Barrel length and muzzle flip

[AFDavis11]

I've used several .357 magnums in various barrel lengths. My impression has always been "same amount of recoil, just different directional impulse". I prefer shorter barrels.

It would be great to know I was wrong about my dislike of longer barreled guns. I'd have to rethink getting rid of most of the guns I've ever sold.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The disadvantage of long barrels is they're clumsy. Try wearing a 7 1/2" barrel around the house, or driving with one on your hip.

The advantage of long barrels is longer sight radius and a bit more velocity.

 

[Jaymo]

My 2" 10-5 and 2.5" 66 both have more muzzle flip than my 4" 10-6 and 4" 15-3.
This with the same .38 loads.
I wouldn't have though 2' would make a noticeable difference, but it does.

 

[Pudge]

In looking at Ballistics by the inch there can be significant velocity differences, which I would assume is the energy that causes felt recoil, by adding barrel length. For Cor Bon 125grJHP you're looking at a 458fps difference between 3" and 6" barrels. That's a 36% increase in velocity by going with the 6" barrel, which I would assume would result in more energy being transferred to the shooter. As opposed to the difference in velocity with .38 specials, which when going from 4" to 6" is quite negligible. I suspect if you're comparing 4" and 6" .38's, the longer barrel reduces muzzel flip, but if you're comparing 3" and 6" .357's your experience is the opposite.