Short Barrel Shotgun Effectiveness?

[SecuritySixShooter]

So after reading this thread (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=332456) I got to thinking how well would a short barrel shotgun such as the Serbu Super-Shorty perform? Would it (or short barrel shotguns in general) even be practical for defense? I ask this out of pure curiosity.

 

[barneyfife.357]

I am not sure if I commented on that thread or not, but every gun made has an intended purpose. whether it be at point blank or at 1000 yards. I have a Norinco copy of the 870 with a 18" smooth bore barrel and it sure spreads out fast; however, I do not try to shoot geese and ducks with it

 

[EHCRain10]

you would not have the full velocity of shot that you would if it was coming from 18+inch barrel but the 12ga has enough power that at the ranges that those super short guns are intended for i doubt that it would matter that much

 

[RyanM]

According to my guesstimates, using a very primitive internal ballistics calculator, assuming the factory velocities are through a 30" barrel (I believe I heard that figure, once)...

30" barrel - 6.5" barrel
1 oz. slug at 1560 fps - 1100 fps
1-1/8 oz. shot at 1200 fps - 925 fps
12 pellets 00 at 1290 fps - 920 fps
8 pellets 00 at 1200 fps - 940 fps