Yes, I've been ponderin' stuff again, and got to thinking of the significant difference the barrel length in a handgun can make in terms of both power and accuracy, esp. in certain calibers (e.g. .357 mag), and came up with what I think is an accurate generalization relating barrel length to the primary application best suited to that bbl length (applies to revolvers and semis as well). What do you'ens think? Perhaps a ballistician can describe for us the increasing then diminishing returns offered by gradually increasing bbl length, in general?
1. Gut Gun: 1.0" to 1.75", for derringers, mini-revolvers and such - practically useless; would probably be better off with a knife (never heard of any gun with less than 1.0" bbl)
2. Defense of self/CCW: 2.0" to 4.0", for highly concealable handguns, yet given the right caliber, with plenty of power and accuracy for a typical justified deadly-force civilian defense shooting, which is most often under 3 yards, typically well under 7 yards, and almost always under 10 yards.
3. LEO Duty/Defense of others/Home Defense/Trail sidearm: 4.25" to 6.0". This bbl length range, though also highly suitable for civi carry defense, is probably not necessary for it in the overwhelming majority of cases. However, the "extra" bbl length will give enough added accuracy to take ethical defensive shots (e.g. to defend others) of up to 25 yards or so with a high liklihood of hitting one's target, esp. if the shooter is well-trained. Still, even the vast majority of shootings by LEOs will occur under 15 yards, and 4"+ will give plenty of practical accuracy under 15 yards. Also, a longer shot will likely be justified in a home defense scenario since any perturbance of a dwelling will usually justify deadly force. For example, I for one would shoot an intruder as soon as I can see him and make out that he is not an invited guest, so if that happens to be across the widest room in my house, that's about 10 yards, which is a lot further than a typical "street" defensive shooting range.
4. Hunting. 6.25" to 15.75". Both civilian and LEO would be hard pressed to cite examples of justified reactionary defensive shootings (not counter-terrorist or hostage-type situations, where a sniper rifle is called for) at a distance longer than that which may be confidently taken with a bbl length of 6", so this or longer bbls have primarily hunting applications.
[This message has been edited by Futo Inu (edited January 07, 2000).]
1. Gut Gun: 1.0" to 1.75", for derringers, mini-revolvers and such - practically useless; would probably be better off with a knife (never heard of any gun with less than 1.0" bbl)
2. Defense of self/CCW: 2.0" to 4.0", for highly concealable handguns, yet given the right caliber, with plenty of power and accuracy for a typical justified deadly-force civilian defense shooting, which is most often under 3 yards, typically well under 7 yards, and almost always under 10 yards.
3. LEO Duty/Defense of others/Home Defense/Trail sidearm: 4.25" to 6.0". This bbl length range, though also highly suitable for civi carry defense, is probably not necessary for it in the overwhelming majority of cases. However, the "extra" bbl length will give enough added accuracy to take ethical defensive shots (e.g. to defend others) of up to 25 yards or so with a high liklihood of hitting one's target, esp. if the shooter is well-trained. Still, even the vast majority of shootings by LEOs will occur under 15 yards, and 4"+ will give plenty of practical accuracy under 15 yards. Also, a longer shot will likely be justified in a home defense scenario since any perturbance of a dwelling will usually justify deadly force. For example, I for one would shoot an intruder as soon as I can see him and make out that he is not an invited guest, so if that happens to be across the widest room in my house, that's about 10 yards, which is a lot further than a typical "street" defensive shooting range.
4. Hunting. 6.25" to 15.75". Both civilian and LEO would be hard pressed to cite examples of justified reactionary defensive shootings (not counter-terrorist or hostage-type situations, where a sniper rifle is called for) at a distance longer than that which may be confidently taken with a bbl length of 6", so this or longer bbls have primarily hunting applications.
[This message has been edited by Futo Inu (edited January 07, 2000).]