Rem 1100 barrel comparison question

[Milkmaster]

Was I ever confused while seeing the two barrels laid side by side in comparison! Please read on...

I just purchased a three year old Trap Classic 1100, cleaned it up really nicely and was admiring it before closing the case. I decided to compare my field grade gun's (also an 1100) barrel for differences in rib height, changes in elevation etc. The rib is exactly the same elevation and pitch while traveling down the tube. To my surprise, the only differences I can see is a white bead sight instead of a silver sight, the words "Target Contour" on the side of the barrel and two inches in length! My field barrel is only a 28" model.

So what gives? I was always told that trap guns tend to shoot high because of the target barrel. Is there really any difference in the barrels compared to field grade barrels besides length?

Can someone 'splain it to me why then a trap classic is any better than a field grade shooting clays except nicer wood and cosmetics? Is the inside of the barrel different?

Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful firearm, and I am proud to own it. I just always want to know the skinny on any hobby I enjoy.

Replies are appreciated.

 

[kirbythegunsmith]

Details

Trap barrels may not have differences that are easily visible to the eye, unless you have been schooled in spotting certain subtle differences.

Shotgun barrels are not always manufactured in a perfectly straight condition, and may have some factory induced curvature.
This is more easily spotted by looking down the length of the barrel. Have the barrel pointed away from you, with the rib to one side. Look down the imaginary line that would be down the side of the barrel, following the highest point.

I have inspected barrels that had a curve towards the end that would throw the pattern higher than if the barrel was built straight in line. I had a 34" Remington barrel here that curved down until it got to the gas cylinder, then curved up until within about 8" from the muzzle, and then flattened out or curved a lesser amount upward than the section from the gas cylinder to there. The curvature was a very gradual and smooth "belly shape", but the end alteration was more visibly pronounced.

The factory must have had a calibrated estimate that would be adjusted at the end of the barrel to more optimize the raised pattern impact.

Another method would have the stock hold the shooter's face more elevated at the rear, so similar in action to raising the rear sight.
The rib angle can be set with the rear section taller and sloping straight to the front of the barrel to be almost flush by the time the rib and muzzle coincide. That is similar to lowering the front sight. Raise the rear, lower the front, point the muzzle more upward, higher impact is the desired goal.

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