Preferred Barrel Length

What is your preferred barrel length for your dove gun and why?

My preferred barrel length for dove is the length of the barrel of the shotgun that I happen to pick up because I have never put that much thought into it.

30 in if available on the gun, otherwise 28 in.

I don't think it matters, what ever you are use to shooting will suffice. All my shotguns have either 26" or 28" barrels.

The next question is does barrell length or overall length of the gun matter more. Some of my 26" barrel guns are the same overall length of my 28" guns.

Don't over think it.

Its not like two inches really makes a difference....but two inches is a lot in some cases

My bird guns all have 28” barrels with the exception of one little 410 over under that has 26” barrels. I like the way 28” barrels handle. The current trend for clay guns is 30”-32”. I am not as quick with the longer heavier shotguns. I don’t like the nose heavy handling that clay shooters currently favor, not to mention the added weight in a field gun.

Sporting Clays: 28” to 34”, most popular 30”
Skeet: 26” to 32”, most popular 28”
Trap: 32” to 34”, most popular 34” single barrel
Upland: 24” to 30”, most popular 26”
Waterfowl: 28” to 32”, most popular 30” Auto

That is what I am told from an instructor. Take it for what its worth though since I haven't seen a duck hunter with a 30" barrel since still shot became a thing.

Prefer the 26" barrels for dove. I find they swing a little better, because I'm slow on the reaction time.

26” handles better for me. Target gun is 30”.

Chokes shoud be mentioned also.

Short, with chokes of course. I prefer 22-24.

Whether it's 22 or 32 you have to be able to shoot when the time comes.

24-26

I like to hunt with a 26

You go short if you're the more wild wild west quick to the draw type guy, go long if you're the more snooty clay shooter type (Judd). 28 is average.

All upland guns here, 25, or 26". One duck gun is 30. Once you get used to shooting
Short barrels, Hard to switch.

It doesn't matter much if the gun fits you properly.
If the shots are long, the added weight of a heavier barrel seems to help smooth out the swing a little (maybe)
The barrel length controversy is created to sell new shotguns.

gun fit is most important

Since you asked here are my preferences...also, one thing to keep in mind...if you're using an auto or pump gun the receiver is longer then a double gun receiver...therefore a double gun with 28" barrels could be the same length, or shorter then some autos/pumps with 26" barrels...I like 24"-26" barrels for flushing birds/targets so I can have quicker target acquisition...I like 28" - 30" barrels for higher flying targets and pass shooting...

Sporting Clays: 26” to 28”
Skeet: 24” to 28”
Trap: 30” to 34”
Upland: 24” to 26”
Waterfowl: 28"

I prefer 28’s on a field shotgun. I’m a bigger guy though and the added weight is no issue for me, it actually helps keep my swing nice and steady. I have a sxs 20 gauge with 26 inch barrels though, it’s a lot of fun to shoot in the field on birds that are flying in close to land. My clay gun sports 32” barrels and is a dream for me to shoot any clay game with. It’s all what works for you

Both of these Browning shotguns have 26" barrels. The LOP is about the same on both. For me, the A5 on the left is configured better for dove. The old Superposed on the right is great for quail and pheasant. Overall length means a lot more to me than barrel length.

Yeah, when you talk about barrel length, you need to specify if you are talking an auto or not, because given same barrel length, auto will be longer than an over/under or side-by-side.