20" vs. 16 1/2" barrel & 44mag.

[Xander27z]

are the 16 1/2" barrel rifles still good for 100-150ft shots like the 20" barrel rifles? is there a big difference/loss between the two as far as performance/ballistics with full loads of 44mag ammo?(whatever is available on the market, i do not reload)
thnx.

p.s. re: marlin 1894 lever rifles.

 

[Tom C.]

I did find an article with velocities from both a 4 5/8" Ruger and a 16 1/4" Marlin by Mike Venturino. "Marlin’s 1894P and Ruger Vaquero in .44 Magnum" http://www.galleryofguns.com/shootingTimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=688
I don't think any loss from 20" to 16" should be significant.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I think about 50fps loss per in. would be a reasonable guess. So maybe 200fps in this case.

Shouldn't have any real noticable loss at 150yrds.

With proper loads you might not even see that amount of loss.

 

[Fatelvis]

Ohen, in a rifle chambering, with slower powder, I think 50 fps/in. is accurate. In the case of the 44 mag, it uses faster powder, so I think after a16.5" barrel, most of the powder is consumed anyhow, so I can't see it losing much velocity at all. Just my thoughts......

 

[steveno]

the biggest difference is in the sight radius and not the power

 

[wanderinwalker]

Plenty of power with the .44 Magnum carbine. Anything you'd be comfortable tackling with a .44 pistol is within the parameters of the carbine, IMO at least. Makes a great "utility" type rifle in my mind as well. More punch than a handgun, easier to shoot while being lighter than a similar rifle in a "real" rifle round.

As far as velocity, while I haven't chrony'ed anything from a .44 rifle, the general rule seems to be 300-fps going from a 6-8" revolver to a 20" rifle. My math works out to be around 20-fps/inch on that. So you lose about 60-fps going from 20" to 16.5".

 

[newfalguy101]

At the distances you are talking about, I dont believe you will see any noticable difference, you should be able to hold on the shoulder to 150 yards.

Since the .44mag is loaded to get the best results (factory ammo) from handgun length barrels, the 16 1/2 barrel may actually be more efficient than the 20.

 

[Xander27z]

thanks for all the replies.... you guys talked me into it... just got a 1894SS LTD in 44Mag 16 1/2in. bbl

 

[Xander27z]

 

[Preacherman]

Very nice indeed! I like the laminated furniture.

 

[rbernie]

Wow. That stainless-with-grey laminate look really is very tasty.... Congrats!

 

[grimjaw]

Congrats, and Merry Christmas! I personallly think it looks hideous, but I'm sure it'll be very durable, reliable, and will shoot like a dream. Enjoy!

jmm