Quote:
Originally Posted by berettafan
Short bbl to be manageable in tight qtrs and to open the pattern up earlier (pattern opens over distance from end of bbl thus a shorter bbl will give a slightly more open pattern xx distance from the shooter vs. a longer bbl.) and to lessen chance of being grabbed by bad guy. Or so i'd expect.
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It is true a shorter barrel will make for a handier weapon and easier weapon retention. It will not open up a shot pattern any quicker.
Shot dispersion is due to:
Shot deformation (the longer the shot rides in a barrel the increased chance for deformation)
Shot size and material (larger sizes and harder material will deform less)
Choke (or lack of it, as in back boring)
Aerodynamics (air resistance effects each pellet diferently, the rounder the pellet the truer it will fly, inserting lightweight shot deviders will increas shot dispersion as the lightweight material is affected by the air quicker than the heavier shot)
Barrel length has no effect other than increased shot deformation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by berettafan
Longer bbl(s) to smooth out the swing when shooting moving birds (as was God's intention) and offer a better sighting plane.
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As in all engineering problems shotguns are no different. We compromise to obtain the optimum solution overall in any given situation.
While longer barrels do smooth out most people's swing, they are completely non required if proper form and stock fit are addressed. Churchill made quite a reputation with his 25' (and shorter) barrels by winning several important shooting competitions in the early 20th Century. A fast responsive gun is idea for "snap" shooting such as upland birds or jump shooting ducks.
There isn't really a requirement for a sighting plane on a shotgun. It should be pure hand and eye coordination. If your looking at the gun you're missing.
Many fittings on shotguns (sight ribs, length of barrel (unless we are speaking of black powder), choke selection, etc. are fictions of the gun industry looking for sales features. They do not actually make much if any difference in real shooting.