Choosing barrel length CZ REDHEAD

[SkidRowe]

Hello helpful CZ shotgun aficionados
I have set my sights on a Redhead Premier, 20 gauge vs 12 gauge as I think it’ll be easier on my shoulder. My question relates to barrel length as I have a choice between 24, 26 and 28 inch from my local gun shop. Are they more accurate with the longer barrel or is the difference minor? Are the chokes more important than barrel length? I have zero experience with trap shooting but would like to give myself the best chance at success sticking with the best I can afford which is the Redhead. I’m a CZ fan who owns a Shadow 2 and a 455 Canadian. Any suggestions would be appreciated greatly.
Dave
Edmonton Alberta

[John A.]

Get the 24 inch.

The reason that longer barrels were ever preferred was in a time when shot shells still used black powder, so longer barrels built up more pressure and velocity as a result.

But these days with modern smokeless powders, all of them will burn out and reach their full velocity even in 20 inch barrels, so you gain nothing from the longer barrel, other than having to lug and swing more weight around all day.

There are some who still prefer longer barrels due to how they do swing.  More weight means that once they start swinging they tend to want to continue swinging, but that isn't always a good thing.  At least on live animals that can change directions on a whim, which is what I use my shotguns for.

And why I prefer short barrel shotguns.

For that matter, I even threaded my 18.5" and 20 inch barrel to accept screw in chokes so I can use it for essentially any reason under the sun.

No, I don't have a CZ shotgun.  They are far more expensive than my budget will allow.  But if I had a CZ, I would still want the shorter one.

[SkidRowe]

Thank you John
I’m glad you touched on the subject of swing as well. As for price the redhead is high for me but will be impossible to purchase once I’m retired so it’s now or, you know, slight regret. Maybe. Oh and by the way we have ignorant people up here trying to make ignorant gun laws. Love your signature.

[sboone]

What John said. Get the shotgun that handles better. Some people like longer barrels, i personally prefer shorter barrels for weight, speed, and convenience/easier to maneuver

[SkidRowe]

Thank you sboone

[skin]

 For myself, I like longer barrels because of the sight radius and follow through. For shotgun sports,  the choke plays an important role. Go to a range and ask some questions. I'm sure that you will find some answers. The people there are usually very helpful. Good luck and good shooting.

[macktheknife]

You should see if some one you know will let you try a 12 gauge, with light target loads not a lot of recoil and you put more lead downrange. A longer barrel is better for the shot gun games, it keeps swinging.
Go to a range and talk to people get some good advice.

[SkidRowe]

Thx Mack and skin, I’m not very mobile right now, brand new hip, so the range is not happening for awhile, this forum has helped my decision immensely, my favourite gun store is having a customer appreciation day soon and they also have some experienced shooters working there and I can try a couple different Redheads out for fit and swing, maybe I’m ok with a longer barrel, maybe not. I rarely impulse buy but just loving the look of that shotgun.

[Heisenberg]

This may be a little late, but... Are you looking for an occasional use, all-around shotgun or are you looking for a shotgun to shoot trap with?  The Redhead is not a trap gun, trap shotguns are a completely different animal.  Barrel length is typically 32" or 34" with adjustable chokes and preferably an adjustable comb.  And a stock that properly fits you is more important than anything.   Yes a longer barrel is more accurate since it holds a shot pattern together more tightly.  If you're looking to shoot trap, you'd be better off buying a used, 12G Trap shotgun like a Browning BT99 or a semi auto like a Remington 1100 for less recoil.  20G just puts you at a disadvantage.  Gotta use the right tool for the job.

[SkidRowe]

Thank you Heisenberg, never too late
I’m not embarrassed to say that I do not even know the difference between trap and skeet shooting but I’ve watched a YouTube vid review that rates it quite high for sport shooting, thought it was trap?
I’m going to a range on Vancouver Island soon and hopefully will hook up with some old timers and try on a couple guns for fit and feel. Our federal election is on the 21st and the imbeciles in power currently are talking gun bans and confiscation “buyback “ programs  like Australia where armed robberies are up 44% and homicide by gun up 6.6% now that the citizens are disarmed. Home invasions way up.

[Heisenberg]

Skid, they're both fun to shoot.  Try them out first and see what you like or if you prefer one over the other.   You'll find that most shooters will offer to let you shoulder and shoot their guns so you can get a feel for them.   Trap & skeet shotguns are set up completely different and I hate to see people buy a new gun then realize they can't shoot it or hit anything.  You're better off with a used semi-auto until you understand what you like and don't like in a gun.