Model 14 with 8 3/8" barrel; how does long barrel handle?
- Thread starter topflan
- Start date
arizcowboy
Inactive
It takes a little more effort to hold it steady since the balance point is toward the front of the gun. I think the main advantage is the longer sight radius as opposed to more velocity over a 6 inch barrel.
CarbineCaleb
New member
As far as handling goes... unfortunately different people have different ideas - most experts seem to think a 5" barrel offers ideal balance (I agree), but I've heard many people say they like a 2" or 3" barrel best - personal taste figures in for sure.
As to my druthers, I have shot a a few 6" full lug revolvers, and thought them only a tad muzzle heavy - not problematic in that regard. Since the model 14 has no underlug, I don't think it'll be be bad either, even at 8&3/8". I do think you'll get some extra accuracy out of that sight radius - long barrels are illegal in Olympic bullseye shooting - for a reason of course.
Since some of this is just personal preference, guess best way would be for you to handle something similar - only you know if you'll like how it feels. Even though it seems very long today, this length was fairly common a few decades ago.
As to my druthers, I have shot a a few 6" full lug revolvers, and thought them only a tad muzzle heavy - not problematic in that regard. Since the model 14 has no underlug, I don't think it'll be be bad either, even at 8&3/8". I do think you'll get some extra accuracy out of that sight radius - long barrels are illegal in Olympic bullseye shooting - for a reason of course.
Since some of this is just personal preference, guess best way would be for you to handle something similar - only you know if you'll like how it feels. Even though it seems very long today, this length was fairly common a few decades ago.
It's rare to see a Model 14 with that barrel length. I've owned two 6-inchers that balanced beautifully. I wish I still had one or both.
I've handled N-frame revolvers with the 8 3/8" inch barrel and hunted deer one year with a Model 25-5 with that barrel length.
I joked that I could use the barrel and front sight as a back scratcher.
My brother borrowed it for another year, and then I traded it. Some early metallic silhouette shooters used the 8 3/8" barreled N-frames.
The only handy way to carry one in the field is with a shoulder holster. It still isn't very handy.
I've handled N-frame revolvers with the 8 3/8" inch barrel and hunted deer one year with a Model 25-5 with that barrel length.
I joked that I could use the barrel and front sight as a back scratcher.
My brother borrowed it for another year, and then I traded it. Some early metallic silhouette shooters used the 8 3/8" barreled N-frames.The only handy way to carry one in the field is with a shoulder holster. It still isn't very handy.
I have a mod 17 in 8 3/8 ( which is esentially the modle 14 in .22) . It isn't nose heavy as you would expect because it is unlugged. It takes (only) slightly more concentration to hold it steady offhand (with one hand). The longer sight radious makes it maybe a touch more accurate at longer ranges. I can't tell the differnece in 50' accuracy between that one and my 6" 17.
Btw, I ahve a 6" 14 that is also a favorite target revolver when stuffed with full wadcutters.
Btw, I ahve a 6" 14 that is also a favorite target revolver when stuffed with full wadcutters.
I have to go along with Tacoma I have a M14 with the 8 3/8 barrel is one fine shooting gun, the gun is not nose heavy at all not compared to the full lug barrels.I don't like a heavy barrel revolver so normally stay with four inch barrels with a few 6 inch but I do like that M14 with that longer barrel