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.

Old world physics = the tail wagging the dog.

I've never seen one of the .45-70 versions that didn't shoot way too high at 100 yds. Like 4"-6" too high with rear sight set at it's lowest point.

Drydock wrote on Jul 13^th, 2025 at 9:42am:


On the advice of a guy in the shop at Shiloh I once ordered a 34 inch barrel instead of a heavier 30 inch at the same weight. I could never get that rifle to shoot for s++t and finally slugged it. The last 4 inches were trombone shaped. Shiloh would not make it right. Ended up sending it to a big name shop for shortening and sight re-installation. Was returned with visible daylight in the dovetail. Went back and they had to make a new sight to fit the oversize dovetail. Wanted me to pay for their crappy work and the new sight they had to make! Of course I did not do that. Had another big name shop want me to pay for a barrel I sent them for installation. After taking a year to put it in they somehow forgot I sent them the custom taper octagon to begin with. Although most of the shops I have dealt with have been reputable there are others "that bear watching".

Ballards are so nice...

Ballards can handle long barrels no problem. I once won a 200 yard OH match with a long barreled Ballard 32-40. I had two misses but scored 200 for the match win. Gosh I love Ballards.