Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 29
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    York, Pennsylvania
    (York County)
    Posts
    882
    Rep Power
    1294086

    Default Barrel length for handgun hunting?

    Looking to pick up an X-frame Smith, most likely a 500 mag. I wanted a performance center model with a 7.5 inch barrel as it would be easier to handle, but am now unsure if the 10.5 inch is the way to go.

    The 10.5 has a rail integral to the barrel, so less parts to come loose is a plus, as I would mount a red dot. But I'm mainly concerned about the velocity difference. I don't see myself taking a shot past 100 yards with a handgun, especially without magnification. Soooo, 100 yards and in, would the 7.5 inch barrel be enough to take a whitetail or would I need the 10.5 for the extra velocity?

    Edit, ammo would likely be standard factory 350 grain xtp bullet, or similar

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Chester County, Pennsylvania
    (Chester County)
    Posts
    4,513
    Rep Power
    21474852

    Default Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?

    Do you want to handgun hunt, or rifle hunt? 7.5 is plenty.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Mohnton, Pennsylvania
    (Berks County)
    Posts
    7,194
    Rep Power
    21474854

    Default Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?

    What animal? 357 is fine for deer. 500 in any barrel length will ventilate a deer.
    The Gun is the Badge of a Free Man

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Erie, Pennsylvania
    (Erie County)
    Posts
    579
    Rep Power
    17415803

    Default Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?

    I have taken deer with my 6" Anaconda , And I can hit a clay Pidgeon at 100 yards with the scope. If you feel the need for the extra length go for it,
    We the people love our country so let the government fear us.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    York, Pennsylvania
    (York County)
    Posts
    882
    Rep Power
    1294086

    Default Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by Gunsnwater View Post
    What animal? 357 is fine for deer. 500 in any barrel length will ventilate a deer.
    So a 3 or 4 inch barreled 500 could take down a deer at 100 yards? Interesting.

    I was having trouble finding ballistics charts for 500 ammo at varying distances. I would imagine the heavy bullets would drop off quickly.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Erie, Pennsylvania
    (Erie County)
    Posts
    579
    Rep Power
    17415803

    Default Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by 24/7dude View Post
    So a 3 or 4 inch barreled 500 could take down a deer at 100 yards? Interesting.

    I was having trouble finding ballistics charts for 500 ammo at varying distances. I would imagine the heavy bullets would drop off quickly.
    windage and elevation
    We the people love our country so let the government fear us.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    On top of a hill, Pennsylvania
    Posts
    9,534
    Rep Power
    21474856

    Default Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by 24/7dude View Post
    So a 3 or 4 inch barreled 500 could take down a deer at 100 yards? Interesting.

    I was having trouble finding ballistics charts for 500 ammo at varying distances. I would imagine the heavy bullets would drop off quickly.
    If you find one (ballistic chart) I bet you find that there is a big drop in energy at 100 yards when going from a 3” or 4” barrel to a 7” plus. 10” maybe overkill but I would be real sure before you invest.

    I’m sure there are some handgun hunting forms out there with good data.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Richboro, Pennsylvania
    (Bucks County)
    Posts
    3,053
    Rep Power
    21474851

    Default Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?

    The ability to hit a deer at 100 yards (with or without magnification) depends on how well you can hold and shoot a handgun. Not the bullet drop. I shoot a Contender pistol and have a number of different barrels for it. I have some 14 inch barrels with higher power scopes that can easily shoot under an inch at 100 yards (and two inches and a little low at 200 yards) when rested on a bench. But try and steady a long and heavy barrel like that and shoot offhand and you would be lucky to hit a paper plate at 100. I can shoot better groups with one of the lighter 10 inch iron sighted barrels.

    Maybe I am just getting old and don't have the upper body strength I used to but you should try and handle the pistols you are thinking about. A Smith 500 weighs a lot more than a Contender does but if you can handle the weight of a 10 inch barrel with a scope go for it. If it is too heavy to hold steady (and it is for most people) you will not be handicapped by going to a 7.5 inch or even shorter barrel.

    If you are just going for deer a 500 is way over the top. Consider a 44 mag or hot loaded 45 LC. Even with a 300 grain bullet going "only" 1300 fps you will never find a bullet in a whitetail.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Mohnton, Pennsylvania
    (Berks County)
    Posts
    7,194
    Rep Power
    21474854

    Default Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by 24/7dude View Post
    So a 3 or 4 inch barreled 500 could take down a deer at 100 yards? Interesting.

    I was having trouble finding ballistics charts for 500 ammo at varying distances. I would imagine the heavy bullets would drop off quickly.
    I would not want to shoot a 3inch 500.
    The Gun is the Badge of a Free Man

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Mohnton, Pennsylvania
    (Berks County)
    Posts
    7,194
    Rep Power
    21474854

    Default Re: Barrel length for handgun hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by Delkal View Post
    The ability to hit a deer at 100 yards (with or without magnification) depends on how well you can hold and shoot a handgun. Not the bullet drop. I shoot a Contender pistol and have a number of different barrels for it. I have some 14 inch barrels with higher power scopes that can easily shoot under an inch at 100 yards (and two inches and a little low at 200 yards) when rested on a bench. But try and steady a long and heavy barrel like that and shoot offhand and you would be lucky to hit a paper plate at 100. I can shoot better groups with one of the lighter 10 inch iron sighted barrels.

    Maybe I am just getting old and don't have the upper body strength I used to but you should try and handle the pistols you are thinking about. A Smith 500 weighs a lot more than a Contender does but if you can handle the weight of a 10 inch barrel with a scope go for it. If it is too heavy to hold steady (and it is for most people) you will not be handicapped by going to a 7.5 inch or even shorter barrel.

    If you are just going for deer a 500 is way over the top. Consider a 44 mag or hot loaded 45 LC. Even with a 300 grain bullet going "only" 1300 fps you will never find a bullet in a whitetail.
    Thats what shooting sticks are for. I have a primos trigger stick mono. Has a rubber v with velcro strap and the trigger releases the collapsible stick. Keep arms away from fire.
    The Gun is the Badge of a Free Man

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Barrel Length
    By PKO101 in forum Gunsmithing
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: May 14th, 2013, 07:12 AM
  2. Barrel Length
    By wynn in forum NFA/Class 3/Title II
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: December 24th, 2011, 07:57 AM
  3. AK barrel length?
    By jcabin in forum Rifles
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: May 22nd, 2010, 12:18 AM
  4. Minimun barrel length for handgun
    By TheLAW in forum General
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: July 6th, 2008, 11:21 PM
  5. ar -15 barrel length
    By vic2367 in forum General
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: December 31st, 2007, 02:38 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •