Barrel Length ---> Accuracy

[Beeser]

I always thought and was led to believe that accuracy is directly related to barrel length, not counting the proficiency of the shooter. In other words, a longer barrel is inherently more accurate. As mentioned in another thread I recently acquired a S&W 41 and a Pardini SP target pistol, both 22lr. But the generally accepted as more accurate or at least more popular for dedicated bullseye competition of two has a barrel length that is 3/4" shorter. According to the logic presented in the beginning the 41 should be more accurate. What's missing in my thinking?

 

[Rpg]

Barrel lenght has virtually nothing to do with accuracy in handguns.

Longer barrels do increase the length of the sight plane, permitting more precision in sighting.

A difference of an inch in a handgun barrel has no noticeable impact on inherent accuracy.

 

[OKFC05]

What's missing in my thinking?

As we say in logic class, the premise is false. Accuracy is NOT directly proportional to barrel length. There's a lot more to making a gun accurate.

 

[oldRoger]

Velocity is related to barrel length. Accuracy is not. There is probably a minimum length which might compromise accuracy but it would be very short.
For example, the accuracy from a 2” J frame is as good as that from a 3”.

The sight radius however is longer on the 3” and most people can shoot the 3” better.

Using iron sights, I can shoot my M41 more accurately with a 7” barrel than with the 5.5” barrel. With a Red Dot, the difference goes away.

Your Pardini may have a shorter barrel but the sight radius is actually longer than a M41/7”.

 

[rwsmith]

I have a theory....

I have a theory that this persists from old dueling pistols which had long barrels.

 

[Beeser]

oldRoger - I measured the distance between the sights on my 41 (5 1/2") and Pardini and they are both the same at about 8 1/2". I measured to the back of the very long front sight of the Pardini if that makes a difference. I was surprised because it looks like the Pardini would've been longer. And thinking further, if the longer sight radius is better why is the Pardini front sight so long? They could have increased the radius at least 1" by making the sight smaller and even more so by positioning it further forward. There is room. I wonder if the longer sight radius benefits decrease or work in the opposite direction at some point.

On the lighter side, the "sight radius" issue reminds me of an old Rifleman episode where Lucas improves the accuracy of a pistol by putting together a makeshift (longer radius) sight using a wood board and twig to shoot a bad guy (the late Vic Morrow).

 

[18DAI]

I always shoot my compact (sub 4" barrel) guns more accurately than my longer barrel guns.

The thickness of a barrel and how it locks up to the slide are more important for accuracy than the length, in my experience. Regards 18DAI

 

[Cpo1944]

I have never been able to tell a difference about barrel length.
Its all about trigger pull anyway, if I get that right, I`ll hit consistently regardless of barrel length.

 

[LimaCharlie]

There are many things that affect the accuracy of any gun, especially at longer distances. The length of the barrel affects the velocity and stability of the bullet. The higher the velocity of the bullet, the flatter the trajectory. Too short a barrel or too long a barrel can adversely affect the velocity and stability. With iron sights, the sight radius affects the person’s accuracy, not so much the gun’s accuracy. A longer sight radius helps most people align the sights better. I carry a 4” barrel revolver for concealed carry and self-defense. I carry an 8” to 10 ½” barrel revolver with iron sights for hunting. A scope negates the affect of the longer barrel's sight radius.

 

[FlyFish]

As an example of the accuracy that's possible from short barrels, here's the test target shipped with my primary Bullseye gun, a Walther GSP Expert, which has a 4-1/2" barrel. Five shots at 25 meters:

 

[Smith-Nut]

Many years ago "Guns & Ammo" had an article (or maybe it was "Handgunner). They had taken a revolver with a 12" barrel and put it in a benchrest and fired 5 rounds (or so). Then cut 1" off the barrel and did the test again. They continued till they where down to 2 or maybe it was 3". The groups didn't change (got more spread) till they reached 2 or 3"

As mentioned by many other it is the "sight radius" that effects a shooters accuracy.

 

[rwsmith]

I can say.....

i can say longer barrels are more accurate until I watch Hitchcok45 hitting a gong at 80 yards with a pocket snub...repeatedly. Apparently the shooter has some input into the output.

 

[icelander]

Anybody else see the video of Jerry Miculeck breaking 8" balloons with a std 2" snubby, upside down pulling the trigger with his little finger? When he got to 200 yds it took him 2 tries. Unbelievable.