Choosing the right barrel length for your 350 Legend can significantly impact its performance and suitability for your intended use. This in-depth comparison of 16" and 20" barrels will help you make an informed decision.
Velocity and Energy: The Key Differences
The most significant difference between a 16" and a 20" barrel in a 350 Legend lies in velocity and, consequently, energy. The longer 20" barrel allows for more complete powder burn, resulting in higher muzzle velocity and greater downrange energy. This translates to flatter trajectory, longer effective range, and increased penetration. While the difference might not be drastic at close ranges, it becomes increasingly noticeable as the distance increases. Expect a noticeable velocity increase with the 20" barrel, which can impact accuracy and terminal ballistics.
Handling and Maneuverability
A shorter 16" barrel makes the firearm more maneuverable and easier to handle, especially in close-quarters situations or dense environments. Its lighter weight can also reduce fatigue during extended use. This is a crucial factor for hunting in thick brush or for home defense scenarios where quick target acquisition is paramount. The reduced length contributes to a more compact overall firearm profile.
Recoil and Muzzle Blast
Generally, a shorter barrel will produce slightly more felt recoil and muzzle blast than a longer barrel. However, the difference in the 350 Legend, with its relatively low recoil, is likely to be minimal and may not be a significant factor for most shooters.
Accuracy and Precision
While a longer barrel generally promotes better accuracy due to the complete powder burn, the difference between a 16" and 20" barrel in the 350 Legend is often negligible for most practical shooting applications. Accuracy is heavily influenced by ammunition quality, sight alignment, and shooter skill, often overshadowing the relatively small barrel length difference.
Practical Applications: Choosing the Right Barrel
The best barrel length depends entirely on your intended use:
16" Barrel: Ideal for
- Home defense: Maneuverability and a compact profile are critical.
- Hunting in dense cover: Easy handling in tight spaces.
- Lightweight carry: Reduced weight is beneficial for extended hunts or carrying the firearm for long periods.
20" Barrel: Ideal for
- Longer-range shooting: Increased velocity and energy extend effective range.
- Hunting at greater distances: Flatter trajectory improves accuracy at longer ranges.
- Precision shooting: The potential for slightly improved accuracy, though often marginal.
Conclusion: It's a Matter of Preference and Intended Use
Ultimately, the choice between a 16" and a 20" barrel for your 350 Legend comes down to personal preference and the intended application. Carefully consider your shooting style, hunting environment, and the typical distances at which you'll be engaging targets. Both barrel lengths offer viable options with only subtle differences in performance. Testing both lengths if possible would provide the most informed decision.
