Octagon vs. round barrel, also barrel lengths

[BK Meyers]

I am beginning the search for a Rossi M92 in .357/.38. Of the 2 different barrels designs, octagon or round, does either have a performance or durability advantage over the other or is it merely aesthetics??

Also of the different barrel lengths, the same question (sort of). What are the advantages/disadvantages of the different lengths??

Thanks,
BK

[Jake3501]

Longer barrel lengths give a longer sighting radius and if the powder is slow burning enough you will develop more velocity.

Most loads in .357/.38 special will not be slow enough burning to take advantage of the added barrel length. Sighting radius most likely will be the main gain.

I wouldn't think for the range of shots you would be making that there would be much if any advantage of round barrel over octagon. Unless you are shooting some exotic loads (Leverloution Ballistic tipped bullets) or extra hot loads that you would be shooting much over 100 yards.

If you want an authentic look, I would go with the octagon barrel. I wouldn't think you would be mounting a scope on this rifle.

[Smokewagon]

The octagonal barrels are thicker and heavier. Not sure you would call that an advantage or disadvantage.

[joecil]

I have a Rossi 92 in 45 LC with Hard case finish, and 20" octagon barrel. I choose the octagon over the round mostly due to fact I liked it better but it is heavier than the round barrel. I picked the 20" over the 24" due mostly to wight and shooting cowboy loads with it will shoot no more than 75 yards in competition. Now I have no plans for any real hunting with this gun at all strictly for cowboy action shooting. Keep in mind that these guns shot longer cartridges in their original configurations and pistol cartridges are shorter. I am expecting mine back from Rossi today as it wouldn't eject except the last round. Once that is fixed then it will have the Steve Gunz tune up applied to it. You can check it out here http://www.stevesgunz.com/

[wyohman]

Don't know if you've looked at availability but apparently the Cowboy Action guys have been buying these up as fast as Rossie imports them. I'm looking for matching .357 20" octagonal barrel with a color case-hardened receiver to match my .44 Mag with the same.

Cheers.

[prgallo]

The 20 inch round (and 16 round) has scope mounting holes predrilled underneath the sights. The Rossi weaver mount is sold online and is designed with a taper to fit it. I don't believe the octagon barrel has the predrilled holes, and the mount taper doesn't work with it.