Barrel length-I know, really, again?

The analogy is If you need to get to 60MPH in your car in 500ft, 600ft 700ft and 800ft, what would be the benefit of 700-800ft vs 500ft of road in accelerating to 60mph? 


Longer barrels do have more harmonic issues but there are ways to address most of it. 

All else being equal... at the same speed for a given projectile the longer barrel will use less air. So theoretically you should be able to tune the longer barrel to get more shots per fill.

ive never done a scientific experiment, but my guess is that for a given velocity and weight theres a point of no return ... your observation seems to bear that out .. after a certain length the amt of air the tune is set to release has to overcome the drag of a longer barrel and the 'velocity' benefit negates itself .. there may be other benfits to a longer barrel though ie, a slightly lower velocity may make the projectile fly better, a longer barrrl may point better, add a stabilizing weight etc ... ultimately youd just have try different lengths to see what agrees with your setup, but just a summary conclusion that longer is faster is most likely completely fslse ...

I think based on the fact that not many use compact guns to shoot longer ranges often (they tend to use longer barrels to easily get higher speeds), there may not be enough data available to make a definitive conclusion. 

A longer barrel gives the expanding gas (powder or air) more time to push the projectile. That equals more power.

Sorry, to clarify, I’m only addressing differences in accuracy. Thanks

Click to expand...

Barrel length has nothing to do with accuracy 

if the velocity and spin rate is the same, barrel length would not affect accuracy from a ballistic standpoint.

as you suggest, barrel harmonics or muzzle deflection is potentially worse with the longer barrel.

Longer barrels actually makes springers less accurate than shorter barrels because the pellet has a longer time spent inside the barrel during the recoil (and there is no perfect springer shooter).

For PCPs (or non recoiling airguns) all things being equal I cannot see any effect on accuracy.

I second and third that, length does not help or hinder accuracy at same conditions and speed. however length does give you more speed with with less or same pressure. I believe it's 10FPS per inch without changing the reg pressure. There is clearly a benefit to both. I really enjoy a compact maverick at 865 in 30 cal for just about everything to 100 yards at 150 bar. However in my maverick 700 I get 900 FPS at 100 bar with lots of adjustment for more if I wanted. This of course does not factor in hammer and hammer weight. 

As for accuracy, some pellets like faster speeds, some do not. Tune the gun for the best accuracy for a specific projectile. You a lot of time will need to choose based on barrel twist and make and model of barrel. Or compromise accuracy for power for a sweet spot in the middle for hunting. Bench it's all about the accuracy no matter the speed. It takes a while to lose the speed bug. I am so glad did because I am enjoying my rifles much more at slower speeds with pellets now than ever before. Slugs can be a different story. depending on diameter of slug in relation barrel, speed can be affected a lot, larger diameter has more friction but more stability (usually) small needs more speed for stability. So it really comes down to personal preference and actual use. Either way it's a win win. 

I have seen 500mm or less guns that just can't get you the speed to give you the accuracy/speed you need and you end up with too much hammer. But also a longer gun that has a regulator that can't drop low enough to give you a slower speed also and you end up taking out washers and rebuilding regs. Learning is 80% of the fun. Maturing in the harmonics is very satisfying also and can for you really appreciating the marvel these guns truly are and why many are so expensive. 

Barrel length does not directly affect accuracy. Short barrels can alter the pellet skirt shape due to the heavier blast required to get it to speed in a shorter distance. This can be good or bad.

Short barreled guns shooting higher power also typically have much more muzzle blast.

Mike

a 24 meter barrel would make that 25 meter target easier...