One thing for sure, you'll feel the extra barrel length when shooting off-hand. The last time I shot my 45-90 Roller with a 32" #4 full octagon barrel was in a 60 shot silhouette match. By the time I got to the 15th chicken that rifle felt like it weighed 50 lbs. I don't see any up-side to a 32" barrel.

Other than the added weight something else to consider is your bullet design. How much lube will the bullet hold? There is a chance that there may not be enough lube on the bullet and that extra 2" of barrel may not get enough lube and you end up with a dry area at the end of the barrel which could lead to accuracy problems.
Sam

Zep wrote on Apr 2^nd, 2015 at 2:16am:


I don't think you'll notice any difference, except that the recoil will be very slightly less. Sighting though, will be slightly better.

--
Aonghas

.22Hepburn wrote on Apr 2^nd, 2015 at 6:34am:

Am shooting a 32" 40-65 full-octagon Win #3 1/2 profile barrel on a Hepburn and have no problem shooting it off-hand (other than being a poor shot). Same barrel in 38cal on my High Wall and no problems. Dave - you've just become a wuss in your old age. See you at Quinton on Saturday? Rain should be gone before we start shooting but the wind won't.

Longer barrel, as stated above, gives a slightly better sight-picture with iron sights (no difference if using a scope) and probably 10-20fps higher MV (think the rule-of-thumb is 10-15fps per inch of barrel length). As for a weight issue, depends on you if the extra length would be a hindrance in off-hand. Many folks prefer the stabilizing effect of a longer/heavier barrel when shooting off-hand. You will have to figure what works best for you. If you go for 32" and decide you do not care for it (think it is too long) then is inexpensive to have the barrel cut back and recrowned. However, if you wish it were longer when purchasing a shorter barrel, it gets expensive to add back that extra length. I would say err on the side of "too long" and shorten if you do not like the length after shooting for a bit.

Have shot several different bullets (BACo Money and Saeco 640) in 32" barrel and have yet to notice any hard fouling due to lack of lube with SPG or Big Sky lube. However, I wipe between shots rather than blow-tube and that may be an advantage in fouling control.

better yet   buy a rifle that fits a case you have   art

I shoot a Cody Ballard #7 in Silhouette with a 34" #4 full octagon and it makes weight with  a windage front and a Kermit Hoke sight on the rear. But, it's a .45-70..

Terry...

I certainly appreciate all comments.  

Is 12 pounds the weight I want to stay under for a first rifle and hopefully last rifle.  Want to compete, not quite sure in what but want to get out and compete within a few state area.     

Thanks.