I am going to get a new A5 16ga but can’t decide on a 26 or 28” barrel. It’s going to be used as a squirrel. Curious how the two barrels balance? Unfortunately, I can’t shoulder one in these parts with no stock locally.

I tried both. I preferred the 28 in barrel. I mostly bird hunt.

Well, to make it 50/50, I have a 26” and like it for pheasants.

I think it’s going to be a 50/50 thing but figured I would ask. I have a a400 light in 20ga with a 28” barrel and enjoy but not sure how the A5 balanced. Thinking 28” but most likely it will be for squirrel so that’s what has me second guessing myself.

Really barrel length is a personal thing. I duck & dove hunt with mine. Also grew up shooting 30 in guns.

^^^ This ^^^

I own a 26" and think its perfect for upland hunting.

My Sweet Sixteen A5 has a 28" barrel.




cdb

Going with a 28” and thanks for the replies.

I've had both. The 28 feels better to me and I usually like a 26" barrel on an auto. To me the gun felt whippy with the 26. It might be in my head but I like the way the 28 swings better in that gun.
I would take a look at both if that option is available. I am not sure if a guy worries about swing for hunting squirrels or sight plane is the only worry. I have never hunted them but would like to.

I'd argue it depends primarily on what cover you're hunting in. If you're walking through a relatively open field, by all means get the 30 or 32 inch barrel. But in forested areas, particularly with a lot of vines or underbrush, the shorter barrel will snag less, both when carrying and swinging.

Not to criticize anyone buying a new gun, but a 20g A400 sounds like a pretty fair squirrel gun to me - plus or minus the couple inches on the barrel.

Most of my shotguns are 26" with 1" extended chokes, Bailey or Carlson. That's become my favorite arrangement. For most practical field hunting conditions, I find long barrels to be cumbersome.