Of course, as with everything there are advantages and disadvantages to both short and longer barrels whether we’re talking about your CCW, a wood sidearm, or competition gun.
The Long and Short of It
The basic difference between a long and short barrel you’ll notice from ballistics charts is the change in velocity. The longer a barrel is, the faster it can push a projectile. This is because the propelling gasses have more time to push the bullet out. This increase in velocity equates to the projectile not only hitting harder but also dropping less over longer distances and getting to its target faster, increasing accuracy. This is why hunting/sniper rifles are usually 20 inches or more, their purpose is to push the projectile as far as possible. Whereas infantry rifles tend to be in the 14–16-inch range, still a strong effective range but easier to maneuver with.
With a longer barrel, you also get a longer recoil spring to better handle recoil and a longer sight radius. A sight radius is the distance between your rear and front sights and the farther this is the more accurate your shot placement will be.
Do Shorter Barrels Have Any Advantages?
It may seem like a longer barrel has all of the advantages, but it always depends on the situation.
Shorter barrels are going to be a lot easier to maneuver and conceal. Along with concealability and maneuverability you’re going to be a little bit faster as well. A 3-inch barrel is going to clear the holster faster than its 5-inch counterpart. Not only that but the slide of a shorter barreled weapon will cycle slightly faster as well. For example, the Seals who raided Bin Laden’s house were using 10-inch barrels on their AR-15’s.
Would we be able to notice the speed difference by watching or firing the two side by side? Probably not.
Personally, I feel the ability to get your weapon into action and the first shot off faster is the biggest advantage. The ability for a slightly faster follow up shot is nice but to really maximize on that you’d have to be able to have your second shot lined up and squeeze the trigger as soon as it reset.
Something else to consider is the overall length of your weapon if you plan on adding a threaded barrel and attachments. While again the longer barrel is going to perform better with a suppressor attached a shorter barrel (and short suppressor) will be a lot easier to handle and move with.
A Glock 26 and compensator will usually come out in length close to the 19 and work in holsters designed for the 19 more often than not. Now you essentially have a Glock 19 slide on the 26 frames without major modification.
So, What Do I Need?
The answer to this question can be a simple or complex one.
Keeping it simple. Shorter barreled, more compact guns are better for concealed carry. Longer barrel full-size pistols are going to be your best for everything else essentially.
But everyone is different. Not only in needs but preferences too.If your hands are on the bigger side a tiny pocket pistol could be uncomfortable to operate to the point of being useless.
When hiking or hunting you don’t necessarily need a full-size pistol to defend yourself. A compact or subcompact will travel a lot.
Hunting with a handgun is an entirely different story and you’ll certainly want the longer barrel for added range and velocity.
Best of Both Worlds?
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide exactly what length barrel will suit your specific needs and environment.
Sometimes you don’t have to compromise too much though. Manufacturers and gunsmiths have noticed the demand for varying barrel and pistol sizes.
It’s possible to have a subcompact sized grip with a longer barrel via grip chop service or firearms similar to Springfield’s XD-S Mod. 2 with a 4-inch barrel.
Compact barrels with full-size grips are also possible for those who prefer a slightly shorter action with better control. The Glock 19X would fall into this category. The modularity of new designs, extended mags with added grip, and the armorers make it possible to create most combinations you can think of.
What it may come down to is how you prefer to carry and shoot. A larger grip handles better but is harder to conceal. A longer barrel will be more accurate but is more likely to increase your draw time and snag on your clothes.
Being limited in your ability to obtain multiple handguns for multiple purposes may also cause indecision.
When you can only pick one, compact pistols with barrels around the 4-inch range are a good compromise. They are still concealable enough for most and also comfortable enough to shoot at the range versus something much smaller. Glock 19’s work well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to firearms and trying to decide on what to get I wouldn’t recommend anything less than a compact pistol with a barrel in the area of 4 inches, give a take a third of an inch.
A small pocket .380 or 9mm is not fun to learn with. In all is likelihood you’re liable to create bad habits trying to compensate for the lack of grip, barrel and sight radius. Not to mention the higher recoil experienced when shooting from such a light handgun that lacks the mass to absorb any recoil.
A general rule of thumb is to get the longest barrel possible to suit your needs. The best way to think about this is to be very specific with your “need.” If you want a pocket pistol then the longest barrel you’d want would probably be no more than three inches.
Looking for a pistol to hunt with? Definitely the longer the better with the minimum being six inches. If you’re open carrying on the hip you’re not limited by the depth of your pocket, but you don’t want something and unruly. Four to five inches is probably the best range for open carrying, though we wouldn’t recommend open carry in a city (you’re likely to get bonked on the head and your gun taken away).
