Page 1 of 1

Fire Power of Snub Nose Revolver

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:52 pm
by Lawman
Hi, From a topic of this forum, I came to know that barrel of optimum length helps full burning of gun-powder, hence enhances the power of that firearm. If the barrel is shorter then the gun-power does not burn fully as such the fired bullet cannot produce its maximum power. The statement is correct. Because, I noticed that desi improvised pistols / one-shooters does not produce much power as barrels of those pistols are 3” to 5” and most of those are chambered for .303 bullets.

So, my question is “If the snub nose revolvers of popular makes with 2” – 2 ½” barrels of .375 or .38 caliber suffer with the same problem ?

Lawman

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:19 pm
by mundaire
Lwaman, "fire power" is usually taken to mean capacity and not the muzzle energy - which is what I believe you are referring to... You are correct in your assumption that snub nosed revolvers when firing the same cartridge would make LESS energy than their longer barrelled counterparts.

Snubbies are designed to be easily concealable, which can be difficult with the larger revolvers. And as with anything else in life, you give some to get some - in this case you would be compromising on the energy in favour of easy concealment.

Also, a snubbie would make a louder flash and create more recoil than a longer barrelled version. This is especially unpleasant when firing a magnum cartridge like the .357 mag through a snub nosed revolver.

Cheers!
Abhijeet

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:37 pm
by Lawman
Thanks for the reply Abhijeet.

Lawman