I used to think giant handguns were dumb and small 1911s, short polymer, etc, was where it's at. I shot competition and if it wasn't the right thing for 3 gun/uspsa it wasn't the right thing for me to own. I am better now, and understand shooting can be fun and sometime stuff just for shits and giggles is allowed.

Recently though I've had this weird infatuation with a Glock 17L, and saw one with a threaded barrel. seems like an interesting pistol, would be cool with a comp and a dot, and perfect for when you just don't give a shit about concealment. I've owned a 6" 2011 but that's been a few years now.

As I'm starting thinking about this random ass project, what do you all suggest for a longer barrel handgun? Not thinking one of those Earp revolvers, unless it's like 1980's joker revolver comical. more into semis. what do ya'll suggest? and can I see pictures?

I worked on a Desert Eagle 44 magnum that had a scope and a 10" barrel.  Was a pig for weight, but 2" groups @100 yds were the norm.

But I guess it depends where you're at.  Have you seen the ugly pistols the UK guys are using in competitions?  Due to their dumb laws, they end up with some long pistols.




They like the fake suppressor look there, too.  Guess its less retarded than a 1911 with 8" worth of plain barrel sticking out.


Even putting a fiber optic sight on the end of the fake suppressor.  cause it looks authentic, I guess.

I think 6" is about the practical max, with 5" being the optimal balance between velocity, length and aesthetics.

~5"

Came to post this.

5.15" M9A3 barrel is the longest I see as practical.

I'd say 6" is the max I can see as being useful and that's in a hunting application.

I'd say mare's leg still count as pistols.  They definitely do in the eyes of the law.
The 357mag and 44mag versions are rocking 12.9" barrels.  I wouldn't call them practical for everyday CCW work.  But for hunting or woods, the longer barrel really wakes up those rounds.  And they're already drilled and tapped for a rail from the factory.


And don't forget the Roni16"  glock barrel.  That way you could stick a buttstock on your glock and not enter NFA territory.  OP should buy one of those barrels and attach his break on the end of it.

I shot a 6” STI 9mm and it was wonderful. Talk about a flat shooting handgun

Practical? 5.25" on the G34, 35 and the 41.

Ruger KMK10 10" barrel MKII

8" Artillery Luger

AMT Hardballer Longslide 7"

Seems like most manufacturers went with 6" as the longest Centerfire semi auto.

Problems show up with moving barrel actions prety quickly.

Not so with gas operated like Desert Eagle or Wildey.

They get heavy very quickly though and 'out of balance' in the hand.

If you're retarded, I guess you can build a 24" AR pistol...