semi-auto or O/U for an all around shotgun.

[d2wing]

I shoot some better than others, had many. For targets and heavy loads I do like 11-87's and 1100's. They are very popular because most people can shoot them well, soft recoil and reliable. They are a little heavy. For Upland game and sporting clays I like a Berretta 686. I have had some Franchi's and liked them, A Browning A5 that I can't hit with. Liked a Mossberg 930, should have kept it. Deeply regret selling a 1100 20 LT. Hated a Stoeger over under. Had Remington and Mossberg pumps. I prefer semi auto's. To me it's about balance, weight and mostly fit. Remingtons and Mossbergs fit most people very well.

 

[d2wing]

24" is WAY too short, especially for a light field gun - the barrels will start really fast and will stop even faster

Actually I like a 26 inch barrel for clays and upland. If barrel length makes a difference you have poor form. A long heavy barrel will mask poor form to a degree but it is best to learn to shoot right to start with. If you are aiming and not following through you did not learn to shoot properly.

 

[George P]

Not aiming, I POINT. Longer barrels have nothing to do with form, gun fit does. Longer barrels have to do with swing dynamics. MOI. etc. Longer barrels smooth out your swing.

Slow is smooth and smooth is fast is a mantra from folks who shoot a lot of shotgun.

 

[cdb1]

Remingtons and Mossbergs fit most people very well.

I think so too.

 

[d2wing]

Not aiming, I POINT. Longer barrels have nothing to do with form, gun fit does. Longer barrels have to do with swing dynamics. MOI. etc. Longer barrels smooth out your swing.

Slow is smooth and smooth is fast is a mantra from folks who shoot a lot of shotgun.

That is true for trap and pass shooting. It does help with follow through. I am not going to argue the point. I mostly shoot in the field and sporting clays. One of the guys I shoot with is a state champion in sporting clays and has a pair of custom Parazzi's. Not sure but I think they are 28 or 30 inch barrels. They are normal length as are most high grade field and clays guns.