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Hi there, new to the forum and am looking for some advice. I recently purchased a Franchi Affinity that came with a 30 inch barrel and extended chokes. I thought I’d like the length, but after putting about 250 rounds through it, I’ve decided it’s too long. I’ll probably sell it so I can get a shorter field barrel. However I’m super torn between the two normal waterfowl lengths, a 26” and 28”. I know pretty well the pros and cons of each. I’m a smaller framed 5’7” shooter, so maybe a 26” with extended chokes won’t be “whippy” for me, but that’s quite different from what I’be been using. Also, for tight quarters is a 28” really that cumbersome? Thanks for any of your thoughts, I know this is an incredibly common question.

 

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I’m definitely leaning 28 as it’s a bit more versatile. I’ll do as much open field stuff as small pond hunting. Also, I do quite a lot of sporting clays and the 28 will be much more at home there than the 26. I appreciate everyone’s thoughts!

 

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It's all about how it feels and fits. Start there and run with it. I've never bothered with extended chokes, what's that doing for you?

While I don’t notice a difference in patterning between my flush and extended tubes, I like the fact that the extended chokes provide some protection for the barrel. I find the extended ones are also much easier to change out. For whatever reason, I like the look of them as well

 

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I did end up going with the 28” and it’s a much better balance for me, extended or flush chokes. I can still shoot trap just fine with it! The 30” barrel will be posted on gun broker soon.

 

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Keep in mind, if you haven't pulled the trigger yet (see what I did there?), barrel length and gun length are two different things.

Why "fit" rules. My Citori O/U w/30" smoke poles is 2 inches shorter in overall length than my 20ga 870 w/28" barrel. Know you're not factoring in an O/U I guess but as Rick said, it needs to be an extension of you.

If it were an O/U, I’d probably love the 30”, but with the added receiver length of the semi auto, a 51”+ inch gun is a bit much for swinging around the confined spaces of a blind. The 28” barrel mounts much more instinctively.