We report measurements of the alpha-factor and linewidth of DBR lasers fabricated with weak grating constants. Such devices exhibit detuned-loading effects and the measured values depend strongly on the tuning current of the Bragg section. Alpha-factor behavior is found to agree with earlier theoretical predictions. Linewidth behavior is shown to be dominated by carrier shot noise in the tuning section. A theoretical analysis of the DBR laser is outlined including detuned loading and carrier shot noise effect.