So I am looking into acquiring a new dedicated predator hunting shotgun and have three barrel lengths to choose from. It comes in 24, 26 and 28. What would you buy and why?

I say keep it as short as possible. you're going to want to be able to swing it fast, and possibly need to keep it tucked tihgt up against a joshua tree. No need for a super long barrel if it's a dedicated calling shotgun.

I marked 24, for the same reasons Jeph mentioned. However, in reality, I would buy the 26. It is just a bit better for other game, birds for instance, and still suitable for the dogs. And you never know when you may want to use it for something other than the dogs.

Twenty inches because it is easier to swing in heavy cover, lighter to carry and a longer barrel won't make any difference at 40-50 yards with the right choke and ammo if we are talking dedicated predator hunting shotguns. If you want a multi-purpose shotgun I would go with a 24-26 inch barrel unless you want to shoot clays and even then the longer barrel will only give you better sighting ability. The choke is the name of the game.

Fire at will guys.

Woodog

I was going to say the same thing, only I know which shotgun he's looking at, and I don't think they offer it with that barrel. I'll be picking up a 20" Benelli for next year.

I'd get the shortest one you can. To me a 21" is just right.

The Benelli SBE II only comes in 24, 26 and 28 inches.

besides price, that's one of the reasons I'm gonna end up with the M2 tactical. Plus it look scool, LOL.

Heath, have you foind anyone with the LH one in stock yet?

There are a lot of LH ones in stock but finding a 24 inch in camo is next to impossible. I want to sell mine because it's black and I want a 24 inch.

I found a 28" in stock and it looks like the 26" is about 30 days away from being available. The 24" is near impossible to find.

is yours LH?

Yes, he told me he has the older black synthetic stock with out the comfort tech stuff in it.

Yes Jeph, first left handed shotgun I'd ever fired.

But Heath, you did say, " a dedicated predator shotgun". Check out the discussion on your own list, about six months ago, on barrel length in the shotgun section. You are really looking for an all purpose shotgun and you have picked a good one. I hope to own one someday, but it will be a 24 inch barrel if available.

I say 24. My Benelli nova is a 26 and it does everything well, but I would like it to be a tad shorter. I am thnking about a SBEII in 24 now, but I have too many irons in the fire at present time.

I think I am going to cheat and buy a second barrel in a few months. I went with what they had on hand, a 28" barrel. I had the money for it and wanted to buy it before the money went some where else. Down the road I will pick up a 24" barrel for it.

I found a place it's listed over on my site. You can have the barrel shortened and threaded for your choke tubes for $85 a barrel. With a 1 to 3 day turn around time. You can't bet that. Maybe I'll have mine shortened and camo dipped. Everybody tell me it's too long.

Where did you stash the info John? That is a hell of a p