No doubt that 32” is the most common barrel length in a sporting clays gun today. However, that is a relatively recent phenomenon (last 15 years or so). That said, it is not a fad as manufacturers havre paid attention to what shooters are saying and doing and building gauche better - read lighter and longer, such that a smoother yet quicker barrel set provides an advantage on challenging target sets.
Shooters are better today than ever, targets are tougher, faster and more challenging than ever (made possible by wireless target systems).
The important thing about a sporting clays gun is that it be smooth (just the right mix of balance and inertia). I shoot 33” barrels that meet this criteria. I wouldn’t want the 30 3/4” barrels on my 1997 vintage Beretta ASE Gold backup gun to be any longer, as it is just right as it is (thicker barrels than those of my main gun). It all just depends, as it’s all in the feel.
Last edited by GF1; 03/31/22.
