Sidearms & Scatterguns For the upland bird hunters: 28" or 30" barrels?

[748rpilot]

I've just about made up my mind on a new shotgun, a Beretta 687 SP III, Joel Etchen Signature series. 20/28 gauge combo set. Initially I was pretty set on 28" barrels, then it was suggested I should strongly consider 30". The 30s have a mid-bead and wider rib than the 28s.

My use case is mainly hobbyist trap shooting and this year I am planning on getting into upland bird hunting, such as Snipe, Woodcock, Quail and Pheasant.

I'll almost certainly do less hunting than trap shooting, though hunting is arguably more important/serious due to costs and real, live game.

I'm not really sure what the hunting areas would be like, as I haven't done it before. It'd mainly be in IL, Southern WI and maybe OH or IA.

Is 28" vs 30" splitting hairs or should I seriously consider one over the other?

 

[Pav67]

I have the same gun in a 20 gauge sp2.I prefer 30” barrels in all sxs and ou shotguns.The wider rib is also nice.Either way you go you’ll love the gun

 

[748rpilot]

I have the same gun in a 20 gauge sp2.I prefer 30” barrels in all sxs and ou shotguns.The wider rib is also nice.Either way you go you’ll love the gun

Any chance you know the weight of the gun? Or would be willing to weigh it?

 

[Pav67]

I’ll check tonight and shoot you a pm

 

[bmash]

If woodcock, the shorter the better! You will be in cover, most of it tight cover.
And don’t look at a bead! You mount the gun and hard focus on the bird. My sight came off one gun - it really isn’t needed except for turkey or some other application where you aim.
Ok, second edit! I have no idea what your shotgun experience is and don’t mean to insult you, but be sure the gun fits you - I have long arms and neck and modern factory shotguns don’t have enough drop, so I physically can’t get my face far enough down, and therefore shoot high. I am so glad they strapped making adjustable drop shims on semi autos!

 

[03machstock]

I have mostly 28”, a 30”, and a 26”. I find myself wanting shorter. The 26” now is on an 1100, but I have my eyes peeled for an over under in 26”. My labs are flushers so im right on top of all the action because they don’t range far; they stay very close. But I have a buddy that runs pointers and he runs a 26” over under. They’ll all kill birds, pick what you like.