I'd go for the 28" personally. I mainly shoot trap so I generally go for the longer barrel, definitely helps with swinging through your shots. I have a 28" 870 that I've put thousands of rounds through on the trap range and just a couple hundred on the skeet range. I find it to be a good in-between because I can shoot a wide range of clay target styles.
My only concern with the 26" would be hitting the father out targets. If you're shooting doubles trap, by the time you get to the second bird its gonna be a little ways out there, that's when I'd really want that 28" barrel.
My 30" SKB 85 TSS has slowly become my favorite but you cant beat the 28" 870 for its versatility.
Go with the 28" (unless you can get a 30")
There is a lot of good barrel length info going on
in this related 28 ga thread, the info is relevant regardless of the gauge
Originally Posted By hmaverick:
Hey guys
I'm looking at a CZ Redhead deluxe over under. I'm hemming and hawing between a 26 and 28" barrel.
What gauge? Usually 20's will come with a 2 and 12's with a 28 because they balance more neutrally that way. If you want a more muzzle heavy gun (better tracking on crossing shots) get the longer barrels.
Also, what are you going to do with the gun. Sporting games get the longer barrels, Dove/Quail hunting get shorter ones, Pheasant or woodcock I'd go longer.
Depends on its end use. Like others have said, most of the shotgun games go better with the longer barrel; better swing is the primary reason. For a field gun, especially on fast movers like quail, most will go with the 26".
I currently run a 26", 20 gauge CZ Canvasback o/u for everything but deer hunting. I hit better with it than any other shotgun I've owned. I don't know that a 28" would be dramatically better but I may try one some day. Most of the my trap and skeet colleagues run longer barrels but so far I'm happy with the 26.
CZ/Huglu make a great shotgun. I couldn't be happier with mine.
