Need help deciding on barrel length.

[Travis Gregory]

Ok, I know for sure that I want a Lancaster style rifle with a swamped barrel in .40 cal (A contour). What I cant decide on is the barrel length. Im stuck between a 42in or a 38 in. I know it comes down to personal preferance but having never owned a longrifle before I really dont know what I want. My buddie just built a rifle with a 13/16 .40 cal straight octagon barrel in 42in but his length of pull (too long for me) combined with the type of barrel makes it seem too muzzle heavy for me. What do you guys suggest and why? I know ultimately I will have to decide and live with the decision. Just looking for some insight.

 

[rabjr]

I could be wrong but in an "A" weight I would opt for a 38" cause it's slightly stiffer than the 42". I don't know, I know theres others that know more than me on this.

 

[roundball]

Rice barrel company's website has a section on barrels...they list various lengths & weights for each caliber...may be of some help

 

[Vaino]

Some yrs ago I built a Bucks County LR w/ a 42" "A" weight bbl in .36 cal. and the weight and balance were excellent. Used the 42" bbl because it was a "long rifle". Forgot the weight but the rifle is pictured by TOW to sell their Bucks County kit. The "A" weight bbl in 42" will yield a very slender Lancaster if enough wood is removed...Fred

 

[billd]

Rice makes a 44" A weight. I have a .32 but didn't put it in a gun yet. Be careful with their weight chart, several mistakes are on it.

 

[roger sells]

I have used 38, 42, and 44 inch swamped barrels from Colerain and Rice, and they all balanced out well with the finished rifle. I personally would use a 42 or 44 inch barrel. As I get older, I like the look and feel of the longer barrels when compared to the original rifles I copy.
Roger Sells