barrel length for shooting clays?

[Ridgeway]

Had my first experience shooting some clay pigeons today. Not too many,. but it was a blast (pun intended).

The only shotgun I presently own is a Benelli Nova w/18" barrel.

What is traditional for shooting clay/skeet? I imagaine 18" isn't ideal? It's just for fun not competition.

Just curious. Not sure I want to buy a new barrel or even a new shotgun, but I'd definitly like to give the sport another try.

 

[BozemanMT]

Usually in clay games longer is better. 28 to 30" is pretty common and they are getting longer. 32" isn't all that out of the realm.
The longer barrel helps put some weight out front to keep you swinging and moving. It depends on how big you are too, although not as much as you think. My wife, all 5'4" of her shoots with 32" barrels and it looks funny but she beats me.

 

[Ridgeway]

ic

ty

 

[9mmMike]

I like the 28" but a 30" light contour would be neat. I have a 30" heavy barrel for my 870 and it just too weighty to be fun in my opinion. The longest one that you're comfy with is probably the popular answer.
Mike

 

[IDriveB5]

i shoot with a 28" VR. my favorite barrel thus far has been a 30" VR light contour(i believe). also have shot a 34" VR. this one was a little too front heavy for me.

all were on 870s

 

[Dave McCracken]

It would probably be easier and cheaper to buy another shotgun, like a used 870 with enough barrel to aid the swing.