500 magnum possible distances and barrel lengths. 8.38 vs. 4

[JRyan]

I know this has sort of been gone over in a few threads but I was thinking it would be good to maybe get info in one place from people who have these.

8.38 or 4 is the question

I know there is a higher perceived recoil with the longer barrel, but that the longer barrel is more accurate over distance. I'm wondering if that actually will mean anything to me though.

What distances are we talking about where that would be a factor and assuming no nuclear loads (I know, but pretend I bought a box off the shelf) is the difference in recoil actually dramatic enough to warrant thinking about this?

I think I might want to go for distance with this gun, but I have no idea what distances we are talking about here. I'm not one who normally worries about recoil, however I've not shot one of these guys yet, so if the difference is very dramatic...?

Thanks.

 

[HiggityHank]

I own a 4", and have shot an 8". Here is how I see it: The 8" has more straight kick where the 4" seems to have more muzzle flip given the same loads, which stands to reason. Is it night and day difference? In my opinion, no. Could it be the difference between a gun you love and a gun you hate? Maybe, I'm not you, I can't answer that question for you. I can, however, let you shoot my 4" and you can see if it's too flippy. If box stock ammo is a must, you'll have to bring some though as I'm all out.

If you're looking at accuracy over distance, the longer barrel and an optic make sense, but for me shooting at handgun distances, I wasn't really worried about it.

 

[JRyan]

I own a 4", and have shot an 8". Here is how I see it: The 8" has more straight kick where the 4" seems to have more muzzle flip given the same loads, which stands to reason. Is it night and day difference? In my opinion, no. Could it be the difference between a gun you love and a gun you hate? Maybe, I'm not you, I can't answer that question for you. I can, however, let you shoot my 4" and you can see if it's too flippy. If box stock ammo is a must, you'll have to bring some though as I'm all out.

If you're looking at accuracy over distance, the longer barrel and an optic make sense, but for me shooting at handgun distances, I wasn't really worried about it.

I would love to try the 4 if you have time. I would pick up ammo, pay range fees, etc.

I see what your getting at there, probably similar for me.

 

[EddieCoyle]

I have both.

For all intents and purposes, they're equally accurate. The difference is that the 8" gun has a longer sight radius; so it is easier to aim it more effectively. Any error in sight alignment has twice the effect with a 4" gun. The 8" gun is barrel-heavy, the 4" balances better.

If you're worried about recoil, maybe you should think about getting a nice .22LR.

 

[MACGYVR]

I have both.

For all intents and purposes, they're equally accurate. The difference is that the 8" gun has a longer sight radius; so it is easier to aim it more effectively. Any error in sight alignment has twice the effect with a 4" gun. The 8" gun is barrel-heavy, the 4" balances better.

If you're worried about recoil, maybe you should think about getting a nice .22LR.

I have shot your .500s and have to say the recoil on them is not bad at all. I don't know what people cry about. I think my .44Mag has more felt recoil than the .500

I agree. If worried about recoil, go with the .22lr or airsoft.

 

[JRyan]

I have both.

For all intents and purposes, they're equally accurate. The difference is that the 8" gun has a longer sight radius; so it is easier to aim it more effectively. Any error in sight alignment has twice the effect with a 4" gun. The 8" gun is barrel-heavy, the 4" balances better.

If you're worried about recoil, maybe you should think about getting a nice .22LR.

I'm not so much worried about it as wondering how it will challenge my less than perfect shooting, and even then I'm not letting that get in the way.

jokes aside, thanks for the information. I need to try them both. I'll look for someone around here who would let me shoot a few rounds or head out to western Ma. before I make a final decision. To me, these are expensive guns so I want to be sure I get the one I really want.

edit: I have a .22lr, great fun.
not what I'm looking for now though.

 

[M1911]

What is it that you want to do with it?

Handgun hunting? Longest barrel you can get.

Carrying for defense against bears and zombies? 4"

Just messing about on the range?

 

[Fixxah]

. Get both.

 

[Dench]

I shoot the 4'' better then then 8.

 

[jasons]

I bought the 8 inch, but I'm probably compensating for something.

 

[JRyan]

. Get both.

I think your right. I can do one per year I think.

as far as what I want to do with it. all of the above really. In order of appearance though:

1) range
2) long distance at range
3) hunt, want to try hog hunting with it.
4) bears... Plymouth has not been invaded by grizzly's ... yet, really it's not not if but when at this point and I'll need something good when I run out of 9mm.