Long vs Short Barrel

[t.r.]

Although I occasionally hunt with the long barreled Marlin, I generally reach for my Mossberg when going on a wild hog hunt here in Florida. This is the model 464 featuring a 16 inch barrel and Marine-coat finish. Handling is superb for me! I know that there is a velocity loss factor but have not detected any difference in killing power or accuracy from the shorter barrel. However it is noticeably louder when a round is touched off.

TR

[marlinman93]

I've always preferred longer barrels, and never found them a hindrance, regardless of hunting conditions.

[HawkCreek]

I always preferred the shorter carbine and trapper length barrels. I live out in the desert so there isn't really any place where brush is going to be in my way with a longer barrel and with irons the longer barrels give me a longer sight radius, I just prefer the look of the shorter barrels.

[gamekeeper]

I prefer shorter barrels but yes I find noise is a factor.

[jeepnik]

I tend to go with shorter barrels. The difference ballistically between longer and shorter is insignificant. The animal isn't going to know if it was shot with a 20" vs a 24" barrel. Shot placement is much more important that a few fps.

The loudness of the report is generally higher on sorter barrels. But, now that I'm already half deaf I finally figured out there are comfortable and unobtrusive devices that cancel the noise of a gun short while amplifying ambient sounds.

[gamekeeper]

I forgot to say, great photos thanks for sharing....

[Pete44ru]

.

I've found, over the years, that some guns just handle better than others with either a longer (24+) or shorter (16") barrel, and choose according to my druthers.

Although YMMV, I prefer short barrels on short-actions (pistol cartridge length) with straight-gripped stocks, & longer barrels with pistol grip stocks on long-actions (.30-30/.405).

.

[Pisgah]

The velocity loss probably averages no more than 100 fps, and the chance any animal shot with it will know the difference is nil. The shorties sure are handy.

[JB]

I know that there is a velocity loss factor but have not detected any difference in killing power or accuracy from the shorter barrel. However it is noticeably louder when a round is touched off.

You might find the short barrel possibly having an accuracy advantage. I like long barrels when velocity is needed like in a varmint rifle, but short barrels for pure accuracy. A shorter barrel sometimes has less accuracy robbing flex.

[AJMD429]

Short barrels may be easier to hold steady for some folks (or not), too.

The IDEAL levergun for my taste would have a short, but integrally-suppressed, barrel for the best of both worlds. They'd be commonplace were it not for NFA'34...

[Nath]

I like long and short. The 16" trappers are a joy to carry.

N.

[M. M. Wright]

I like carrying a rifle by the grip so if the barrel is short enough to clear the ground when carried this way I like it. That is why my Browning 86 SRC is cut off 3"s or so. Exact same length as a 20" barreled 94 carbine. Greatest loss for me is the sight radius being shorter. I have 3 94s with 26" barrels and really appreciate the longer sight radius they have.

[JimT]

Although I occasionally hunt with the long barreled Marlin, I generally reach for my Mossberg when going on a wild hog hunt here in Florida. This is the model 464 featuring a 16 inch barrel and Marine-coat finish. Handling is superb for me! I know that there is a velocity loss factor but have not detected any difference in killing power or accuracy from the shorter barrel. However it is noticeably louder when a round is touched off.

TR

My Favorite Rifle has a 6 1/2" barrel. I have shot a lot of deer with it and never noticed any difference between it with a good hit and the longer rifles, even though velocity is quite a bit less.

[765x53]

It has been noted that 26 inch barrels do not seem to be a hindrance in the grouse and woodcock thickets.

[marlinman93]

I like long barrels because I shoot iron sights, and long barrels give me a longer sighting radius. Velocity doesn't matter for my uses.