Shotgun barrel length

[Guide]

I’m curious if barrel length on a shot gun creates issues with ballistics. Henry’s youth shotgun only has a 22” barrel as opposed to the regular shotguns 26”. I’m thinking the short barrel be great in brushy areas but don’t want to lose energy or speed to any great degree. What everyone’s take on this?

Thanks
Guide

[Mags]

4" difference, Maybe 12-15fps.

[North Country Gal]

I agree. Not enough to worry about.

[Centaur]

I got a youth 20 ga. I wish it had a bit longer length of pull, but the turkeys and quail I have taken with it didn’t seem to notice the shorter barrel length.

[rickhem]

I agree with Mags, the difference in speed with identical loads is insignificant. But if you're concerned with energy, then go with a higher velocity load or with a larger size of shot, or both.

In some respects, you have many more options for shotgun ammo than rifle or handgun. The effective range is generally under 50 yards with shot, but by choosing different sizes, different weights (1oz, 1¼oz for 12ga), or different velocities, you can get whatever you want from almost any barrel length.

[Hatchdog]

Shot pattern spread may be a difference with the two barrels but I’ve never done a study to know if this is a fact or not. I would imagine the 22” barrel comes with the full choke like the 26” but if not using a tighter choke might help a bit.

[Mags]

Even with a high end .410 turkey load, 40yds is likely a stretch.

[BrokenolMarine]

I attended a LE Shotgun class as an instructor, and a New England Trooper finished first in the glass using a Slug Gun with an 18" barrel. His 50 yard groups were all a ragged hole in the 10 ring. He outshot guys with 20 and 22 inch barreled guns. That shorter barrel didn't seem to handicap him at all.

I've also seen guys shoot skeet with shorter barrels. They were excellent shots of course, but if the shorter barrels made that much difference in the groups or power, they wouldn't have been able to shoot as well.