Barrel length by itself doesn't really matter. Sight radius is the big deal. Many older target autos had extended front sights, that went forward of the end of the barrel, to give added sight radius, for more precise aiming. If you put them in a mechanical rest, and take the human out of the equation, a 4" barrel will generally shoot as well as an 8" barrel. In rifles, bench rest shooters often use what is deemed a "shorter" barrel, because it is stiffer.
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