Longer barrel in autoloader?

[Caliper_Mi]

I occasionally see photos of Glocks, 1911's, etc with the barrel protruding an inch or more beyond the end of the slide. In general, is it possible to put a longer barrel in an autoloader without modifying the slide?

Basically, I would be interested in a pistol with a full size barrel in a compact size frame and don't know if this is something I can do at home or is a custom job for a real gunsmith.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Do you mean like this


...the amount of work required to fit the barrel would depend on the gun, how much accuracy you required afterward and your personal ability

 

[Caliper_Mi]

Yup, like that. Is fitting needed for the barrel to clear the opening at the end of the slide or where?

 

[9mmepiphany]

Fitting, depending on the platform, usually addresses the lockup at the rear and the unlocking surfaces under the chamber

 

[ProCarryNAustin]

This might get you a little extra velocity on the bullet (25-50fps or so is the usual) and length of barrel does not determine accuracy. A tightly fit short barrel will group as well as a tightly fit long barrel.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

Yes, I am interested in the extra velocity, I understand that I won't get more accuracy unless I increase sight radius.

I'm looking specifically at 10mm and having a full size barrel on a compact frame (probably a Witness - their "compact" frame is plenty for a full grip). The data at http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/ suggests a 50-75 fps bump going from 3.6" to 4.5". Basically, the idea of going to a large cartridge and wasting all that powder on muzzle flash bugs me, but it seems everything with a full size barrel also comes with a huge grip that is harder to conceal on my 160# self.

 

[james_bond]

I know some states will not let you hunt with a handgun if the barrel under 5 inches, so there are folks that sell a 6 inch barrel for your Glock 20.