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Barrel length
What is the optimal barrel length for modifying a 24" shotgun for duty use?
Submitted by: bill51773 @ Saturday, July 07, 2007 11:34 AM
I believe that Optimal barrel length is actually going to be determined by the exact model of shotgun that you have. This is because the determining factor is going to be magazine tube capacity. While the shotgun is a very versatile and effective patrol weapon, one of its clear drawbacks is its low capacity relative to other options, particularly semi-automatic patrol carbines.
Many officers choose to carry the chamber empty in a patrol shotgun, which further reduces "ready to go" capacity from the trunk or lockable rack.
With these things in mind, you should find the appropriate barrel length to match a magazine tube that holds five or six 2 & 3/4-inch shells. This should put you in the range of 16–20 inches.
Practical performance of your chosen ammunition should not be dramatically affected by going to a shorter barrel, certainly there would be no significant difference in the range noted above.
The replacement barrel should be full choke for law enforcement use.
Even if you are personally comfortable with a longer barrel and the extra wieght associated with it and desire the extra capacity of a magazine tube to match, you should consider the maneuverability difficulties that come with the extra length. Most law enforcement encounters occur at very close ranges and often in confined spaces.
It is important to note that only a law enforcment agency owned shotgun can be equipped with a barrel shorter than 18 inches without special provisions from BATFE.
Answer by: Rob Pincus @ Wednesday, July 18, 2007 7:07 PM
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