Author Topic: Barrel Length Recommendations? (Read 1040 times)

onemangang · « **on:** March 31, 2003, 09:21:48 AM »

Ok, I've settled on a new .357 Taurus Tracker. I have a .17 HMR and .22LR Tracker and I want a .357 to keep them company!
I have not decided on barrel length though...4 or 6 inch.
This will NOT be the Total Titanium model.
Here are my thoughts and intended uses for the weapon...
- It will be a truck gun
- It will be a home defense gun
- It MIGHT get toted in the woods as a back-up hog/deer gun
- It will go on fishing trips
- I already have a 4" .357 Blackhawk
- My other Tauri (Is that the correct term for multiple Taurus?) are 6 inchers
What length would you choose and why?
Also, are there any negatives to having a ported barrel? I've read they throw fire up at your face if fired close to your body as in a defensive situation. I can see that happening but thats really not a concern.
Thanks

Varmint Hunter · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2003, 11:48:24 AM »

For the purposes that you described I would prefer a 4" over the 6", however, you already own one so that is really up in the air.

Forget the porting, another downside of porting is that if you used the gun in a darkened room (home defense or outside at night) the bright white-orange flash shooting up from the ports could cause you to be momentarily blinded (loss of night vision) and unable to see for follow-up shots.
Rather than porting I would by a low recoil self defense load as sold by Federal and many other ammo manufactures.
VH

Sixgun · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2003, 11:53:31 AM »

I vote for the 4 inch also. If you want a long barrel, go with rifle. The reason for a handgun is convience and ease of carry. Long barrels jsut get in the way.

Sixgun

1badmagnum · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2003, 01:06:20 PM »

I enjoy shooting the longer barreled wheelguns.
I like hitting some fantastic groups from 25 yds at the range.
If this was strickly a ccw firearm,I would chose the 4 inch version.
If I was mostly spending time hunting and plinking I would chose the 6 inch.
since you already own a 6 inch 357,the 4 inch most likely would give you the most BANG for the buck.
:wink:

teeball · « **Reply #4 on:** April 02, 2003, 06:18:06 AM »

For all the uses you have described, I would opt for the 4" version. It will just be easier to store, pack, and manuver. Especially on fast moving hogs. About the only reason to go with a 6" barrel is so it would look like the others. :-)

S.B. · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2003, 05:21:43 PM »

What length do you hit best with? That's the one I'd choose.