.22 accuracy and barrel length.

[Ukraine Train]

I'm looking at getting a .22 to teach new shooters and for cheap plinking. Right now my top choice is a Bersa/Firestar .22 because it's one of the few .22's that I like the looks of and it seems to be very reliable. On the other hand, it only has a 3" barrel and I'm worried that maybe the accuracy won't be as good as say a 6" revolver and it might discourage a new shooter. So, getting to the point, how much does barrel length effect accuracy?

Also, the Bersa has similar ergonomics to a Makarov, which is what I CCW with so it'd be a good gun to practice with.

[Old Fuff]

It isn't so much the barrel length that matters as the quality of the ammunition. Other then that the next consideration is sight radius and trigger pull. Finely, the weight of the gun. Depending on the individual, a revolver might be more accurate because of the longer sight radius, better weight and balance, and possibly a lighter trigger pull. However it might also be easier for a person to move up to a small-size center fire pistol after learning with a similar .22 trainer. It all sort of depends on what you're trying too do.

[Hkmp5sd]

When teaching a person that has never shot a handgun before, I like the Ruger Mk. II. The ergonomics make it a natural extension of the hand and therefore easy and comfortable to line up the sights. It comes with a 4.75" or 6" barrel. If you want even longer, the Target model comes in a 10" barrel. The only drawbacks I've found are the magazine can be a pain to load and with its light trigger pull, you have to keep a close eye on the student and pound the 4 Rules into them.

[shep854]

For a beginner, I'd recommend a longer barrel to give a good sight radius. The Ruger is a classic. I have a Browning Buck Mark 5.5. When I bought it (last week) it was priced less than either a Ruger or Smith & Wesson. Your choice. However, a short barrel (hence short sight radius) is harder to shoot accurately and this could discourage a beginner.

Also, if the student is brand new to shooting, sight the gun in for the ammo to be used. As stated above, there are variations, and for a starter, you want to remove as many variables as possible. Also, spend time "snaping in". so they learn sight picture and trigger control, as well as the all-important safety rules. Even though this is boorrinnnggg, it will pay vast dividends in accuracy and discipline when the real shooting starts.

[45R]

For a beginner shooting is fun when you can hit something. Go with a pistol that has a long right radius and a decent trigger. I recommend a Ruger MkII or a Single 6. I always take my MKII with me for new shooters.

Both are accurate and relaible.

[Pappy John]

While I personally prefer the 4" barrel, for a NEW shooter I would suggest the 5.75" Ruger MkII. Great balance, enough sight radius to make alignment easy, and built like a tank...not an unimportant thing for a new shooter who could be making some operating errors at the start. And you can dry fire them too, so they can learn the full operation, including the feel of the trigger, before graduating to live fire.

[otomik]

it's a good trainer but picky on ammo (unusually strong recoil spring). generally 6 inches of barrel will stabilize a .22lr completely for optimum accuracy and 14 inches will give you optimum velocity.

so far my favorite loads for it are thus:
CCI MiniMag
CCI Velocitor (Stinger has OAL that causes problems with the magazines)
Peters 500 round bricks
Federal Classic High Velocity Copper Solid Point (CCI MiniMag lookalike)
Aguila SSS 60gr. (the Firestorm barrel has a 1 in 10 rate that will stabilize it)

anyway it's a good trainer for people looking at getting a conventional DA pistol with external hammer later, especially S&W autos, Berettas and Walthers. IMHO this pistol will give a beginner more practical handling skills than other .22lr pistols though ruger markIIs are more accurate and might be slightly better for learning basic marksmanship.

[Mannlicher]

Ammo, sight radius, skill.