16 1/2 barrel vs 20" on a 357

[Hogstir]

I'm deciding whether to buy a Henry steel 357 in the carbine or the standard 20".
Is there a difference in accuracy? I'll be using a scope not iron sights.
Thanks.

[ditto1958]

Shouldn't be a difference in accuracy. The longer barrel will produce higher velocities, and, with iron sights a longer sight radius. If you're using a scope, that's not a factor.

[JEBar]

I know that either would be capable of firing smaller groups than I'd be able to make it shoot .... it might help to know what are your plans for using the 357 ?

[Hogstir]

I'll be using it for hunting under 100 yards, mostly coyotes, fox etc, maybe deer as well.

[JNG3]

I choose the carbine over the rifle due to it's compact size. Just the ticket for hunting deer in tight, thick, overgrown thickets. It balances better than the rifle version as well.

[JEBar]

I'll be using it for hunting under 100 yards, mostly coyotes, fox etc, maybe deer as well.

with the possibility of 100 yard shots on deer size game, I'd go with the rifle .... it will develop slightly more muzzle velocity which could come in handy .... if hunting in thick cover, the shorter barrel could be handy

[cruzerbotz]

I've got the 16 1/2" barrel. Terrific, handy rifle. Had a 16" and 20" Rossi 92. Sold one to get the Henry. I gave the buyer a choice of which one he wanted and he took the 20", which was great. I wanted to keep the 16", but wanted the Henry, so was glad the buyer took the longer one. Both are accurate. I see no problem in 100 yd shots at deer size game.

[PT7]

Either is a good choice, and you've already read some good reasons to choose either one.

I don't have a .357 Henry any longer, but for myself, I would choose the carbine version. I do have the SGC. If the rifle design by Henry crosses over calibers, the carbine is an excellently balanced rifle. Agree with others --- I'd use the .357 for deer hunting, too.

[tractortad]

I've got a Henry 44M BB steel 16.5" carbine and a 44M BB steel 20" rifle - you can't go wrong with either one. If you are going to use a scope you most likely won't see a difference in accuracy between the two - probably be more dependent on the ammo. The carbine comes with the large loop lever which is handy with gloves. The rifle is 3.5" longer than the carbine, but it is still only 37.5" total length, so they are both handy in the brush.

I guess I had the same decision to make - I ended up getting both....

[tx gunrunner]

16 1/2 and 20 there is no big different . If you go to sell it at a later date a SASS/CAS shooter need the gun to hold 10 rds . So you will lose 1/2 the people who would want it with a 16 1/2 barrel .

[Hogstir]

Decided to get the 20" rifle. In AZ where I hunt I am in thick brush a lot but also have a lot of openings that may stretch to over 100 yards.
I figured with a 2-7 Leupold scope this would be a good 100 yard gun.

Thanks guys.

[JNG3]

The Leupold FX2 2.5 power Ultralight is also another excellent choice for a pistol caliber lever action.

[hbob]

I have carbine Big Boy Steel .357.....love the size!

[PT7]

Congrats on your decision! Any Henry .357 BB is a great choice!

Decided to get the 20" rifle. In AZ where I hunt I am in thick brush a lot but also have a lot of openings that may stretch to over 100 yards.
I figured with a 2-7 Leupold scope this would be a good 100 yard gun.

Thanks guys.

[JCast265]

This whole thread and not a single picture? C'mon guys lol.....

I'm in the market for a BBS .357 as well, was sure I was going to go with the rifle but here recently have been thinking the carbine would be a better fit, just seems like you don't see them that often.

[MadCityJack]

If you read ballistics by the inch, http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html, it seems barrel friction begins to slow muzzle velocity after 16 inches. That test result sold me on the steel carbine in 357.

[Cofisher]

IMG_0279.JPG

The carbine is just a sweet fit for me. Have mounted the scope and am heading for the hills next week. A lot of fishing and a little shooting.