16" vs. 20" vs. 24" lever guns

[rayf268]

I am looking for a lever gun in 357 or 44 for a deer gun mostly I like the shorter barrel as far as looks and handling but what about accurcy with these rounds is there going to be any differnce.
also those who have used them I am looking a rossi levers or even h&r single shots whats your thoughts on these

 

[kingpin1779]

i have owned both the h&r buffalo classic in 45 colt and the rossi 92 in 45 colt. both are plenty accurate for deer. the h&r seems to shoot better with jacketed bullets than lead. dont think you could go wrong with either gun, denny

 

[snapping turtle]

I own a marlin 1894 44 mag in both 16 inch and 20 inch and both shoot them same size groups. 129 fps difference in shooting WWB ammo on the crony graph.

The 24 inch versions are normally cowboys and heavy barreled. Should gain anothe 120 FPS with the extra 4 inches or less as most 44 mag factory ammo is fast burning powder for short barrels.

 

[rayf268]

I am looking for range is there going to be a noticable jump going from a 16" to 24"

 

[snapping turtle]

Nope,

both are going to drop like a rock after 100-150 yards. You are going to get about 200 FPS more speed out of the 24 inch barrel so you might get 1900 fps in the 24 inch 44 mag and 1700 in the 16 and pushing 240 grains of flat bullet you are not talking about much difference in range.

If we were talking about say a 115 grain 243 bullet at 2500 to 2800 FPS yes 200 or 300 FPS is going to give you a bit more range. 240 with a poor BC it is not going to give you any more range. Pick up the one that feels good offhand to you. Some like the heavy barrels and some like the lightweight overall package.

 

[M2A2]

I am shooting a Marlin .41 mag it" dead on a 100 and maybe 1 " low at 150!

 

[rayf268]

thanks Jmarriott

 

[cosermann]

Since it only take a few inches to stabilize a bullet, there's theoretically no inherent accuracy difference (not getting into barrel harmonics and such). Shorter barrels can actually be more accurate because they're "stiffer."

Sight radius can affect practical accuracy a bit.

If you put an optic on it, then sight radius ceases to be a factor.

For deer 125 yards and less, I'd get which ever one you like handling and looks-wise.

 

[Regionnus Rattis]

A 16" or 20" barrel would be fine for deer hunting with a .357 or .44 caliber. Unless you plan on hunting the high plains for mulies, your shots are not going to be more than 100-120 yards. The shorter length is great for maneuverability in the woods and trees.