Wheel gun barrel length

[P95Carry]

Let's leave out the snubbies here .. we have them, for a reason and generally I think realize that velocity losses are inevitable.

But lets think from, say ... 4" upwards. What are your views re optimum, and what is a practical maximum.

For me - loving my 5" M27 I'd start the length trip there, tho a 4" I have does quite well .... I'd say optimum was in fact 6" - 7 1/2" .. based on portability and wieldability .... enough length to make good of thegasses but not over awkward.

OTOH ....... the real long barrelled versions do have an appeal for me ... 10" to 14" even .... being in a sense, a hand wielded carbine ....... greater velocity and greater accuracy (probably). These tho are hardly ''carry'' category!

What are your thoughts here??

 

[Standing Wolf]

Purely in terms of accuracy from a sandbag rest, I can't tell the difference between a four-inch barrel and one twice as long. I have a four-inch .357 magnum revolver that's every bit as accurate as the same gun with an eight-inch barrel.

The differences for me are sight radius and weight. The longer the sight radius, (the distance between front and rear sights,) the more clearly I can focus on the front sight—and those extra four inches constitute an enormous difference for my aging eyes, even with a Merit peep sight. The disadvantage of the longer barrel is that it's harder to hold steady in the traditional bullseye stance: arthritis and computer wrist aren't doing my accuracy a speck of good.

I'm in the process of having my model 27 fitted with a five-inch bull barrel—but not a really heavy bull barrel. It's a compromise.

 

[stans]

Some gun writers have done tests on revolvers with various barrel lengths and they found, at least when using a Ransom Rest, that barrel length did not affect accuracy. Barrel length can affect velocity. A longer barrel can give higher velocities, depending on the quality of the bore. Personally, I like a 2 inch barrel for deep concealment, a 4 inch barrel for open carry and home defense and all around general fun shooting, a 6 inch barrel for target shooting and hunting, and a 8 inch barrel when velocity counts and you just want to impress your range buddies. Hey, sometimes size is important!

 

[Quantrill]

Anything over 4" make for a difficult sit down in-car carry in a belt holster, if that is a consideration. Quantrill

 

[WESHOOT2]

I prefer the 4" 'mediums'; GP100, Security Six, K/L-frames.

On my Redhawks I prefer the 5.5" as the most reasonable balance, but I 'like' my 7.5" 357 version better (maybe because the sight plane is a more old-eye-friendly length?).

 

[TechBrute]

I agree with stans as far as the uses for the different barrel lengths. I'd say 4" would be your best all-around length.

 

[P95Carry]

Interesting so far to see how the 4" is pretty popular. I shoulda done a poll I think ...... could have been useful.

Do admit, my 4" .357 is a great compromize size and i tend to agree re the accuracy deal .. tho I do know my ole 686 was great on accuracy. I am also still biased by my love for my 5" M27 ... perhaps almost an ''ultimate'' for me!

But then, Love my 7 1/2" Blackhawk too ... horses for course really ain't it!!

 

[mikey357]

I like the four-inchers...I ALSO like my five-inch N-frames...625's, 627, 629 and the late, lamented 610...a good compromise, I think, and a barrel length that SHOULD be more popular....mikey357

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All,

I'm a fan of the 5" barrel length's; unfortunately
leather maker's kind'a frown on this length, cuz they
sell more holster's for the 4" and 6" length's.

With the 5" barrel, its a compromise between concealment
and obtaining the best results for a given handgun
load; especially in big-bore revolver's!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[ruger357]

4 inch is an all around perfect length for a wheel gun.

 

[braindead0]

4" here as well, nothing longer.. but I like to shoot IDPA and the rules will be changing to allow 4" maximum..

I have been meaning to talk my dad out of his S&W 1917 .455 webley (and .45LC and .45ACP).. I think it's a 6.5"

 

[10-Ring]

I prefer 5" barrels. They seem to balance best for me & the weight just seems to be right.