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- Alfred Mendoza
- June 1, 2023
If you want to improve the effectiveness, velocity, and range of your 9mm carbine, upgrading to the best barrel length for 9mm carbine would give you significant changes.
Our team spent 72 hours researching to help you find the best possible options available on the market today.
Table of Contents
Top 4 Barrel Lengths for 9mm Carbine
1. 4.5”
The 4.5” barrel length is manageable and compact compared to other barrel lengths for 9mm Carbine.
It is easier to maneuver, which is best for personal or home defense.
However, the short barrel length may not allow the complete burning of the gun powder and may affect its velocity.
2. 8.5”
The length of 8.5” for a 9mm Carbine barrel is enough to burn a powder fully and gives a very minimal addition in the velocity compared to the shorter one.
It holds more space and can add things to customize the build.
Compared to shorter lengths, it is not a bad suppressor candidate.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
3. 10.5”
Another 9mm Carbine’s top barrel length is 10.5”.
The length and weight of this barrel are easy to maneuver.
It does not have a major difference in the velocity compared to 8.5” barrel length.
Even with the short barrel, it can reach up to 150 yards or more in lesser noise.
4. 16”
The 16” barrel length allows the user to balance the weight of the 9mm carbine, handling, recoil characteristics, and parts longevity.
It also gives a higher velocity that would create a flatter trajectory.
Due to full powder burn, the effective range of the rounds in 16” rounds would increase.
Things To Consider
Velocity
Shooters are interested in having more velocity at longer distances. You can achieve your desired velocity by using high ballistic coefficient bullets or adding the length to your barrel. The gas will push the rounds inside the long barrel for a period enough to fully achieve the powder burn.
Accuracy
The barrel length can also be a contributor to the accuracy of shots but only at a minimum. A longer barrel lengthens the time interval in the chamber the pressure acts on the bullet. As a bullet exits the longer barrel, it can give maximum accuracy and an effective range of bullets.
Heat Absorption
As the length increases, the heat decreases. When you fire a round, the barrel length will get hot because of the high energy round and rates of fire. With this, the barrel is prone to bend or deformation. To sustain heat absorption, getting a longer and larger diameter barrel will help.
Also Read:
Harmonics
How the gas leaves the barrel affects the harmonics of the barrel. The harmonics or the vibrate is dependent mainly on the dimension of the barrel. When the barrel is longer, the harmonics are minimal and cannot affect the velocity and accuracy.
Speed
One thing to consider when upgrading to the best barrel length is the speed of the round the moment it leaves the barrel. A barrel length that is longer gives ample room for the bullet to burn and maximize the explosive force. However, a too-long barrel can make the round slower once the pressure drops. But, how far can a 9mm bullet really travel?
Muzzle Climb Reduction
The muzzle climb reduction can happen by the use of the best barrel length for 9mm carbine. When you fire a gun, it will create a rotational couple that may cause the muzzle to rise. A longer barrel allows the rounds to accelerate in a longer period achieving a higher momentum and will reduce muzzle climb.
FAQs
The 16” barrel length is more accurate at 100 yards. The barrel length, however, gives more improvement on the velocity and minimal accuracy. Aside from getting a longer barrel for a full powder burn and velocity, it is best to invest in optics, barrel profile, and optics for more accuracy.
A 9mm carbine barrel can last at about 20 to 30 thousand rounds. It wears faster than expected because of the large powder charge and is unmaintained. Normally, the spring and other small parts will wear out first before the barrel will wear and tear.
And the best barrel length for 9mm carbine is...
The best barrel length for a 9mm carbine is the 16” length. A lot of shooters switch to 9mm Carbine because it holds more ammo and hits more with minimal recoil. The 16” Carbine barrel length allows the gun to reach its maximum powder burn before exiting the barrel.
Upgrading your carbine barrel length will help you improve the velocity, tactical penetrations, and wound ballistic [1]. With proper maintenance and usage, you can extend the lifespan of the barrel and enhance its effectiveness.
good info — thanks for doing the research and posting. any thoughts on the best powders for handloads?