4" vs 6"

HALL,AUSTIN · October 21, 2012, 10:21 PM

Is there a large gain to be had from a 6 inch barrel as far as velocity and accuracy or is it just marginal?

Bob Wright · October 21, 2012, 10:26 PM

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

Nathan · October 21, 2012, 10:27 PM

If you want to shoot 50 yards or so, a 6" is nice. For carry, I prefer a 4".

My S&W 19 is a 4". My hunting gun a 5.5" Ruger SA gives me a little more confidence at range.

Buzzcook · October 21, 2012, 11:24 PM

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.

Old Grump · October 21, 2012, 11:51 PM

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

dahermit · October 22, 2012, 07:24 AM

Quote:

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.

You acknowledge the advantages above. But then negate them below.

Quote:

But it is a very subjective choice. Lots of people find that longer barrels don't balance well and that negates any advantage.

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.
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.

1911Tuner · October 22, 2012, 08:03 AM

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.

rodfac · October 22, 2012, 09:26 AM

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

Pointshoot · October 22, 2012, 10:39 AM

"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.

DFrame · October 22, 2012, 10:47 AM

In a word NO. Little velocity is to be gained by an extra two inches of barrel and much to be lost in terms of portability and balance.

Buzzcook · October 22, 2012, 12:13 PM

Quote:

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.

pete2 · October 22, 2012, 01:54 PM

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.

jben · October 22, 2012, 09:30 PM

I couldn't decide between the 4" and 6" when looking for a 629 a couple of weeks ago, so I settled it by buying a 5" 629 Classic that I found on an internet site. I like the way it feels, now I just have to shoot it. jben

vito · October 23, 2012, 07:07 AM

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.

kraigwy · October 23, 2012, 08:04 AM

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.

dahermit · October 23, 2012, 09:18 AM

Quote:

In police work, the 4 in is much better when you figure you spend most of your time riding around a patrol car.

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.

WIL TERRY · October 23, 2012, 11:38 AM

THERE is no substitute for velocity and there is no substitute for barrel length to get it.

dahermit · October 23, 2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

THERE is no substitute for velocity and there is no substitute for barrel length to get it.

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?

Mystro · October 23, 2012, 02:21 PM

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.

Old Grump · October 23, 2012, 05:03 PM

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

Snub357 · October 23, 2012, 05:40 PM

With magnum calibers, I'd say yes. Shorter barrels give off a larger fireball, meaning less powder was burned in the barrel, and was burned outside. Less powder burned equals a loss in velocity.

Misssissippi Dave · October 23, 2012, 06:20 PM

At close range 25 yards or less I don't see much difference between 4" and 6". At 50 yards and beyond there a slight advantage with the 6". I think you will really start seeing the differences when you compare a 4" barrel to the 8" barrel. Velocity goes up and the longer distance between sights makes it easier to stay on target at distances. I have used a 4" 357 mag for deer hunting. At distances of 50 yards and less it does the job if you can get in a good shot. Not all pistols are equal. I have been able to shoot better groups with one 4" barrel than I could with a 6" off of sandbags.

jmr40 · October 23, 2012, 06:48 PM

Someone else already posted this, but it is worth repeating.

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html

You will find the answers you seek here.

All you need to do is determine if the greater velocity you get from the longer barrel is worth the extra lengh and weight you have to carry. And that is largely determined by how you plan to use the gun.

For me, I have no use for anything less than 4". Velocity is still acceptable for me at that length, but you couldn't give me a revolver with a shorter barrel. I don't hunt or shoot long range targets. If I did 7-8" is what I'd want. As generel rule 4" is the best compromise for how I use a gun. How you plan to use it will determine the best length for you.

rep1954 · October 23, 2012, 06:58 PM

I've been shooting handguns for 39 years and I just don't remember any of my shorter barreled handguns out shooting my 6" to 6 1/2" barreled guns. If performance is what your looking for a little more velocity is always better that a little less velocity.

idek · October 23, 2012, 07:01 PM

The link jmr40 posted is informative, but look it over carefully. The test barrels they used did not have a cylinder gap, and elsewhere on that website, they discuss how guns that do have a cylinder may gain less from a longer barrel, because the longer the bullet is in the barrel, the more gas and pressure exit out the cylinder gap.

If you compare actual guns toward the bottom of the link, you'll see that a 4" S&W often produced higher velocities than a 5" S&W, which often produced higher velocities than a Colt with a 6" barrel.

October 21, 2012, 10:21 PM	#1
HALL,AUSTIN Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2011 Location: asheville north carolina Posts: 556	4" vs 6" Is there a large gain to be had from a 6 inch barrel as far as velocity and accuracy or is it just marginal? Last edited by HALL,AUSTIN; October 22, 2012 at 02:53 PM.

October 21, 2012, 11:51 PM	#5
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	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 __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

October 22, 2012, 08:03 AM	#7
1911Tuner Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: NC Piedmont/Foothills Posts: 666	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. __________________ If your front porch collapses and kills more than three dogs...You just might be a redneck

October 22, 2012, 09:26 AM	#8
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,623	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 __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

October 22, 2012, 10:47 AM	#10
DFrame Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Location: central Illinois Posts: 451	In a word NO. Little velocity is to be gained by an extra two inches of barrel and much to be lost in terms of portability and balance. __________________ Mark Lane to William Buckley: "Have you ever referred to Jessee Jackson as an ignoramus?" Buckley: "If I didn't, I should have"

October 21, 2012, 10:26 PM	#2
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	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

October 21, 2012, 10:27 PM	#3
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,328	If you want to shoot 50 yards or so, a 6" is nice. For carry, I prefer a 4". My S&W 19 is a 4". My hunting gun a 5.5" Ruger SA gives me a little more confidence at range.

October 21, 2012, 11:24 PM	#4
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	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.

October 22, 2012, 10:39 AM	#9
Pointshoot Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2004 Posts: 236	"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.

October 22, 2012, 01:54 PM	#12
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	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.

October 22, 2012, 09:30 PM	#13
jben Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2006 Posts: 216	I couldn't decide between the 4" and 6" when looking for a 629 a couple of weeks ago, so I settled it by buying a 5" 629 Classic that I found on an internet site. I like the way it feels, now I just have to shoot it. jben

October 23, 2012, 07:07 AM	#14
vito Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2004 Location: IL Posts: 853	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.

October 23, 2012, 08:04 AM	#15
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	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. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

October 23, 2012, 11:38 AM	#17
WIL TERRY Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2000 Location: BLACK HILLS Posts: 1,322	THERE is no substitute for velocity and there is no substitute for barrel length to get it.

October 23, 2012, 02:21 PM	#19
Mystro Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 1,528	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.

October 23, 2012, 05:03 PM	#20
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	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 __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

October 23, 2012, 05:40 PM	#21
Snub357 Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2002 Posts: 484	With magnum calibers, I'd say yes. Shorter barrels give off a larger fireball, meaning less powder was burned in the barrel, and was burned outside. Less powder burned equals a loss in velocity. __________________ [Insert prattle here]

October 23, 2012, 06:20 PM	#22
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	At close range 25 yards or less I don't see much difference between 4" and 6". At 50 yards and beyond there a slight advantage with the 6". I think you will really start seeing the differences when you compare a 4" barrel to the 8" barrel. Velocity goes up and the longer distance between sights makes it easier to stay on target at distances. I have used a 4" 357 mag for deer hunting. At distances of 50 yards and less it does the job if you can get in a good shot. Not all pistols are equal. I have been able to shoot better groups with one 4" barrel than I could with a 6" off of sandbags.

October 23, 2012, 06:48 PM	#23
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	Someone else already posted this, but it is worth repeating. http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html You will find the answers you seek here. All you need to do is determine if the greater velocity you get from the longer barrel is worth the extra lengh and weight you have to carry. And that is largely determined by how you plan to use the gun. For me, I have no use for anything less than 4". Velocity is still acceptable for me at that length, but you couldn't give me a revolver with a shorter barrel. I don't hunt or shoot long range targets. If I did 7-8" is what I'd want. As generel rule 4" is the best compromise for how I use a gun. How you plan to use it will determine the best length for you.

October 23, 2012, 06:58 PM	#24
rep1954 Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Location: Mid Western Michigan Posts: 1,187	I've been shooting handguns for 39 years and I just don't remember any of my shorter barreled handguns out shooting my 6" to 6 1/2" barreled guns. If performance is what your looking for a little more velocity is always better that a little less velocity.

October 23, 2012, 07:01 PM	#25
idek Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 903	The link jmr40 posted is informative, but look it over carefully. The test barrels they used did not have a cylinder gap, and elsewhere on that website, they discuss how guns that do have a cylinder may gain less from a longer barrel, because the longer the bullet is in the barrel, the more gas and pressure exit out the cylinder gap. If you compare actual guns toward the bottom of the link, you'll see that a 4" S&W often produced higher velocities than a 5" S&W, which often produced higher velocities than a Colt with a 6" barrel.