Barrel length

[blackdog]

My next build will be a Haines style (for myself) and I cant decide what barrel length to go with, a 54 cal c profile, 38'' or a 44''.  This will be my hunting rifle but I want it to shine on the range as well.  I like the 38'' because how they carry but I like the 44'' for how I shoot them.    Any suggestions or personal expirience would be great.

[Roger Fisher]

With that big hole in the barrel (assume a 15/16 straight) you should be able to handle the wt out front.  She should also then 'hang on a string'.  Chances are you will do more competition shooting than hunting  

Depends also on how you hunt.  Tree stand sitting or still hunting!

[blackdog]

I do more stand hunting than than anything, but of course there is always more targets to shoot at than deer........

[Dennis Glazener]

My next build will be a Haines style (for myself) and I cant decide what barrel length to go with, a 54 cal c profile, 38'' or a 44''.  This will be my hunting rifle but I want it to shine on the range as well.  I like the 38'' because how they carry but I like the 44'' for how I shoot them.    Any suggestions or personal expirience would be great.

Its all personal preference but I would not hesitate to go with the 38" I have owned them in 38, 42 and 44 and the only one I have kept is the 38 C profile .54 by far the best handling gun (large caliber) I have owned. It too is a Haines style.
Dennis 

[northmn]

Building a hunting gun depends somewhat on the hunting.  Both barrels are a bit long for tree stand hunting and blind hunting in tighter quarters.  I have managed after a bit of experience to handle the 42" barrel on my Tennessee out of trees stands.  The key to carrying a rifle is the balance point, which can be to some extent determined by design.  The earlier designs with the broader buttplates and more massive stocks will balance further back for a better carrying hold than the later ones, using a heavier barrel.  A swamped barrel also helps of course.  Some of the later "Golden Age" rifles liked to balance about at the rear sight area, whcih to me was a pain.  Rear sight location does get a bit critical for older eyes.  Also make sure a hunting rifle has a proper pull for hunting clothing.  I have had to build a couple of newer rifles because my older ones were made for the target range and shirt sleeves.  Better to have one slightly too short than too long.  Were I to build a hunting rifle for occaisional target use I would go the 38 inch barrel.  But I have ,personally,  never really found longer barrels abover 32 inches to be an advantage for any form of shooting.  Actually I can probably shoot a 32 inch better.  Also look at the difference in weight fo the two if you have to carry it any distance.

DP   

[Kermit]

Is hunting more about "carrying," or more about "shooting?"

Really. Which part do you want to be easier or better? In a lot of cover, "carrying" wins. Me, I usually go with "shooting."

[blackdog]

Thats the real issue, neither is "more" important.  Comfort might the the better word.

[smallpatch]

For a hunting rifle,  you won't find a much better handling rifle, than a Haines style with a .54 x 38" C weight barrel.   Weigh is nice length is nice, shoots like a charm.  I've converted several people to my way of thinking by merely letting them handle it.

[bob in the woods]

I have built more 38 in B weight .50 cal and C weight .54's for other hunters than anything else.
They will hold their own on the range too.

[Don Getz]

I like a long barreled gun, 44", however, they are a pain in the neck to haul around in a car.  My brother Dick and I
designed that first Isaac Haines kit with the 38" Transition barrel.   It has probably turned out to be the most popular
kit ever sold.   I have no idea of how many we sold when we first introduced it, we then gave Wayne Dunlap permission
to sell them....I know he has sold a lot of them.    Then when Jim Chambers got into the kit business, he modified the kit
to accommodate his better investment cast brass hardware, and I would be willing to bet that it too has been one of his
best sellers.   I personally have built many of them.   A great balancing gun, and long enough to shoot well...........Don

[David Rase]

I agree with what Don said about his Isaac Haines pattern.  I picked one up a year ago with the intention of being my loaner gun.  It feels so good that I will have a hard time loaning it out as I love the way it points and holds. 
I also agree with Dane and the rest of the posts about a 38" barrel being the way to go.  As far as handling you can't beat the 38" length.  For looks the 42", 44" and longer are the ultimate in my book.
I have hunted with D weight 42" in .60 caliber on horse back as well as a foot.  If you are not into heavy brush, the longer barrels are ok.
DMR

[A.Merrill]

    If it is the weight your thinking about, try a octagon to round barrel, light and long slim rifle.     GOOD LUCK    AL

[blackdog]

Thanks for all the replys.  Wieght isnt an issue I'm a pretty big guy, a 10 lbs Sharps is my "other" rifle.

Don, I'll be in contact next week to get  some more info on a 38'' barrel......

[Kermit]

AMerrill--good point! I have two OTR barreled rifles, one a .50x46 and the other a .54x42. Other folks are very surprised at how they handle. Swamps look great as they are octagonal the full length, but an OTR is even less muzzle heavy. Makes for a good handling field gun. I've really come to like the looks of those two also.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

When I hunt with my flintlock, it's my Jaeger with a Getz .60 cal x 31" bbl that I take with me.  It's short enogugh to go on the dash of the truck for transporting, and in the thick bush here, it is a joy to use.
I once was hunting snowshoe hares with my 1st model Brown Bess (46" barrel).  I was on snowshoes myself, and on a couple of occasions while stalking a bunny, I found one behind me.  Spinning around with a long gun on snowshoes in thick willows is interesting to say the least, but it taught me to shoot off the weak shoulder.

[blackdog]

I've been using a 46'' OTR barreled rifle and its just not cutting it in the thick woods here.

[Dphariss]

I've been using a 46'' OTR barreled rifle and its just not cutting it in the thick woods here.

Get a short barreled Kentucky 36" or so. 37 swamped will work fine.
Not as good as a 30" and for this a Jaeger  would be a good idea.
Or an English sporting rifle in full or for 1790-1840 1/2 stock.

Dan

[blackdog]

38'' is the shortest I've seen for what I want to build.  I have a 31'' smoothbore on a danish jaeger that really handles well though. Is an awesome grouse gun.