barrel size in pistols

chrisintexas · September 18, 2012, 05:29 AM

Is barrel size in pistols the main factor affecting recoil? what would be the ideal barrel size to keep recoil to manageable level in 9mm/10mm/.45acp,auto/.44magnum
manageable level may differ in different people but is there some agreed upon level range?

Denezin · September 18, 2012, 06:00 AM

For target or Self defense?

Micahweeks · September 19, 2012, 12:04 AM

Barrel size isn't a factor. Barrel length puts weight forward of the chamber and helps manage muzzle rise. But, muzzle rise isn't recoil. Factors mitigating recoil are numerous, but barrel length is just a factor reducing "perceived" recoil.

DallasCMT · September 19, 2012, 12:12 AM

Gun weight will affect perceived recoil more than anything. I fired my PX4 9mm and a Ruger SR9c last weekend, the PX4 is a few ounces heavier and seemed to recoil less. Plus the PX4 has the rotating barrel but I'm not convinced that makes that much difference. Oh yeah, my friend's 92F, a few ounces more, seemed to recoil even a little less.

All things equal - a 3" barrel and a 6" barrel only, with no gun attached and of equal weight, in a lab test - good question, but I'd guess the longer barrel would recoil more since there is more bullet time in the barrel to build pressure, and thus recoil.

September 18, 2012, 05:29 AM	#1
chrisintexas Member Join Date: September 11, 2012 Posts: 90	barrel size in pistols Is barrel size in pistols the main factor affecting recoil? what would be the ideal barrel size to keep recoil to manageable level in 9mm/10mm/.45acp,auto/.44magnum manageable level may differ in different people but is there some agreed upon level range? Last edited by chrisintexas; September 18, 2012 at 05:39 AM.

September 18, 2012, 06:00 AM	#2
Denezin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 201	For target or Self defense?

September 19, 2012, 12:04 AM	#3
Micahweeks Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2009 Location: North Mississippi Posts: 686	Barrel size isn't a factor. Barrel length puts weight forward of the chamber and helps manage muzzle rise. But, muzzle rise isn't recoil. Factors mitigating recoil are numerous, but barrel length is just a factor reducing "perceived" recoil.

September 19, 2012, 12:12 AM	#4
DallasCMT Junior Member Join Date: September 18, 2012 Posts: 5	Gun weight will affect perceived recoil more than anything. I fired my PX4 9mm and a Ruger SR9c last weekend, the PX4 is a few ounces heavier and seemed to recoil less. Plus the PX4 has the rotating barrel but I'm not convinced that makes that much difference. Oh yeah, my friend's 92F, a few ounces more, seemed to recoil even a little less. All things equal - a 3" barrel and a 6" barrel only, with no gun attached and of equal weight, in a lab test - good question, but I'd guess the longer barrel would recoil more since there is more bullet time in the barrel to build pressure, and thus recoil.