BrianX

Hi guys! I plan on having a J frame Kit Gun done up in 32 H&R Mag & was wondering if there would be any noticeable difference between a 4" & a 3" barrel accuracy & velocity wise. I know the longer sight radius is usually better for accuracy but it doesn't seem to affect me much in the shorter barrel lengths. I have both a 63-3 2" & a 63 4" & I can shoot the 2" as well as the 4" which really surprised the hell out of me.

I just figured I'd ask some questions before having some custom work done as I don't want to just throw my money away. I know I could go with a bigger caliber but I really like the handiness of the J frame kit guns & it would also see double duty as a house gun for my wife. The 32 Mag is about as much as she can handle & I figure it's better than a 22mag. I'm already set up to cast & reload for the 32mag also. Thanks for any help/ideas guys.

John Travis

Howdy Brian,

Rule of thumb, you can figure on somewhere between 25 and 50 fps loss
per inch, depending on several things, such as powder burn rate and
bullet weight. Even a change in your firing grip can have some effect.

Sight radius notwithstanding, the length shouldn't have any effect on accuracy. There is a possibility of increased muzzle blast and turbulence from the shorter barrel having a detrimental effect, but it would be hard to
measure, unless the barrel crown isn't true, allowing gas to escape around
the exiting bullet unevenly, so make sure that you choose a good smith
to do the work...one who understands the importance of a good barrel crown.

Even at the maximum loss of about 50 fps, it wouldn't make any practical difference in the real world.

stansdds

I agree with Mr. Travis. Barrel length really has no affect on accuracy, a longer sight radius does make it easier for us to shoot accurately.