pistol barrell length ?

[GEF1013]

Hi I am new here but have spent some time lurking as a non member.  I am really impressed with the amount of knowledge on this board.
I think I know the answer to this question but I want to double check.  Is a 16 1/2 inch barrel ok for a contender pistol or does the barrel have to be under a 16 inches?  I am thinking about diving into a contender set up and want to make it as flexible as possible.

Thanks, GEF

[Grumulkin]

Yes, your pistol barrel can be as long as you want it to be.

[Catfish]

Welcome aboard
The only problem with long barrels is that you have to shoot them from a rest. I use a 15 in. barrel on an Encore for deer, but I have a 27 in Harrison rest on it. It`s just right to rest the grip on your knee when setting on the ground.

[Lone Star]

Well, you do not have to shoot from a rest.  I've hunted with 14" and 15" Contenders for decades and while it is always best to use a convenient rest in the field - log, tree, rock, bakcpack - it is certainly possible to shoot well offhand with practice.  I used to shoot a lot of metallic silhouette competition, and got pretty good offhand with the long barrel.  Some hunters have more trouble than others, but I found sticking a bulky "rest" on a handgun turned it into a very unhandy  firearm.  I'd rather use a rifle in that case, but that's just me.


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