28" too long for 3-gun?

General Firearms Shotguns
1

I have a Benelli M1S90 12GA with a 28" barrel. I’ve heard of some of the 3 gun guys running 24" and 26" barrels on their guns. Would it just be way too long to run the 28" barrel? Benelli barrels are expensive, so buying a shorter one is out of the question.

Thanks!

2

You can use whatever you want. That long of barrel would be tougher though. I have a 22" barrel and it works great. You have to maneuver it around things a lot and a longer barrel makes it more difficult. It’s a tough call because cutting it down you have the cost of cutting and if you want chokes you’d have to re-choke it and possibly re-blue it after the cut down but that depends on what you want. I was thinking about having a 24" barrel for another one I was working on.

3

Try it and see how it works for you. I would rather have one that is too long with a vent rib vs. a shorty with less rounds and ghost ring sights. Basically try it at some matches and see how you do with it. I run a 24 inch M2 in Tac Optics and have not had a problem.
Pat

4

I’m running a 24in Mossberg 930 with a Nordic +8. Yea, you read that right, a +8. The tube is way out in front of the barrel. The extra space makes loading easier(less spring pressure) and I game the system. You may only be able to have 9 in the gun at the Start signal, but you can load it all the way up after that. throw in a quick 4 and ive got 12 in the gun, some stages, thats all I need.

5

That is not always true. In many matches such as all USPSA ones if you put more than 9 in your gun at any time your now playing with the big boys in open. A fair number of outlaw matches also restrict you to a total of 9 rounds in the gun. Some even say your gun can not possible hold more than that.

6

Hence why I don’t shoot USPSA matches, their rules are almost as stupid as IDPA Multigun rules… Haven’t found one yet where I couldn’t stuff more in the tube. Blue Ridge, Pro/Am, Ozarks, KY State, INMG.

7

Its a matter of opinion. I actually like USPSA rules far better. Its more consistent. Why should you be able to start with only 9 rounds but load more after the buzzer? Makes no sense. Either have it 9 total or make it unlimited. Plus the 2 hits on paper anywhere or 1 A zone hit really negates accuracy. But I do enjoy shooting both but prefer USPSA.
Pat

8

I like the 2 on paper or 1 A/B better because I like shooting fast. I shoot USPSA for pistol but maybe 5 times a year, and WAY more 3gun. IMGA rules are much easier to understand and pick up on, especially for new shooters. Hell I had to take an RO class for USPSA just to completely get a grasp on the rules for that, and I’m still not sure I know wtf is going on lol.

But exactly like you said, to each their own.

9

Its definately easier to score the IMGA but I just don’t feel it rewards accuracy enough.
pat

10

at closer ranges your correct, but at the longer ranges(25+ feet) its all Steel targets. Only paper we use anymore is for up close “hoser” targets.

11

I can see that working fine for pistol but how about rifle. Minimum safe distance is 75 yards or so and MGM will only warranty there steel with rifle using FMJ bullets at 150 yards and out. I use IDPA style scoring at the matches I run. Its the best of both worlds in my opinion. Easy to score and rewards accuracy.
pat

12

yea, we use half size IPSC targets for rifle. mostly rifle targets are point blank to 50ft for paper or its 75 yards and out for Rifle steel. most of the intermediate targets are shotgun or pistol targets.

13

You going to make it to the Texas Multigun Championships (aka Larue match) this year. If so I will be there with some friends from Alaska.
Pat

14

I’d love to but with running a 3gun Nation style series in Indiana and 4 other majors I’m shooting funding and lack of vacation time doesn’t allow me anymore travel and time off than I already use.

I REALLY wanted to shoot that too.

15

For local matches and if your just getting started, I would say go use it and see how it goes.

If you get hooked on the sport and find that the longer barrel is holding you back or causing you some issues as far as negotiating tight shotgun COF’s then I’d look for a 24" model. The 21" ideal in our opinion but is difficult to find for whatever reason.

16

Will you two guys keep this thread on track RE: shotgun barrel length and not go into which scoring system you think is better and why or what matches your shooting personally for 2012, there is a forum for that, however this is not it. Thanks.

17

i use a 24" M2 as well. 20" seems to be what everyone uses around my town though.

18

Thanks Cold!