It would be interesting to see how many guys here could look at a shotgun from 6 feet away, or even hold it in their hands, and know at a glance if it had 27" or 28" barrels without actually using a tape measure.
Barrel length is but one of many factors that may have an effect upon the ability of a shooter to regularly hit a moving target. Guys have mentioned other factors like balance and dynamics, moment of inertia, gun weight, and choke boring. But nobody mentioned gun fit, which I feel may be the hardest thing to overcome while attempting to hit a fast moving target, if it isn't close to correct.
I just found that out. Now it’s really funny that I asked that question. I’ve been looking at a 12 with27” barrels I just bought a WC Scott sidelock 16. I handled it a couple of times in the gun shop. The tag said 28’s. It was laying next to another of my 16’s. Da Mn it was shorter. Got out the tape measure. 27”. I doubt I would have ever noticed
