an 870 Wingmaster with a 26" barrel. i have shot the 28" and the 30" barrels as my uncles all have these guns with the different barrel lengths. i defenetly like the 26" a lot better because in heavy brush or cover, if a bird flies up in front, i can shoulder the gun a lot quicker and easier than the 28". the end of the barrel is less suseptable to hitting debris on the way up. and trust me, anything that comes in contact with the front sight always gets caught up on it. I also love it when i am duck hunting. some of the places i hunt, i sit right on the cat-tails, so whenever i bring my gun up, same thing, theres less chance of it getting caught up in the brush and cat-tails. i have the 26" barrel with the full choke. and i definetly wouldnt want anything longer than a 26" barrel.