Simple. Longer sight radius equals lower incidence of error when sighting. Precision. A barrel can be accurate no matter its length (and quite a case can be made for short heavy/stiff barrels being supreme, notably for lessened vibrations - all things such as straightness, quality of rifling, optimal loads, etc. being equal) when considering its ability to place its bullets in as small a space as possible. Accuracy.

A matter of semantics to a large extent, the common vernacular has clouded the distinction for a looooong time now.

"Only accurate rifles are interesting" doesn't speak to the ability of users to precisely aim them.

Since we're not talking about brands of barrels, but simply why longer barrels were used, it still comes down to the distance between sights. It's another reason the back position and heel based tang sights were used for long range shooting. It simply made for smaller, more accurate groups. Since group size is based on both accurate barrels, and a great shooter, you can't shoot as accurately with a stubby barrel and iron sights. If it was a scoped rifle, then there's no need for an extremely long barrel.

westerner wrote on Jul 13^th, 2025 at 8:00pm:


Accuracy= 1/2 MOA (or whatever your standard)

Precision= Same group in the center or X ring.