For prarie birds (e.g., no trees!) , 30" SxSs or O/Us choked IC/IM; for close work on grouse or woodcock in the densely-choked alders and aspens, 26" SxSs with SK/CYL. When the doves get "cute", a nice 32" 20 gauge bored M/F sure gets their attention.

Most of my sharptail and Hun shooting in Saskatchewan is with a 12 bore DHE bored modified and full with 28” barrels. I use that gun because it is a light gun of just under 7 lbs. and is easy to carry all afternoon. I really like 30” barrels but my 30” 12 bore guns are a tad to heavy to carry for a long time. I’ve also shot a 34” DHE on occasion when I didn’t feel like going back after duck hunting to change guns. It did well but is a tad too heavy to carry long distances, but I did like the longer barrels for those birds.

My grandfather’s 28” open bored 20 gauge VH is perfect for grouse shooting in the East. I never did like 26” barrels. Maybe its because I shot so well with the 28” barrel VH since I was a kid. I have a Holland and Holland 28 bore with factory 27” barrels that I shoot well with on grouse. If I could order a grouse gun today from Parker, it would be a 28 bore with 30” barrels.

In my opinion, the perceived difference in barrel length of a scant two inches in how a gun might shoot, choked identically, is purely psychological.





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you may be right, but a psychological advantage is a good thing!

I agree completely, but psychology does play a part in how we shoot. But a change from 26" barrels to 30" does have a practical difference. I like long barrels, especially on a small bore. In my mind, 30" barrels on an open bored 28 gauge would be perfect for grouse. I wish I had one.

All true but, psychological disadvantages can be overcome.





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For sure.....

Gaucho had an opinion
 

I always enjoy reading and rereading Guachos writing on the topic of barrel length, it appears he had a definite opinion as per the following excerpt from his writings:

"Some day I hope to test my 34-inch gun for velocity against one having only 28-inch barrels, but whatever may be the result, I for one have yet to find a first-class thoroughly well versed man shooting a double gun with barrels less than 30 inches in length."

His words not mine. I chuckle every time I read that :)

Tom, I agree, I am looking into buying a Dickinson or Fair Iside 28 ga, and it will have 30" barrels.

I have to respectfully disagree with a two inch difference in barrel length being purely psychological. I think that a two inch difference in barrel length would yield a measurable difference in inertia. After all, inertia is why we opt for the longer barrel. Especially in a light sub gauge gun where the longer barrel helps our swing in preventing our checking the swing on crossing or quartering birds or targets.