[tanksoldier]

Other than the .5 lbs, 2 more rounds in the magazine and $10 in price, is there a signifigant performance difference between a 16" and 20" barrel in a .357 lever action carbine?

I envision it as a survival firearm used for light hunting and self-defense.

 

[CombatEffective]

I think you'll get more FPS out of the 20" version, but if use as a protective carbine is in mind the 16" would be a lot more "handy".

 

[rocky]

also for more precise shots the longer sight radius will help.

 

[Euclidean]

Are you trying to:

#1. Invest in something that is easy to stow and a better weapon than your revolver while using the same ammunition?

#2. Squeeze every last bit of performance out of the .357 magnum?

I'd get whichever one was cheaper hehe... but seriously I'd want the 16" if it was me.

 

[Bud White]

i would go with the 16inch i cant imagine you gain much with the 20" and might even start losing some fps with some loads

 

[KC135]

20" for all of the reasons stated, unless 4" makes a good deal of difference in where you will be handling the gun.

 

[tanksoldier]

Euc: Pretty much #1

I'll be using heavy bullets for the carbine.
Anybody have any experience shooting 158/170/180 grain out of a 4" revolver?

Would 158gr jacketed soft point be a good compromise for both?

 

[Bud White]

Ive shot plenty of 158's out of a 4inch lots of cool Muzzle blast think it would be ok for hunting and self defense

 

[Euclidean]

I pretty much shoot whatever in that caliber and don't really have a preference, but do keep in mind that for a long time guns with fixed sights were sighted in with 158 grain loads if that makes any difference in your situation. So I guess it depends on your revolver.

If nothing else, there's always adjustable sights.

I do know that a heavy .38 Special load in such a rifle is relatively quiet and has no felt recoil to speak of.

 

[CombatEffective]

As Euc said, most of the older revolvers were sighted for 158gr, and all but my 642 fall into that catagory. That's the weight I try to stick with in my K frames as I have heard of forcing cone wear when using the 125gr magnum loads.

 

[P95Carry]

I load for my revo .357's and use same in 16" Win 94.

158 cast SWC's with gas check. Not quite max loads - 14 grains N-110 used - but they give good results and out of lever, very adequate. I doubt the slight extra FPS really matters too much here, tho with my 94' Marlin in .44 mag - do feel that exploits the round a shade better.