Palehorseman
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- Feb 28, 2009
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And what is the problem with a long barreled scatter gun? Oh,maybe you didn't mean a 20 ga BP flinter.
Why a 36" shotgun barrel??
- Thread starter samjoe
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steveno
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at one time I think the long barrel shotguns were refered to as "yard guns" because they were used by the guards in the prison towers overlooking the yard. I had heard that a long time ago. wether that it is correct or not I don't know.
MCgunner
Member
As explained in the first reply, it's a hold over from the BP days. Right up into the early 70s seems many still thought a 36" gun was needed for pass shooting geese, a thing I was into as a kid. I remember having arguments over its utility with a hunting buddy back then. Even at 16, I read enough gun rags and stuff to know better. My buddy had a 12 gauge "Marlin Goose Gun", a 36" bolt action shotgun that was marketed to goose hunters. At the time, I hunted with an old Iver Johnson single shot 16 with a 30" full choke barrel, still have the gun. Best I could get for shot at the time was number 2 lead. If they loaded BB in 16, I never found it and probably wouldn't have had enough shot count, anyway.
Now days, I hunt geese with a 24" 10 gauge and it takes 'em out of the stratosphere with 3.5" steel Ts. The major factor is PATTERN. That thing patterns over 90 percent at 40 yards into 30". As you can see from the above chart, 24" is plenty of barrel. Some may prefer more length for a smoother swing, but at nine pounds, that 10 gauge doesn't lack for smooth swing. I've taken geese so far with it (hunted 2 seasons) that I'd never ruffled a feather on with a 3" BB steel in my 28" Mossberg. What used to be impossible is possible with that gun is now possible with the 10. It's an H&R single shot and is a very handy length with the 24" barrel.
Now days, I hunt geese with a 24" 10 gauge and it takes 'em out of the stratosphere with 3.5" steel Ts.
The major factor is PATTERN. That thing patterns over 90 percent at 40 yards into 30". As you can see from the above chart, 24" is plenty of barrel. Some may prefer more length for a smoother swing, but at nine pounds, that 10 gauge doesn't lack for smooth swing. I've taken geese so far with it (hunted 2 seasons) that I'd never ruffled a feather on with a 3" BB steel in my 28" Mossberg. What used to be impossible is possible with that gun is now possible with the 10. It's an H&R single shot and is a very handy length with the 24" barrel.
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From talking to folks at turkey shoots, 36" is a good length for that particular sport because around that mark the gas has pushed past the shot in the barrel, giving a tighter pattern. I don't know if that's true, but I do know them guys beat me almost every time with my thirty inch barrel with the same size choke.
A guy with a 26" barrel never wins against a 28" barrel. What if the guy with the 26" barrel is accustomed to that swing and has slightly better skills. they still usually don't come out ahead. It is only 2" difference. There must be a bit more to it other than simply swing.
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