Your thoughts ~ barrel length & the .38-55

[725]

I have enjoyed a standard length Win 94 carbine in .38-55. Was wondering if there are any thoughts on how a longer barrel might do and what rate of twist a longer barrel would do best with. Most probably bullet weights will fall into the 200 to 250 grain +/- range. Cast and jacketed (I've liked the Hawk bullets lately). Anyway, if you have an opinion, I'd love to hear it. Thanks, 725

[Bad Ass Wallace]

My "Legendry Frontiersman" 38/55 has a 24" barrel and I shoot a custom 220gn cast boolit with good accuracy.

A far better rifle is my Pedersoli Hiwall with it's 30" barrel and 1:12" twist. A custom 372gn boolit is just attracted to bullseyes.

https://i.imgur.com/FdFRkAHl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/G1Y3yr2l.jpg

[Bigslug]

While the .38-55 can do a lot of neat things with heavy, streamlined bullets in single shot target guns, putting the round in a 20" 1894 carbine arguably gives you the last word in short/mid range, medium/large game capability in a package that doesn't kill you with recoil.

The rifle is also not particularly conducive to optics. I'd be inclined to leave it alone, and look elsewhere for different capabilities.

[725]

Thank you both. I do lean toward the carbine length barrel. It will be a hunter and not a paper puncher. Just was wondering what others have had experience with. I guess my question is wether or not a slab sided lever would benefit from a longer barrel. Frankly, I have no complaints from just regular canine length stuff.

[ascast]

I WOULD GO WITH THE LONGER FOR THE SIGHT RADIUS sry The length will add a little weight.

[country gent]

Barrel length is subjective. A scoped rifle is good with a shorter barrel other than a slight loss of velocity. A rifle to be used with strictly iron sights will benefit from a longer barrel in the longer sight radius. Going to a tang sight will also increase the sight radius. The gain in velocity isnt going to amount to a lot over longer ranges, but the increase in sight radius will make a big difference.

[John Taylor]

I have a high wall with a 30" barrel and a roller with 34" barrel. The long barrel tames down the recoil quite a bit. Very easy to hit the gong at 200 yards off hand.

[725]

OK! Just the info I was looking for. Thanks

[ulav8r]

Using a receiver sight will add about 6 inches to the sight radius and be a lot cheaper than replacing the barrel with a longer one. It will also keep the weight down if you carry the gun very much.