I have searched but cannot find the answer
When was the vent rib added to the shotgun barrel?
I am assuming it took awhile to be popular?

Thanks!

Teens or so... someone can probably get you more specifics then that.

Don't know about vent ribs, but I have a 1913 built Model 12 Winchester with a solid rib.

As mentioned they have been around for many years , however they started becoming standard on even low priced guns in the late 60- early 70's. Prior to that time they were pretty much a for lack of a better word a luxury item seem mostly on higher grade guns and target guns.

I think the first use was for high-volume trap and skeet users....supposed to raise the sighting (pointing?) plane above the hot barrel to avoid heat mirage from a hot barrel. When I was a kid in the sixties, most pumps and autoloaders came in the standard version )plain barrel) and deluxe version with a ventilated rib. It seemed to become a "necessity" soon after that. I used to hate the look of a plain barrel, but I now kind of like the clean lines of a plain barrel...but try to find one on a new shotgun!

I don't care for a vent rib, rather have plain barrel. Take it or leave it.