"Ideal" offhand barrel length for 13/16", 36?

[Skychief]

What length of barrel would you say has the perfect "hang" for offhand shooting? The rifle will be a halfstock with 13/16ths, 36 caliber straight (non-swamped) barrel. Thanks for your thoughts gentlemen!

 

[rabjr]

Barrel length?

I have a 34" tapered halfstock that hangs beautify.

 

[sniper68]

39" :v

 

[jmforge]

26"? That was how long the barrels were on some of the few smallbore percussion rifles that Purdey built. :wink:

 

[CoyoteJoe]

A lot depends on personal preference, body size build and shooting style. I like the hang of the Blue Ridge 39" but if I were building a rifle expressly for offhand competition I'd choose a larger diameter and shorter barrel. The best offhand rifle I ever had was a .36 caliber sideslapper with a 15/16 by 32" barrel.

 

[hanshi]

I like 38" but you are correct in your post and I couldn't agree more.

 

[Dphar]

Longer is better, longer barrels cannot swing as fast.
But everyone is different as the posts here indicate.
Dan

 

[Tinker2]

I have a 15/16ths, 36 caliber 21” barreled underhammer
I shoot it the most.

I like them all but some of my guns don’t fit as well in small cars.



Tinker2

 

[Finnwolf]

I vote for the 27" barrel on my T/C Seneca - just 'cause it's the only .36 I've ever fired.

Just seems to come easy to the shoulder and the eye and weighs like a feather.

 

[MSW]

I'd go with a thirty six inch if it's straight sided (i.e. not swamped)...

just one guy's opinion.

 

[Greenmtnboy]

my 45 cal 13/16 is to light! you will get a little better hang with the 36, I perfer 15/16 to one inch for accurate off hand

 

[erzengel]

That depends on you and what suits your needs.

I long barrel which makes you drop the muzzle does not help in off hand shooting. You should be able to hold, aim and hit with the rifle and don't wobble to much.

On the other side, long barrel, long sight line.

If you can, try some rifles in the desired caliber with different barrel length. At least take them into your hand, aim off hand, if possible on that target in the distance you expect to shoot.

Even a barrel as short as 24" can shoot precise and therefore could be your choice. That closes the circle. It depends on you.