Massad Ayoob on short barrels vs long barrels

[Plan2Live]

Let me start off by saying that I am not a G-lock fanboy. However, I always find Massad's comments insightful. I ran across an article on GunWire that linked me to an article published by The Daily Caller. Massad details his experience comparing longer barrel semi autos to shorter barrel semi autos and came away with some interesting observations.

I think this article underscores the need to find what works for you and that one size does not fit all. It also reinforces the fact that there is never a "best" anything or "best" option for this or that. The best is what works best for you.

The link: http://dailycaller.com/2014/06/02/massad-ayoob-are-long-barreled-handguns-more-accurate/

 

[Jim K]

That is a common observation and one I have experienced. It is also why I always preferred a 5" heavy barrel S&W 41 or Ruger Mk I to the longer barrel verions of those guns.

My feeling is that the shorter barrels show less "wobble" and make me more confident. There might, in fact, BE less wobble with more of the weight sitting back in the hand. Anyway, in my experience (and within limits) the length of a handgun barrel has little to do with accuracy, though it obviously will affect velocity.

Jim

 

[RustyShackelford]

Ayoob's article on the new Glock 41 .45acp....

I read Massad Ayoob's recent review & T&E of the Glock 41 .45acp.
He praised the new design & stated the longer duty sidearm barrels burn more powder & allow the bullet to "hit harder".
I'm not against the newer extended slide pistols; XDm, M&P, Glock, PPQ, FNS.
The rub is the added weight & problems finding holsters.
I think there is a "intimidation" factor too but that can be discussed another time.
A Glock 41 .45acp paired with a new Glock 30S compact would be a top duty system.

Rusty

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I think this article underscores the need to find what works for you and that one size does not fit all. It also reinforces the fact that there is never a "best" anything or "best" option for this or that. The best is what works best for you.

That has been my standpoint for a long time. Glad to know someone with credibility has the same perspective so I'm not just making noise.

 

[Weevil]

I wonder if it's just that the bullet leaves the barrel sooner, so there's less chance of it being effected by the movement of your hands?

 

[David E]

The rub is the added weight & problems finding holsters.

In the case of the Glock 41 compared to the shorter 21, there is only 3/4 of one ounce added weight.

Demand will guide the holster makers.

 

[Plan2Live]

Massad's experience with the G26 mirrors my own. Although I don't own any of this brand I have fired other people's guns. I can shoot clover leafs with the 26 and 27 but shoot paper plate sized patterns with the mid-sized 19 and worse with the .40 caliber mid-size. I was always puzzled by that.

Switching to revolvers, I have a Ruger Police Six with a 4 inch barrel and have shot that gun side by side with a Ruger Speed Six 2.75 inch barrel. Same pistol, just different barrel lengths. Here I have the expected results and shoot the longer barrel better. Which brings me back to, choose the gun that works best for you and realize that everything in life requires compromise.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Glock sub-compacts; shooting styles, designs....

I read the posted article.
I found it telling that Ayoob said he shot the rounded grip Glock 26/27 models better under some conditions.
I really like the round grip style. The 3rd gen S&Ws & the Commander type 1911s with rounded grips feel & work great for me.
I like the way the Glock 26/27/33 line doesn't have that huge gap behind the mag. Some say Gaston Glock did that to allow mud, grit, sand, water, etc to drain away but I think it creates a strange grip for many & let's crud, lint or water to clog the magazine.

The - is the smaller Glocks can't hold lasers or white lights like the larger models. The exception is the slick Glock 30S .45acp(which was T&Eed by working police detectives).

I think I may buy a new Glock 27 with the WMD/NIB-X on the upper, then carry that in a pocket holster or strong side Safariland AS7 holster. That would fit well & hold up to the elements/everyday concealed carry.

 

[jmr40]

I have G-26, 19, and 17, or had the 17 I should say. I shoot the 19 and 17 about the same. I don't shoot the 26 better, but the difference isn't great. Since there was no difference between the 17 and 19, I simply gave the 17 to my son when he moved out. I carry the guns with the factory 10 and 15 round magazines, but only use the 17 round G-17 mags as spares or for range practice.

I wonder if it's just that the bullet leaves the barrel sooner, so there's less chance of it being effected by the movement of your hands?

There is a photo in the link showing how the grip is slightly different on the compacts than the full size guns. I think they just fit most folks hands a little better than the full size guns.

I still think longer barrels with a longer sight radius will prove more accurate for the vast majority of shooters in slow, aimed fire shooting. For rapid fire SD type situations or shooting games, not so much maybe.

 

[DPris]

The fastest & most controllable 9mm pistol I've ever worked with, in terms of fast & tight groups during an all-out speed dump on a silhouette, was Walther's P99 Compact.

Nothing else has even come close.
Were it not for the velocity loss, I'd probably be carrying a pair of those right now.
Denis

 

[george burns]

I learned on revolvers with 2 inch barrels, so I shoot the subcompacts just fine. But also shoot a fullsize 1911 better when I am aiming seriously and not just point shooting.

 

[Valkman]

I have always shot my 4" Kimber Compact CDP as well as any 5" gun, and the 4" XD45's I have don't have 1911 triggers but I shoot pretty well with them also.