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Competition, Tactics & Training
Self Defense & Handgun Carry
Which Barrel Length?
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<blockquote data-quote="diggler1833" data-source="post: 3681864" data-attributes="member: 48072"><p>I think a lot of it has to do with cartridge choice. A 2" .357 magnum isn't going to get the velocity needed to make up for using the more powerful cartridge. Not only do you get twice the muzzle blast, but you also run the risk of suboptimal bullet performance as many ammo manufacturers load .357 with the intention of it being used in a 4-6" barrel. </p><p></p><p>.38SPL in a 2" barrel can be a poor performer too, depending on bullet selection. Actually, the velocity/energy numbers are always going to be pretty dismal for the .38 in a 2" barrel...but you're trading lethality for portability/concealability. I'm not bagging on snub noses, I occasionally carry a 1.875" S&W 637 myself when I'm really having to conceal a firearm. I just know my limitations as Dirty Harry once said.</p><p></p><p>I think 3" is kind of the sweet spot, but one still has to be aware that the chance of the bullet not performing as intended is still greater here than in a longer barrel.</p><p></p><p>I have several 4" revolvers, and I occasionally carry those, but it is OWB under heavy clothing or open carry. By the time you get to a 4" barrel, it is getting substantially more difficult to keep it from printing. </p><p></p><p>Never tried CC in a shoulder rig, so I’ll leave that one alone.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="diggler1833, post: 3681864, member: 48072"] I think a lot of it has to do with cartridge choice. A 2" .357 magnum isn't going to get the velocity needed to make up for using the more powerful cartridge. Not only do you get twice the muzzle blast, but you also run the risk of suboptimal bullet performance as many ammo manufacturers load .357 with the intention of it being used in a 4-6" barrel. .38SPL in a 2" barrel can be a poor performer too, depending on bullet selection. Actually, the velocity/energy numbers are always going to be pretty dismal for the .38 in a 2" barrel...but you're trading lethality for portability/concealability. I'm not bagging on snub noses, I occasionally carry a 1.875" S&W 637 myself when I'm really having to conceal a firearm. I just know my limitations as Dirty Harry once said. I think 3" is kind of the sweet spot, but one still has to be aware that the chance of the bullet not performing as intended is still greater here than in a longer barrel. I have several 4" revolvers, and I occasionally carry those, but it is OWB under heavy clothing or open carry. By the time you get to a 4" barrel, it is getting substantially more difficult to keep it from printing. Never tried CC in a shoulder rig, so I’ll leave that one alone. [/QUOTE]
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Which Barrel Length?
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