Bagshaw firearm training

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

Become the protector you want to be .

06/08/2026

How much advantage is there carrying a pistol with a four inch barrel vs. a three inch barrel ?
A four inch barrel will produce more velocity, longer sight radius for accuracy, and a little less recoil with the added weight of the longer slide. It can be a little more uncomfortable to carry especially if you appendix carry, and if wearing outside the waist the bottom of the holster can show if your cover garment isn’t long enough especially when bending forward and can be uncomfortable when seated in a vehicle for an extended period of time.
A pistol with a three inch barrel can be more comfortable to carry with the shorter barrel but can produce more felt recoil, and a little less velocity that can possibly effect bullet performance depending on caliber and manufacturer. The average velocity is lowered on average about 50-75ft per second depending on ammunition in the three inch barrel pistol. Most premium ammunition is made to still perform well with a little reduced velocity. However, if using a +P round some of that velocity can be gained back but will have a little more felt recoil. It will also have a little shorter site radius compared to longer slides. If using an optic site radius doesn’t really come into play with either barrel length.
Take care and keep shooting.
SF