CO2 guns are pretty popular because they pack both a great value and great performance into a single package. Some people grab one for target practice to shoot cans - others even use them to hunt small game. Their efficiency and lower cost make them very interesting to people.

I've spent hours in the backyard with mine, and it really never gets boring. I'll be the first to admit it! But sometimes, a debate arises among shooters: does a longer barrel actually help with muzzle speed?

Some people say a longer barrel gives the gas more room to expand. Well - it's true. That may just push the projectile faster. Barrel length changes performance, and when you learn about this, it helps you choose the right setup for what you need.

Let's take a closer look at this topic together.

Disclaimer: In Canada, there are restrictions on where you can shoot and carry a CO2 gun. This article was created for information purposes only. Please check your laws carefully.

Barrel Length in CO2 Guns

Barrel length in CO2 guns is a topic that draws me in and gets me thinking. You might feel that a longer barrel helps quite a bit with gun performance, and that is not completely off.

A longer barrel lets the CO2 gas push the pellet more - that makes it faster. In my experience adding a few inches can make the pellet speed up by about 20 feet per second. But once you reach around 18 inches those speed gains start to taper off and you get diminishing returns. When you add more length it doesn't do much then. I remember adding a longer barrel to my CO2 rifle hoping for a big speed help but the improvement was just small.

Accuracy is another big thing to think about. You could believe that a longer barrel guarantees more precise shots, but that's not always true. A well-designed short barrel can be as good for accuracy. The barrel's quality and the kind of pellets you use matter quite a bit. Even the fit of the pellet in the barrel plays a big part. So, if great accuracy is your goal, you can't just depend on barrel length. I used to think making the barrel longer would solve my accuracy issues, but I found out that changes in other areas helped more. Trying out different pellets or changing the sights gave better results.

The type of CO2 gun you have can also change how barrel length affects performance. Non-blowback guns benefit more from a longer barrel because all the gas pushes the pellet out. In blowback models, some gas operates the action, so you have less to propel the pellet. I saw this when comparing my non-blowback pistol to a blowback one. Even after adding a longer barrel to the blowback pistol, the speed increase was barely there. It was surprising, but it makes sense when it comes to gas usage.

There's also the part of stability and how you manage it. Longer barrels cut back on vibrations and might help with better aiming. They give you a longer sight radius - that makes it easier to align your shots. When I switched to a longer barrel on my gun, it felt steadier - especially over longer distances. That extra length between the front and rear sights can make aiming more accurate. But, on the downside, longer barrels can feel heavier and clumsier. If you plan to carry it or use it for long periods, a shorter barrel might feel way more comfortable. For quick shooting sessions or when you move fast, I found a shorter barrel easier to manage.

When it comes to choosing the right barrel length, it finally depends on what you need and what fits you. Whether you like target shooting, plinking in the backyard, or going to competitive events - finding the right balance is important. It can be pretty fun to try out different barrel lengths to see what fits you best. I sure found plenty to learn when I experimented with different setups. So don't be afraid to mix things up and find out what works best for you. Enjoyment also comes when you try new things and see how they change your shooting experience.

And then there's the part of personal comfort. A gun that feels good in your hands can make your time more fun. Maybe you like the feel of a longer barrel, or maybe a shorter one fits you better. You want to find something that makes you feel confident. When I first started experimenting with barrel lengths, I was surprised by how much the gun's feel changed. Sometimes, even small adjustments make a difference in how it feels.

Another thing to remember is the type of shooting you do. For precise target practice at longer distances, the stability of a longer barrel might give you an edge. Yet, for quicker shots at close range, the agility of a shorter barrel might serve you better. The goal is to match the right tool to the right job. I've found that having different setups for different needs works well for me.

So, while barrel length matters, it's not the only factor that counts. It's just one part of the puzzle. When you think about everything and maybe do some experimenting, you can find the setup that best fits your preferences. It's worth taking the time to research your options - who knows, you might find something new that makes your shooting experience much better.

Do Longer Barrels Boost Accuracy?

Longer barrels on CO2 rifles like the Byrna Mission 4 can help with the projectile speed since the CO2 gas has more time to push the pellet along.

Some people might expect a bit better shooting accuracy from this, but that idea isn't always accurate. Actually, the barrel's quality and how the gas is released probably affect hitting your target more than the barrel's length.

How you handle it is also something to think about. A long barrel can make your rifle feel kind of heavy or awkward - especially in tight spaces or when shooting faster. It might throw off the balance - that makes movement hard. One time, I tried a rifle with a long barrel, and honestly, I felt like I was waving around a big stick!

Some knowledgeable people sometimes say the barrel's end part - especially the crown - can have more effect on aiming well than the barrel's entire length. People sometimes get mixed up thinking about firearms where longer barrels help burn all the powder to cut back on the muzzle flash and increase power. But CO2 guns don't work the same way so this doesn't apply.

A longer barrel might cut back on the recoil and the muzzle jump a little because of the extra weight. That can help you hold steady - it will be nice for the newcomers as it might make shooting feel easier. But there's a stopping point - adding even more length doesn't bring more benefits forever. You're not going to see big changes by basically lengthening the barrel more.

Do Longer Barrels Affect Speed or Just Range?

It can be a bit tricky to find out how barrel length affects your firearm. You might think that a longer barrel always makes a projectile move faster, but that's not always right. An increase in barrel length for a rifle or pistol can sometimes help the projectile speed a little - for each extra inch, it can increase by about 30 to 50 feet per second. Shotguns can see a smaller increase - it is around 10 to 15 feet per second for every inch. But a longer barrel isn't better every time.

It is probably smart to try different guns when you are out shooting. A barrel that's a few inches longer might seem like an easy way to get more speed, but lots of things can change this outcome. The size of the chamber and the temperature around you can also affect projectile speed. I have seen barrels with 4 inches and 5 inches that do not show much difference in speed. It seems weird, but adding more inches after a point might just make the firearm heavy without giving much benefit.

A longer barrel can help some with range. It helps projectile speed and makes its path flatter and less bothered by the wind. That sounds nice. Right? Don't toss out those shorter barrels, though. Barrel length is part of the whole picture, and things like how the projectile is made, the ammo quality, and the weather have a lot to do with how far your shot will go.

Accuracy is another thing you should think about. Longer barrels can make you more accurate by giving better stability and a longer sight. But they also might make the gun harder to manage - it can become an issue in tight spaces or if you like lighter guns. A focus only on barrel length might cause you to miss other important things that affect performance.

Let's think about what to take from all this. It is important to test in real-world situations and gain experience - it shows things you can't just get from looking at numbers. For example, people find that even though longer barrels sometimes help, the actual gains in speed and range can be small with standard ammunition.

At the end of the day, the speed and range of guns are related but not the same. Longer barrels might give you some benefits, but they're not a solve-it-all answer. A balance of technical specs with your hands-on experience is likely to give you a better idea of what works best for you!

When Are Short Barrels Better?

Shooters sometimes think that a gun with a longer barrel always gives more power but this idea isn't always true. You might think about why someone would choose a gun with a shorter barrel. Well, there's some good reasons for this.

When you have a shorter barrel like the Byrna SD, handling your gun is quite a bit easier. When you move through tight indoor places or thick woods, it can become less of a problem, especially when every second counts. I've found that being able to move well makes quite a difference. A long barrel in cramped areas feels awkward and will probably slow you down. A shorter barrel lets you move around more freely.

When you transport and store guns, it can become much easier with a shorter barrel too. You can fit your gun into cases and bags which is super useful when packing for a trip. I've done it with long and short guns and the short ones feel very easy.

In CO2 pistols with blowback action, barrel length doesn't affect speed much. CO2 powers the slide and pellet, so performance stays great with a shorter barrel. It probably lets you switch between targets quicker in competitions where speed is important. I've seen shooters gain an edge this way.

Hunters in thick woods sometimes go for shorter barrels to cut down extra weight while maintaining enough power for most targets. You don't need the longest barrel to do well.

Think about what's most important to you. If you want your gun to be easy to use and quick to manage, a shorter barrel could be just right. It could be the change you need. Next time you're thinking about a new gun, give those shorter options a thought - they might fit you.

What Do Real-Life Tests Show?

When you look at CO2 guns, you might believe that a longer barrel will probably give you more speed - seems reasonable, right? A longer barrel lets the pellet or BB speed up more. Just to give you an example, when you switch a 4-inch barrel for a 6-inch one, it might just give you a bit of a speed increase. But there's a point where making it way longer doesn't add much.

You might wonder why you shouldn't keep making the barrel longer for even more speed. The thing with CO2 guns is that the gas only pushes the pellet until it starts losing pressure. After about 8 to 10 inches, the extra help doesn't do much.

I've seen shooters sometimes start with barrel length alone when they want to help with their CO2 gun. But honestly there's more to think about. Other things like the valve system and hammer spring can affect speed too. Even a little change can help.

Blowback CO2 pistols also deserve consideration. They use some gas to move the slide, so you have less to push the pellet. So, even extending the barrel might not give big gains. Non-blowback models don't have this issue, so lengthening the barrel can be more useful. If you want to help with your CO2 gun's performance, non-blowback pistols might just give you more bang for your dollar.

Barrel length is important, but it's not the only thing to consider. It's important to balance all the parts.

It's good to remember that longer barrels aren't a cure-all when you try to help with your CO2 gun. You might find that different setups help you find what works best for you. Also, putting effort into other pieces can sometimes give you the results you want.

You might need to figure out what's best for you. I've learned that thinking about the whole picture sometimes leads to the best outcomes. So why not give it a try - you might just end up surprised by what you find!

Protect Yourself and Your Family

The way a barrel's length affects the speed of CO2 guns might feel tricky, but it's actually not as tricky as you'd think. A longer barrel usually makes your gun shoot pellets faster, but this benefit only works up to a point. After about 18 inches, I've seen that extra length doesn't add much extra speed. Other things like the barrel's quality and pellet type are also important. Think first about what you want. More speed could be your goal, or maybe shooting accuracy matters more. Think about the type of CO2 gun you have, like blowback or non-blowback models.

Do you like a shorter barrel for quick shots in tight spaces, or do you like the steadiness of a longer one? But a longer barrel might make your gun harder to manage when moving around sometimes. When you find what fits you best, it adds enjoyment to shooting, whether it's target practice, hunting, or just having fun plinking.

Having the right tools for safety is important. Trust me. That's why I want to share some great, less-lethal options for self-defense. At Byrna, we make powerful CO2 pistols and rifles to help keep you safe. They're legal to own in all of the Canadian provinces, so there's no need to worry about the law if you keep them inside your own home. Plus, you can get them delivered straight to your door without any background checks or paperwork, which makes it super easy to find what works for your safety.

Visit Byrna.ca to check out what's available. Tons of Canada-legal choices are available, and we even offer free shipping! This convenience lets you access reliable self-defense tools that cut back on harm. Think about what we've talked about and how it goes hand in hand with your life. Whether it's improving your CO2 gun's performance or finding new ways to stay safe, when you're aware, it leads to better decisions. So, take this opportunity to learn more and make yourself safer.