[aji]

I have a question regarding designation of barrel length. Some articles define short barrel as anything under 4 inches, while other define it as 4 inches or less. What is the consensus? Thank you

[Jimmie]

??? So you're asking if exactly 4" is short? My Sig is 3.9" and I wouldn't call it short. It's no snubbie.

[DMZ]

2" is short :(

4" is long :cool:

3" is just right :D

[MachIVshooter]

IMO, <4" is short for most handguns. That said, 3.5-4" is on the longer side for .32's and .380's.

[The Bushmaster]

DMZ...How about splitting the difference with 2 1/2"?

[spwenger]

...the snubby category was 2 1/2" or less.

The last issue revolvers of the FBI were 3" S&W M-13's and M-65's, a very nice length for a defensive revolver, so long as you're not too short-waisted to clear the holster easily.

[DMZ]

DMZ...How about splitting the difference with 2 1/2"?

Actually, I have a 2 1/2" .38 Spl in mind real soon.

[Seiko]

I think it has to do more with the gun then anything to be honest.
I have a 4" J frame 36 target. It looks long because of such a small frame.
On the other side, I have a 658 N frame with a 3" barrel and because of the big frame, it looks tiny as hell.

That said 4" is normal any thing under is "short" anything over is "long" and 15" dan wessons are just stupid:neener:

[bang_bang]

I take offense to that...
Not really, I see where your coming from though. I'd say anything under a 4 inch barrel would be considered short, and anything above 4 inches is a longer, more sporty type barrel.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/bang_bang_photo/DSC00060.jpg

[Mad Magyar]

Some consider anything under 4.25" "short" in terms of reliability...
Damn, I hope Tuner isn't reading this....:D

[MASTEROFMALICE]

I would say it depends on the load being fired.

If it's something like a .357 which requires a decent length barrel to get velocity up then 4" would be short.

[DMK]

I would consider a short barrel to be anything under 4". Below that velocity seems to drop off pretty noticeably with most calibers.

Few folks would buy a handgun with less that a 4" barrel unless they wanted to conceal it.

Most service/duty sidearms had/have approximately 4" barrels (give or take 1/2"). These days some police sidearms are even going as low as 3.5". The 1911 being one exception with its 5" barrel.