Are shorter barrels inherently more accurate?

[Dr T]

A barrel must be considered a system with a large variety of variable characteristics including:

Steel
Length
Contour
With or without iron sights
Bore
Chamber
Crown
Number and type of lands
Twist rate

as well as others. In the case of my Model 7, my pet theory is that the BIG iron sights are placed on the barrel that their size and weight tends manage the barrel harmonics in such a way that magic happens.

If I were to generalize, I would say that you can't make any universally true generalities...and that the only accuracy that really counts is how well the rifle and shooter come together on the target, whether it be fur, fowl, paper, steel, or clay.

 

[45crittergitter]

All other things being equal, the shorter barrel will be stiffer (lower l/d ratio), which usually means it has better accuracy potential due to less vibration. But rarely are all other things equal, including the quality and condition of the particular two barrels in question. But if you just want to stack the deck in your favor for accuracy, yes - get the shorter barrel.

 

[On An Island]

A good read:

http://www.angelfire.com/ma3/max357/houston.html

Art, that's just scary. And amazing.

 

[Hummer70]

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com...-houston-warehouse-read-this-classic-article/

long read but will answer some questions for you