[grafsk8er]

what's an average barrel length for a carry gun? and what's a pretty normal caliber...9 mm?

[B. Adams]

Um, I carry .40 and .45, in 4" and 4.25" barrels, respectively.

So I guess my average would be .425 caliber, with a 4 1/8" barrel. :D

[The Lone Haranguer]

I would say 3.5 to 4.5 inches for an autoloader and 2 to 4 inches for a revolver are by far the most prevalent. Remember that an auto's barrel length includes the chamber; you measure it from the rear of the ejection port to the muzzle, while a revolver's is measured from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle. 9mm Luger (or 9mm Parabellum, 9x19 or whatever) is a very common cartridge for use in autos.

I'm not sure why you're asking this, but I hope it helped. ;)

[grafsk8er]

i ask because i've always been into shotguns and rifles, and never really payed much attention to hand guns. and the more i think about it, i should really begin educating myself about hand guns more.

[Fisherman_48768]

380 3.5" ppk/s
9mm 5" P35 Browning HP
38 1 7/8" mdl 36
357 2" mdl 19
45 1911/LW Commander 3.5"(primary carry) or Gov't mdl 5"
45 Colt 4" mdl 25-5
44 Rem Mag 4" mdl 29

Selection varies with adaption of dress determined by season, activity intended and method of carry for the day.

[DMK]

I've heard it said that the 2"(ish) snubnose revolver is the most common CCW in the country. Certainly not a bad choice.

I'm either carrying one of those in .38 or a 4" barreled 1911 (.45)

[BullfrogKen]

The answers to those questions are as varied as the stars.

Some folks carry a 5" 1911 in .45 ACP. Others a 2" .38 revolver, others tiny little .32s.

It just depends on you, your lifestyle and preferences, what caliber and handgun you are able to shoot well, and how willing you are to change your wardrobe to carry what you want to have on you.