Question on barrel length / accuracy

[byrddog123]

I was in a gunstore this weekend where they specialize in concealed carry weapons. In response to a question about which is more accurate, a longer (like maybe a 5") or shorter (like maybe 3-4") barrel gun, he stated the shorter barrel gun is more accurate at shorter distances, but possibly won't be as accurate at long distances. Translation being for shooting lets say 15' or less the shorter barrel is better for both concealment and accuracy.

I had always thought longer barrel = better accuracy . Was I wrong?

Thanks for any input!

 

[Elvishead]

Long barreled guns are going to be better at any distances, but you'd be quite surprised at a 2" snub is, even at 50 yards.


http://www.youtube.com/v/WxwZqUnWdho&hl=en&fs=1

 

[sturmgewehr]

The length of the barrel itself has little to do with accuracy. The sight radius (distance between the front sight and the rear) is what matters regarding accuracy. The longer the sight radius the more accurate your aiming - therefore your shots - can be. Granted, on most handguns the sights are affixed to the barrel/frame. So if the barrel is long, the sight radius is long, so the pistol is generally more accurate.

With that being said, I have handguns with barrels 3" or less that can shoot very tiny groups at 7-15 yards. One of my favorites is my Springfield EMP.

 

[jad0110]

As sturmgewehr said, barrel length itself doesn't effect mechanical accuracy. From what I understand, a bullet typically takes to the rifling within the first 1/2" of travel down the barrel ... beyond that increases in barrel length add velocity (to a point) and increase the sight radius, improving practical accuracy (aka, they are easier to shoot).

I have a 2" S&W Model 15 38 Special that will shoot a one hole group at 7 yds, if I do my part.

Some theorize that shorter barrels might actually be more mechanically accurate, as they should not flex/bend as much when firing. I don't know if I agree with this assessment, but it is interesting.

 

[GRIZ22]

Some theorize that shorter barrels might actually be more mechanically accurate, as they should not flex/bend as much when firing. I don't know if I agree with this assessment, but it is interesting.


This is something I've heard people mention in regards to Saiga rifles. there may be something to it with rifle barrels but in pistols barrels are too short to have much, if any barrel flex.

I agree with what others have said regarding barrel length having nothing to do with mechanical accuracy. The only effect barrel length has on accuracy is the velocity they produce. I've noticed when shooting factory wadcutters out of a 2" barrel you get occassional keyholing at 50 yards (the bullets are starting to hit sideways). This is most likely due to the loss of velocity which translates into loss of stability. A 2 1/2" barrel seems to keep the wadcutters pointed straight at 60 yards.

Practically it would have to a much longer range to really hurt accuracy. I can ring an 18" gong all day from 100 yards with a 2".

Just something to keep in mind.

 

[MrBorland]

Some theorize that shorter barrels might actually be more mechanically accurate, as they should not flex/bend as much when firing. I don't know if I agree with this assessment, but it is interesting.

It's also because guns with shorter barrels ideally move less under what I've been calling "intrinsic recoil".

Since expanding gasses push back on the gun while the bullet's still in the barrel, the gun will actually move a wee bit during this time. Obviously, the more the gun moves while the bullet's still in the barrel, the more it'll affect accuracy. For a free gun hanging in midair, this "intrinsic recoil" is directly proportional to barrel length (as well as relative weights of the bullet & gun). Shorter barrels = less intrinsic recoil, and all else being equal, more accurate.

In the real world, though, all else is never equal, so for a handgun, the effect likely doesn't amount to much, as it's probably trumped by sight radius and the effective weight of a gun held by a much heavier shooter planted firmly on much heavier terra firma.

 

[sturmgewehr]

There might be a "wee bit" of movement upon firing a rifle before the bullet leaves the bore, but every high speed video clip I've seen of rifles being fired, the bullet is long gone before any sign of rifle movement can be seen (rearward). That is of course excluding harmonic movement of the barrel.

Barrel harmonics play a significant role in accuracy, at least with rifles. That's why you see super heavy barrels, the thicker the barrel wall the less the barrel is effected by harmonics. There are also barrel attachments such as the Browning BOSS system which mitigate the effects of barrel harmonics.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1607956/browning_ballistic_optimizing_shooting_system_boss/

 

[9mmepiphany]

but every high speed video clip I've seen of rifles being fired, the bullet is long gone before any sign of rifle movement can be seen (rearward).

true for rifles, but pistols move faster (less mass) and bullets move slower (less velocity) in a handgun.

the real "advantage" of a longer barrel is that you are able to see errors in sight alignment more easily...that is why some folks believe they can hold the sights of a snubby more steady, you don't see the wobble as much. if you learn to hold correct sight alignmet with the shorter barrel, you'll be just as accurate.

at closer distances, the longer barrel actually gives you a better index to point by

 

[RDCL]

I think a lot depends on the shooter. I used to take my S&W model 29....with a barrel 10 & 5/8 inches long....to the range many times in years past. I was very humbled (and suprised) when I saw guys with their 4 & 6 inch Smith model 29s shooting tighter groups than I was with my 10 inch barrel!

....and thats with both magnum AND .44 special.

...but, thats talking about an INDOOR range with about 60 feet at most. Outdoors shooting beyond a hundred yards I think the 10 inch Smith would do better (IN the right hands...not mine).

10 inch barrels on revolvers are rare anyway. I don't even think S&W make a 10" model 29 anymore. It was never very popular with shooters from what I gather. I guess once you get beyond 8 inches you may as well choose a rifle!


Russ