Compact vs. Standard barrel length

[Antoni Scott]

I recently aquired the Steyr LP-2 compact. I had experience with LP-50 rapid fire full length pistol and thought that maybe my poor pistol shooting may be possibly attributable in small part to the longer barrel. Poor follow through induces barrel whip and although it may be imperceptible to the shooter it translates into poorer scores. I was right. I shoot better with the shorter barrel despite the reduced sight radius.

For decades I always thought that a longer barrel would give me better scores as well as better accuracy. I'm sure it does, but my poor follow through technique degrades scores far greater than aiming accuracy. Fortunately for the Steyr, I understand that it is easy to replace the long barrel with a short one, and vica-versa.

Just a thought.

Antoni

[Freepistol]

I've noticed that shooting a shorter sight radius requires greater attention to alignment than my pistol with a longer sight radius.

[deadeyedick]

I also have found that my scores have improved with the shorter barrel and sight radius of the compact models.

[JamesH]

I find I shoot better because of the shorter sight radius.

[madmax]

Try shooting free pistol with your semi-auto. Shorter barrel, shorter sight radius - could give you a surprise!!

[JamesH]

Try shooting free pistol with your semi-auto. Shorter barrel, shorter sight radius - could give you a surprise!!

I do shoot FP better with my SP, still nowhere near getting to grips with FP.