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Heritage arms barrel length question
The Duckstrap
Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
Hi everyone,
I'm considering the purchase of a Heritage arms .22 revolver and I was wondering about the barrel length. I will be using this gun strictly for use on my trap line so all shots will be up close and wondered if the difference between a 6" and a 4 3/4" barrel would make any difference in anything.
I'm leaning toward the 4 3/4 for the compact size.
Thanks,
rick
I'm considering the purchase of a Heritage arms .22 revolver and I was wondering about the barrel length. I will be using this gun strictly for use on my trap line so all shots will be up close and wondered if the difference between a 6" and a 4 3/4" barrel would make any difference in anything.
I'm leaning toward the 4 3/4 for the compact size.
Thanks,
rick
Comments
Hi everyone,
I'm considering the purchase of a Heritage arms .22 revolver and I was wondering about the barrel length. I will be using this gun strictly for use on my trap line so all shots will be up close and wondered if the difference between a 6" and a 4 3/4" barrel would make any difference in anything.
I'm leaning toward the 4 3/4 for the compact size.
Thanks,
rick
I agree with you and MIKE WISKEY, for your purpose, the shorter overall length of the 4-3/4" gun will make it easier to carry and handle. That's the one you want.
Main advantages of a 6" barrel gun are longer sight radius (potentially making the gun a little easier to aim) and slight increase in velocity (probably about 80fps with most ammo types).
For shooting small things at a distance, these could offer some benefit, but for your purpose, no.
Thanks guys
Rick
The shorter barrel length (bullet travel) is all used in a revolver since the cartridges are held in the cylinder, whereas it gets measured shorter when a semi-auto has to account for the chamber in the barrel.
While the shorter barrel is more convenient and works just fine for the trap line, my concern would be the quality of the revolver and how well it will stand up to the use you want to have it for. I also wonder about parts availability and the ability to have it repaired if required. It might be a good value for the price but will it still be a good value when it needs to be repaired?
Good Luck with your choice!
Best.
ADDED:
quote: I will be using this gun strictly for use on my trap line so all shots will be up close...
Sight radius has little to no effect on close shots just when the distances increase which is unlikely considering his needs.
I have a better understanding than most regarding parts, function and interchangeability that most others. My point is that usually folks will choose a better quality firearm when daily use is certain and required. Not being absolutely familiar with this model but seeing the price range, sets off questioning alarm bells for me. No, price doesn't always determine quality but it can have an influence. Supposition has no bearing.
Best.
The Duckstrap,
The shorter barrel length (bullet travel) is all used in a revolver since the cartridges are held in the cylinder, whereas it gets measured shorter when a semi-auto has to account for the chamber in the barrel.
While the shorter barrel is more convenient and works just fine for the trap line, my concern would be the quality of the revolver and how well it will stand up to the use you want to have it for. I also wonder about parts availability and the ability to have it repaired if required. It might be a good value for the price but will it still be a good value when it needs to be repaired?
Good Luck with your choice!
Best.
I think that while the Heritage is certainly not top quality, it is of decent quality. And certainly up to the intended task in terms of reliability. And as nearly faithful scaled down copy of the classic Colt design, it is fairly easy to maintain. Disassembly/reassembly video's are available on Youtube. The key is proper cleaning & care with occasional complete disassembly cleaning/lubrication. And I don't see Heritage going away in the near future. So parts availability shouldn't be an issue.
My principle concern with the standard Heritage is the lack of adjustable rear sights. They come with classic Colt "Groove in top strap" rear sight that lends itself to the accuracy problems that the classic Colts suffered from. There is a REASON why adjustable rear sights were developed for handguns. Often the guns will shoot predictably high-left/low right etc from point of aim at a given range. And it takes some practice to know how to manually adjust your aiming to overcome this. Whereas with adjustable rear sights you just adjust the sight to shoot accurately at POA.
As for barrel length. With the longer barrel you get a slight accuracy advantage due to longer sighting radius. With the shorter barrel you lose this but gain faster ease of handling. As previously stated, I find the 5.5" barrel, which is available on the Heritage, the best compromise.