Lever Rifles, do you prefer long or short barrels?

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I'm getting close to picking up my .357 lever gun and am going back and forth between the 16.5" and 20" Henry's.

I've read that the 16.5" feel far more handy, while the 20" offers that sweet 10+1 capacity which I hear is a requirement for cowboy action shooting.

How do you prefer your lever guns? Especially the PCC models?
 
A very shallow assessment: esthetically in terms of proportions, 16.5" look better. A 2-rd mag capacity difference isn't enough to matter.
 
I think the 20 inch has the nicest balance. The 16.5 inch barrels are great for close shots but I find they're not as stable as I'd like for longer distances. I also have a 357 in 24 inch and I really like it but it's not the best for carrying as it's muzzle heavy.
 
vp6111 said:
A very shallow assessment: esthetically in terms of proportions, 16.5" look better. A 2-rd mag capacity difference isn't enough to matter.
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I believe in the case of the Henry it's 7+1 for the 16.5" and 10+1 for the 20".

Those extra 3 rounds would be nice although I've read that the 20" can feel front heavy and don't balance as well as the shorter models.
 
Falconflyer said:
I think the 20 inch has the nicest balance. The 16.5 inch barrels are great for close shots but I find they're not as stable as I'd like for longer distances. I also have a 357 in 24 inch and I really like it but it's not the best for carrying as it's muzzle heavy.
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Interesting choice with the 24".

I've seen some ballistic charts showing most .357 rounds maximize their velocity between 16"-17" as all powder has been burnt up by that point.
 
There's a reason most original lever guns were 20". It's the best compromise.
The forward balance keeps it in a scabbard well, but comes out easily when needed, and allows solid aim, with good mag capacity.
20" is also great for close cover hunting situations.

I have 20, 24, and 28" leverguns. The 20" is by far the handiest particularly when walking with it. I have never felt the need for anything shorter.
 
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For me, 20" for balance and 16" for looks. But as already mentioned if for cowboy action, ten rounds is the primary requirement.
 
Depends on what im using it for.
My 39A ( target type shooting) 24" barrel is great for longer sight radius it also balances well in hand for offhand shooting.
My 336 ( general hunting) 20" barrel is a decent middle of the road length
My 1895 ( big game thick bush rifle) has the 16.5" tube and is absolutely perfect for what i use it for..
Used to have a 22" 1895 but found it too long for my hunting style.
Would love to get a 26" cowboy for long range target work (open sight)

I should note that all my levers are run with peep sights. My 39a and 1895 both have receiver mounted peeps w squate flat blades and my 336 has a marbles bullseye with a williams firesight front bead.
 
I got a 44 mag with a 16 inch barrel and it’s nice and light and easy to point
Got a couple with 20 inch barrels and they are not bad but heavier especially with the octogon barrel
Have 2 357 rifles with 24 inch octogon barrels and they are muzzle heavy
I prefer the shorter barrels
 
I'm leaning towards the 16.5" but am also drawn to a 10+1 configuration.

It comes down to lightweight and handy vs heavier and higher capacity.

I believe they are priced the same.
 
The Winchester Model 64 in 30-30 with a Lyman receiver sight is about as close to perfect for a lever gun as it gets.

You guys can have all the short bbls you want. They handle like framing hammers anyways. :)
 
I've hunted & plinked with my leverguns having barrel lengths in 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 & 26 inches. For wanderin' the woods I mostly carried a 20" carbine,followed closely by 18 & 16" units. My levers for off-hand target work mostly had 26" tubes. The shorty carbines w/12" barrels worked well fer me from a blind or stand. Lever rifles are the cat's ass. ;)
 
Falconflyer said:
I think the 20 inch has the nicest balance. The 16.5 inch barrels are great for close shots but I find they're not as stable as I'd like for longer distances. I also have a 357 in 24 inch and I really like it but it's not the best for carrying as it's muzzle heavy.
Click to expand...

Need to step it up friend. A 45 LC will balance better...less meat on the bbl.
Had a Pietta SAA in 357... excellent way to turn gunpowder into hearing aids.
Go to 45 LC...damn the extra money. You won't regret it...357 is OK...but 38 spl is absolute milquetoast.
45 LC hits like a small freight train and is a pleasure to shoot

357 and 44 Mag... noisy and unnecessarily lively.
IMO of course
 
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