In case you looked for the most effective barrel size for an AR, you’d discover dozens of articles on the topic. Nonetheless, you received’t discover practically as a lot data concerning the most effective shotgun barrel lengths. This isn’t a significant level of dialogue largely as a result of tactical shotguns are restricted by the Nationwide Firearms Act (NFA). Whereas AR pistols make the most of braces and a myriad of barrel lengths, shotguns don’t obtain that very same remedy.
That is primarily as a result of the AR is a homogenous design, which means it’s one platform made by tons of of corporations. Shotguns aren’t fairly like that; we’ve completely different designs from completely different producers that hardly ever share barrel compatibility. A Mossberg barrel, as an example, is vastly completely different from a Remington one.
Selecting the Proper Shotgun Barrel Size
As a shotgun fanatic, I needed to debate the variations between numerous barrel lengths for dwelling protection and decide which is likely to be the most suitable choice for the typical person.
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A Observe on Velocity
As you trim an AR (or actually any rifle barrel), you shortly sacrifice a good bit of velocity. Rifles depend on excessive velocity to keep up stability over distance and to make sure the fragmentation of the projectile upon influence. Trimming the barrel has a practical, usually detrimental, impact on the rifle’s terminal efficiency.
With shotguns, you continue to lose velocity as you shorten the barrel, but it surely doesn’t have practically as important an impact on terminal efficiency. The distinction between a 26-inch barrel and one as quick as 6.5 inches is simply about 300 ft per second (FPS).
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Whereas that sounds substantial, velocity isn’t the first driver for buckshot in a defensive state of affairs. Shotguns are usually used at pistol distances, and we aren’t relying on fragmentation. We want ample penetration, which is well achieved even at decrease velocities.
Velocity can, nevertheless, have an effect on your sample. A spherical of 00 buckshot shifting at 1,600 FPS tends to sample wider than one shifting at 1,200 FPS. Whereas there may be probably a low-velocity threshold the place patterns turn into disappointing, I haven’t discovered it but. Even with 12-gauge rounds shifting at 900 to 1,100 FPS, which is the low finish of what you’d see from a 6.5-inch barrel, you’ll be able to nonetheless obtain efficient patterns.
General, barrel size has a negligible impact on how buckshot performs on a goal.
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Evaluating Widespread Barrel Lengths
To search out the “greatest” size, we’ve to acknowledge the NFA. Whereas the NFA and sure state legal guidelines put up a barrier to short-barreled shotgun (SBS) possession, we’ve to incorporate these widespread lengths to have an entire dialogue.
18.5 to 19.5 Inches (Non-NFA)
The 18.5-inch barrel is the commonest tactical size. Some fashionable choices, just like the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol, use a barrel barely over 19 inches. That is typically the shortest you’ll be able to go whereas staying out of NFA territory.
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Commonality has its advantages. These weapons are straightforward to seek out and require no tax stamp. Most 18.5-inch weapons with tubular magazines supply a six-round capability utilizing 2.75-inch masses. These shotguns are typically mild, helpful, and well-balanced. Nonetheless, they’re nonetheless lengthy: a Mossberg 590 with an 18.5-inch barrel is simply .13 inches shorter than an M16A4. It’s not probably the most maneuverable choice, but it surely’s the usual for a purpose.
20 Inches (Non-NFA)
On the 20-inch mark, you’ve gained an inch and a half, making the gun longer than a full-sized M16. The primary profit right here is capability. Sometimes, a 20-inch barrel permits for a full-length journal tube that holds eight rounds.
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Remember that not all 2.75-inch shells are the identical size; they’re solely 2.75 inches after being fired. Relying on the crimp, you would possibly discover that an eight-round tube solely matches seven shells of a selected model. These weapons may also turn into fairly front-heavy when absolutely loaded, particularly in the event you add a weapon mild.
14 Inches (NFA / SBS)
The arrival of the Mossberg Shockwave and Remington TAC-14 has flooded the market with easy-to-convert SBS choices. When you get your tax stamp and add a inventory, you’ve got a 14-inch powerhouse.
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At 14 inches, the shotgun turns into considerably extra maneuverable. It enters carbine territory when it comes to dealing with whereas remaining well-balanced. A tubular journal at this size normally holds 5 rounds, although weapons just like the Benelli M4 or Remington 870 can usually “ghost load” a sixth. It is a very succesful quantity of ammo for such a compact bundle.
6.5 to 10.25 Inches (NFA / AOW)
These are the tremendous shorties, usually discovered as Any Different Weapons (AOWs) just like the Serbu Tremendous Shorty. These barrels create an ultra-short gun that’s straightforward to maneuver by tight hallways and is close to PDW (Private Protection Weapon) measurement.
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The draw back is rarity and mechanics. You possibly can’t merely chop a typical barrel to this size as a result of the lug that connects to the journal tube have to be moved. Capability is the largest hurdle.
A ten.25-inch gun would possibly match 4 rounds with an extension, however something shorter normally limits you to 2 or three. Moreover, these weapons are extremely loud, produce huge muzzle flash, and have important recoil.
What About Field Magazines?
Field magazine-fed shotguns might resolve the capability problems with quick barrels. Whereas many box-mag shotguns are unreliable, the Mossberg 590M collection is a stable contender.
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In case you registered a 590M as an SBS and shortened the barrel, you can have a 10-inch barrel with a 10-round (or extra) journal. It might require some customized gunsmithing to shorten the proprietary journal lug, however it will be a formidable setup.
The Verdict: What’s the Greatest?
In my view, the 14-inch barrel is the most effective all-around choice. It gives the proper mixture of availability, maneuverability, and capability. It’s the “Goldilocks” size that’s excellent for many defensive purposes.
Nonetheless, if Mossberg ever releases a manufacturing unit SBS model of the 590M with a ten.25-inch barrel, which may simply take the cake.
