[BigMikeFromOlemiss]

How does barrel length relate to recoil on a shotgun (or anything I guess). Shorter Barrel = lighter recoil or vice versa.

 

[bubbat]

Hmmm I always thought shorter barrel = more recoil, but it had more to do with the weight of the gun not the length of barrel.

If you took a rifle and put a shorter bull barrel on it the same weight as the longer barrel would the recoil change?

 

[Big Ric]

I would think not....I belive it has a lot to do with how hot the round or shell is.. more powder more recoil...

 

[GunOneDown]

I'm with Ric on this, but do believe a shorter lightweight barrel would have more recoil and another thing would be the type of action we're talking about. Action certainly makes a huge difference. For example, A Benelli would have a much lighter recoil than a single shot H&R using the same ammo. A semi-Auto will have less recoil (using the same ammo) than a pump, single, double, or bolt action. IMO........

 

[BigMikeFromOlemiss]

I would think not....I belive it has a lot to do with how hot the round or shell is.. more powder more recoil...

Yeah i know about the load...but really what I mean is all things being equal except for barrel length, which kicks harder?

Example 2 Remington 870's. One with a 24inch barrel and the other with a 18inch barrel. Both shooting Winchester Super X 00 Buck. Which kicks the hardest.

 

[GunOneDown]

18in barrel IMO, but with an 18in barrel, the load has not reached max velocity yet. according to some experts and I can't remember where I read it, but from a shotgun, the load reaches max velocity @ 24inches. A barrel shorter would have a lower velocity and a longer than 24in barrel is a waste in todays shotguns with screw in choketubes. .02

 

[ufcfan]

The bigger question is, what difference does it make?

 

[captain-03]

In theory, I will have to agree with G.O.D. - a shorter barrel should produce "less" recoil. However, how many times have you heard someone say that a short barrel shotgun kicks like a mule? IMO, they heard it before and that is what they are expecting ...

I feel that "felt recoil" is somewhat subjective - meaning that different people will give you different opinions on how "recoil" is felt with a particular weapon. For the technical opinion, with all things equal EXCEPT the barrel length, I do not believe anyone could actually tell the difference using the "felt recoil" method. I have a couple Rem. 870s with both long and short barrels and the felt recoil is the same to me using the same load. Now place the guns in some type test equipment that could actually measure the recoil force generated, you might see a difference but I do not believe that a few 100fps can be felt by the average shooter -- I know I can not feel it in rifles and pistols that I reload for. One round may travel at 1700fps and another at 1900fps and I can't tell the difference in the recoil. Now bump that up about 500fps and you can begin to feel the difference -- However, the louder report is usually what I notice first when working up to a hot load ..

I have an idea for an experiment that I am going to try the next time I am at the range with a couple buddies -- an 870 with 2 different barrel lengths -- couple different loads -- have 2 people shoot 'em several of each and see what they say -- 'betcha I will get different results from each of them ... especially, when I swap heavy ammo for not so heavy ammo but tell them it is a "hot load" before they shoot!!

 

[BigMikeFromOlemiss]

The bigger question is, what difference does it make?

just trying to learn man

 

[GunOneDown]

capt' I think your results will be correct with your thinking.

BIGMIKE, are you learning anything yet?

Capt, what is your take on barrel length and velocity exiting the barrel. 18= slow, 24= max, 26= slow, 28+ = slower ?????
this is what I understand to be correct.

 

[BigMikeFromOlemiss]

BIGMIKE, are you learning anything yet?
.

absolutely...this is great

 

[GunOneDown]

coolbeans. that is what matters the most.

 

[terrybaldridge]

Far be it for me to go against G1D, but there are other factors beside velocity when it comes to barrel length. Such as a longer barrel tends to swing smoother. You are not going to convince a trap shooter that the extra 6" or 8" on his trap gun is a waste even if he is past the point of diminishing returns on the velocity side.

terry

18in barrel IMO, but with an 18in barrel, the load has not reached max velocity yet. according to some experts and I can't remember where I read it, but from a shotgun, the load reaches max velocity @ 24inches. A barrel shorter would have a lower velocity and a longer than 24in barrel is a waste in todays shotguns with screw in choketubes. .02

 

[GunOneDown]

you won't offend me terry, the longer barrel allows for a longer sight radius which is a plus, also it help with the "swing" for Trap as you say. what I am saying is velocity suffers after 24inches. I shoot a 26in in my Benelli b/c I like the feel better than the 24 or 28. My 870 WingMaster is a 30" and it is wonderful. my turkey gun is a 3 1/2 UltiMag w/ a 24in and it performs great as well. yes I do have a 18 1/2 " for shootin people and it is purpose built for such.

 

[Xd357]

Its really simple I think.
less weight=more recoil
more weight=less recoil

 

[msredneck]

This is all a bit too scientific for me....so I really don't know...but IMHO....

the bullet is long gone WAY before the recoil ever hits you...matters not whether is 18 inches or 30....gone is gone

Bullet weight affects recoil at lot more....150 gr in my 308 Win is mild...180's hurt...Same in my 35 Rem....180's no Biggie.....220 Grainers hurt

 

[Beladran]

lets say if your rifle is a 300 win mag and weights 30 pounds with a 28inch barrel recoil is gonna be on par with a 22mag. Now if it was 300wm that may have weighed 4 pounds with a 16inch barrel... talk about hurt

 

[Rem 3200]

Its really simple I think.
less weight=more recoil
more weight=less recoil

Here is the correct answer.