HALLAUSTIN
New member
Is there a large gain to be had from a 6 inch barrel as far as velocity and accuracy or is it just marginal?
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4" vs 6"
- Thread starter HALLAUSTIN
- Start date
Bob Wright
New member
For what?
A six inch barrel usually will give you a little higher velocity. And it offers a longer sight radius for more precise aiming. And it provides more weight out front to dampen recoil and muzzle flip.
A four inch barrel is a mite quicker out of the holster, is usually more comfortable to carry and is easier to conceal.
For hunting, long range work, general shooting, six inch.
For carry and fighting, four inch.
Bob Wright
A six inch barrel usually will give you a little higher velocity. And it offers a longer sight radius for more precise aiming. And it provides more weight out front to dampen recoil and muzzle flip.
A four inch barrel is a mite quicker out of the holster, is usually more comfortable to carry and is easier to conceal.
For hunting, long range work, general shooting, six inch.
For carry and fighting, four inch.
Bob Wright
I'm more comfortable shooting heavier guns. It's easier for me to keep the gun steady.
I like the rest of the advantages of a longer barrel as well.
But it is a very subjective choice. Lots of people find that longer barrels don't balance well and that negates any advantage.
I like the rest of the advantages of a longer barrel as well.
But it is a very subjective choice. Lots of people find that longer barrels don't balance well and that negates any advantage.
Casual target shooting and plinking no appreciable difference. Self defense shooting no difference but the 4" is a ton easier to carry and you will appreciate the longer sight radius when you are hunting. So it boils down to what you want your gun for. The little bit of velocity difference won't make much difference to what you shoot unless its at extreme range.
Just dos centavos from a dinosaur
Just dos centavos from a dinosaur
You acknowledge the advantages above. But then negate them below.I'm more comfortable shooting heavier guns. It's easier for me to keep the gun steady.
I like the rest of the advantages of a longer barrel as well.
The weight-forward is good balance. "Good balance" is not what feels good in the hand, it is what enables better accuracy. That is why Olympic Rapid Fire Target Pistols actually have weights attached to the barrels and extended sighting planes.But it is a very subjective choice. Lots of people find that longer barrels don't balance well and that negates any advantage.
Longer barrels(sight radius), more weight forward is better for hunting, long range, and target shooting. Such becomes a problem only if you are going to carry it or try to conceal it, or anticipate you are going to have to shoot rapidly at short range.
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Balance
Weight forward isn't balance. It's bias. Balance is even weight distribution front to rear. My 3-inch Model 13 has a rear weight bias, much like a tapered barrel Model 10. My 4-inch Model 13, a little less so...like a heavy barrel Model 10. I prefer a rear weight bias in a carry gun and front bias for careful shots...target or hunting...and for heavy recoiling revolvers.
Weight forward isn't balance. It's bias. Balance is even weight distribution front to rear. My 3-inch Model 13 has a rear weight bias, much like a tapered barrel Model 10. My 4-inch Model 13, a little less so...like a heavy barrel Model 10. I prefer a rear weight bias in a carry gun and front bias for careful shots...target or hunting...and for heavy recoiling revolvers.
Not much real difference in accuracy at practical hand gun distance from my experience...I've found that at 50 yds, it amounts to an add'l inch on group size. As to carry, the four inch barreled models are a heck of a lot easier in a waist belt holster. A shoulder rig allows an easier carry with the longer tubes, if you do a lot of sitting: tractor, car, ATV, maybe even your deer stand. On horseback, the length doesn't seem to matter as the gun extends down your outside pants leg.
Balance is a subjective thing; there is no universal standard, it's what works best for you and may differ significantly depending on whether you shoot with two hands on the gun or only one. For me, either way, the 4" models, or a bit more (4-5/8" in Ruger Blackhawks for instance), balance better; read: I'm more accurate with them than the 6" or 6+" models. In Ruger Blackhawks, the steel framed models (Flat Tops), do better for me than the aluminum ones (which throw the balance point too far forward.)
Best regards. Rod
Balance is a subjective thing; there is no universal standard, it's what works best for you and may differ significantly depending on whether you shoot with two hands on the gun or only one. For me, either way, the 4" models, or a bit more (4-5/8" in Ruger Blackhawks for instance), balance better; read: I'm more accurate with them than the 6" or 6+" models. In Ruger Blackhawks, the steel framed models (Flat Tops), do better for me than the aluminum ones (which throw the balance point too far forward.)
Best regards. Rod
Pointshoot
New member
"Is there a large gain to be had from a 6 inch barrel or is it just marginal?"
You'd have to be more specific with the question. 'Gain' in terms of velocity ? or what - -
As everyone else has mentioned, 'it depends' on what you are asking about, the specific gun, and the individual.
I personally prefer to go with revolvers in the 4"-5 1/2" barrel length range for general holster carry and field use.
You'd have to be more specific with the question. 'Gain' in terms of velocity ? or what - -
As everyone else has mentioned, 'it depends' on what you are asking about, the specific gun, and the individual.
I personally prefer to go with revolvers in the 4"-5 1/2" barrel length range for general holster carry and field use.
You acknowledge the advantages above. But then negate them below.
Well no, I just mention that some people find longer barrels to be...well barrel heavy.
I like the 4" gun for a holster gun, IDPA has a 4" max limit so I have to use a 4" in Idpa. If I had a choice I'd shoot the 6" gun, the longer sight radius is a plus. As for velocity, it depends on the individual guns. A 6" is normally faster but not always. I hold a little steadier with the 6" due to the added weight.
I think the 4" is the best overall compromise between the accuracy of the 6" and the concealability of the 2" snubbie. The oldest gun that I still own is the S&W Model 19 that I bought about 25 years ago and would never sell. Its a 4inch nickel plated 357mag, that at one time was called (by one of the major gun magazines) the "best all-around handgun made". Although I have a number of guns, this one, with a Crimson Trace laser, and loaded with Speer 38+p ammo, is my go-to home defense gun. Six rounds may not be a lot, but I have TOTAL confidence that this gun will go bang when I pull the trigger, even if I have not touched the gun for years.
For the way I shoot, I don't think there is enough velocity difference to matter.
I use both, a 4 inch Model 28, (my old service revolver) and a 6 inch Model 27.
I find the 4 in. more convent and faster in most types of competition and carrying. But if I don't have to move around a lot, such as shooting Bowling Pins, I like the longer sight radius of the 6 in. I don't really notice the extra weight in that type shooting.
In police work, the 4 in is much better when you figure you spend most of your time riding around a patrol car.
The best scenario is to have one of each, then you're set.
I use both, a 4 inch Model 28, (my old service revolver) and a 6 inch Model 27.
I find the 4 in. more convent and faster in most types of competition and carrying. But if I don't have to move around a lot, such as shooting Bowling Pins, I like the longer sight radius of the 6 in. I don't really notice the extra weight in that type shooting.
In police work, the 4 in is much better when you figure you spend most of your time riding around a patrol car.
The best scenario is to have one of each, then you're set.
That is what it always comes down to for most people when it comes to handguns...comprimises that may not be the best for shooting, but that one adjusts to.In police work, the 4 in is much better when you figure you spend most of your time riding around a patrol car.
Sounds logical. However, is the velocity difference between a four inch barrel significantly less than a six inch barrel? That is, would examining a wound to a deer (if hunting) lead to finding a difference between two identical woulds caused by the two different barrel lengths? Or, in the event of self-defense, would an attacker be dissuaded by a wound caused by a six-inch gun faster than a four-inch gun? And, how could that be proved?THERE is no substitute for velocity and there is no substitute for barrel length to get it.
I've carried them all, mainly for hunting purpose. 4" is a good compromise for a one gun guy but for hunting, the longer the better. A trail gun is one thing but a designated hunting gun is another. Sight radius make a big difference and as long as you dont add so much weight the gun is miserable to carry in the woods, 6" is where I would start with.
Trust me, at 50 yards the deer or boogerman or wabbit won't know the difference but if you are a 100 yard shooter than the longer barrel is an advantage for velocity gain and locking your eyeballs onto the sights. To answer your question it depends on what bullet out of what gun to find the difference.
A simple search and voila, we get this.
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html
A simple search and voila, we get this.
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html