Ive been thinking about a 9mm barrel for the encore, get some synth furniture and have a nice lightweight carbine to shoot cheap factory ammo. Mostly squirrels and just plinking whatever crosses my path. Im thinking 16.5"-20" length. I want short so mobile and light and seems any of those lengths already well over for a 9mm. Whats ideal length you guys think? Cheapest can find seems to be mgm making one at 350$
Is it worth it? I know good quality etc, but as a fill in for 22 and to shoot cheap surplus/steel case ammo is it worth it?
thanks

I too have been contemplating a 9mm barrel but for my Contender. Haven't decided if I want pistol or carbine yet.

This link might help you.

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/9luger.html

Most 9mm ammo actually starts to slow down after travelling 16" of barrel or more. Perhaps you could load some with H110 or other slower powder and make use of that extra steel but it doesn't appear that performance warrants a 20" barrel.

I would get the shorter barrel. Although you might want to consider a 14" handgun with a riflescope. If wvhitman hears you are going rifle on us he will call you a: sissy- wimp - pansy or the equivalent!

Sissy-pansy-wimp----in our midst!!!!!!!!!!
I do have a long barrel 9mm. Name on the side says UZI. Tried it on a few groundhogs-poor; on paper-punches nice pretty,tiny holes; one cat- screamed and ran, but never saw him again. So...it's been assigned as my welcome gun. Come in my house uninvited and it'll welcome you. After one clip my .45 Sig will take over.
billa-shame on you for just the thought.

Lamina1982. I meant no harm just having a little fun. But you must admit that suggesting a 9mm rifle to a bunch of big bore handgunners does expose you to possible abuse. LOL ...

I like guns, period.

Long guns, short guns, big guns, little guns, black guns, white guns..............I like guns.

You don't want the long ones? More for me.

Let them that don't want none..............have dreams of not get'n any.



That being said, I probably wouldn't go any longer than 16" on the 9mm anyway. Think you reach the point of diminishing return at some point around there.

Ya i do enjoy a good 500 sw. I do have plenty of shortguns so another long one wont tip the scale.
Unfortunately living in nys it just makes it easier on my part going with say a 16.5" rifle over a pistol length. Just thinking purpose wise as rimfire ammo still hit or miss...i do have a good supply but 9mm is always avail at wallyworld

Few comments
MGM is a great choice they have done a few barrels for me.
I would go with a light taper barrel and no more than 18" in length.
You may want to consider a 38 spl -- it has a rim so extraction and head space are not an issue and rounds are roughly the same price.

Would be a cool build

Would certainly be more versatile, IMO.

I was thinking that as i do have tons of empty brass and bullets...but would you go 357..or stay with 38 spec to avoid the gap and accuracy decrease?

.357 Mag