What barrel lenght is better for long rang ?

[Andy Goddard]

I am wanting to by a musket for shooting out to 600yds . I have not found any topics on the prefered barrel lenght. Can some one help?

[David K. Fox]

Whilst testing extensively in the 1850s, the Army board that settled on the M.1855 family of U.S. small arms discovered the rifle-musket with its 40" thin barrel outshot the heavy 33" barrel rifle at distance, something of a surprise. As an old guy, one factour I have to add into the equation, however, is my eyesight. I can focus propery on sights that are closer together on a short barrelled weapon.

[Andy Goddard]

Thanks for the reply. I too am at the age where sight picture is dfficult. I started using a merit sight on my glasses . I hope it is legal. I was looking at the M 1855 to puchase and prefer the three band. Thanks again.

[Phil Spaugy, 3475V]

Use of the merit site on your shooting glasses is legal under our rules.

Phil

[dbm]

In the UK we shoot Enfields out to 800 yards. Most shooters seem to go for the 33" heavy barreled rifle (P/58 or other short rifle types) , although I cannot say I have seen any difference in performance at long range between these and the P/53 39" barrel Enfield.

David

[Southron Sr.]

Theoretically, a 33 inch barrel of the type found on the P-58 Enfield, M1855 Harpers Ferry Rifle, etc should be more "accurate" because the short "stiff" barrel will have less "barrel ship" while the bullet is travelling down the bore and exiting the muzzle.

In actual practice, longerange accuracy seems to depend more on the shooter, bullet/powder charge combination than just barrel length.

My problem is that all of my rifles and rifle-muskets shoot MUCH better than I do.