Shooters both new and experienced sometimes lump all long guns together, describing them as rifles, carbines, or a combination of both. What is the difference? A simplistic explanation; carbines are described as a firearm with less than a 20-inch barrel and lighter. We consider long guns with a barrel length greater than 20 inches a rifle. Over the decades, the line between a rifle and carbine has blurred considerably. Don't even ask the ATF how they describe the two! For now, let's stick with the 20-inch barrel and lighter definition. However, let's dig a little deeper into the specific differences. Theories abound on what happens to a projectile when a higher degree of rifling is added to a barrel. Through the centuries, longer barrels meant shooters could predict the path of a bullet better by improving the rifling. A significant role in the difference between a rifle and a carbine barrel is the power generated when a bullet is fired. Longer barrels give the bullet more time to produce energy by the use of expanding air. As a result, more energy means the bullet has a greater impact on the target. Experienced shooters feel more power coming from longer barrels of a rifle. Another significant difference in a longer barrel is its rifling. As the bullet leaves the rifle barrel, not only is there more energy, but the additional rifling improves accuracy as well. Added rifling provides the bullet with more stabilization and, in turn, better accuracy. A greater spin of the bullet means a more predictable path. The reasoning above does not mean every shot through a carbine takes a right turn at muzzle exit. Technology has changed the game. Precision rifling and its effect on accuracy can be compensated better, regardless of an extra two or three inches in barrel length. One way of improving the accuracy of a musket in the 16th century was lengthening or shortening the barrel. Modern day technologies means there is little to no difference between a long gun and handgun.

DoubleStar STAR-15 .223/5.56 AR-15

Carbines

Standard definitions by non-firearm enthusiasts can hardly ever be trusted. For instance, they describe carbines as shorter versions of standard rifles; in other words, a mini-rifle. A few online dictionaries describe a carbine; "they are typically issued to high mobility troops or non-infantry personnel whose roles do not require full-size rifles." Has anyone at these directories ever seen a gun? Maybe a picture of one, perhaps? Carbines' definition of less than 20 inches seems to be a catch-all phrase. With the popularity going through the roof, manufacturers have brought to market anything that can fire a bullet and sells, regardless of sound design or bad.

History of the Carbine

Infantry soldiers in the early 1800s traveled on horseback but preferred to fight on foot. These soldiers used shortened rifles rather than full-size muskets. The soldiers would also use a horse pistol or big handgun for fighting on foot. The soldiers were part of what they called a carbineer. Through the decades, shortened rifles and horse pistols became known as carbines. Carbines (chopped muskets) fell out of favor with the advent of black powder revolvers. Colt's Dragoon, Colt Walker, and Remington New Model Army were the new way to fight. Six shots instead of one gave soldiers the punch they needed. A new breed of carbine emerged during the civil war. Lever actions, including Henry, Spencer, and the famous Sharps Carbine, helped write the war. In 1873, the Trapdoor Springfield Carbine replaced the Sharps and Spencer rifles as the primary service firearm for the US Army. "The Gun That Won The West" was invented that same year, the 1873 Winchester. The carbine was light, accurate, and portable. Chambered in .44-40, it could carry ammo for both the carbine and a pistol.

Modern Carbines

When the bolt-action rifle entered the scene, the world seemed to forget carbines. However, the modern carbine by way of the military came into focus early in the 20th century. Carbines today are usually semi-automatic with 30 round magazines. Barrels have remained in the 18 to 20-inch range. A few carbines set the tone for what was to come, the M1 and AR-10. Both models eventually led to the M16 and AR-15. Many military family M16 carbines suffered the same problems, lower muzzle velocity and more significant muzzle flash.

Radical Firearms AR-15 16" Barrel With MFT Minimalist Stock

Rifles

The consensus definition of a rifle is a long-gun with a barrel length greater than 20 inches. Again, this description falls into the category of "trap all term." There has been plenty of innovation with unique designs connected with long-guns throughout the generations. No other advancement in rifle design has contributed to the popularity and accuracy of a rifle is the Twist Rate. Given the extra inches added to the length of a barrel, this distinction increased accuracy by leaps and bounds. Rifling is the machined grooves cut in the internal bore of a rifle. When the bullet makes impact on these grooves, they produce a spin along the axis. After the bullet leaves the barrel, spin persists adding stability. Rifling advancements led to more aerodynamically efficient ammunition, which improved range, and again accuracy. Shooters often refer rifling to; as the twist rate. The twist rate indicates the distance it takes for a complete revolution. Shorter twist rates give the bullet greater velocity. Rifling saw its beginning in the 14th and 15th centuries; however, wide acceptance did not occur until the 19th century.

Henry Big Boy Deluxe Engraved 20" Barrel Lever Action Rifle

Recent Advancements in Twist Rate

  • Polygonal; this rifling has its roots back several generations, with sharper edges and longer groove lines.
  • Full Bore, Extended Range; used mostly in military applications.
  • Gain Twist/Progressive; starts with a slow rate and increases down the bore. As the bullet moves down the bore, it gains momentum and increases its spin rate and torque.
Accuracy is a fascinating topic when the subject of rifles is brought up. What is the most accurate hunting rifle or big-game rifle? How about bolt-action or semi-auto? The list seems endless. Benjamin Tyler Henry patented the Henry rifle way back in 1860. The Henry was a lever action breech-loading rifle and chambered in 44 caliber. The iconic rifle saw action at Little Big Horn, becoming a point of pride for Union Soldiers during the Civil War. The "Gun That Won The West" was the Model 1873 Winchester; however, that rifle got its roots from the Henry. we offer the Henry Lever Action in several configurations and calibers, including the gorgeous Henry Big Boy
Engraved.44 magnum, with a 1:38" twist. OMG! This rifle has a 20 inch barrel.

Final Thoughts

The question continues; what is the difference between a rifle and carbine? How important is the designation? The question is great around a campfire. Both the rifle and carbine have an iconic heritage. As long as manufactures insist on making the designation the question will always exist. IMHO, I will not make a purchasing decision based on a couple inches of barrel length. If I am hunting whitetail at 50 or 300 yards and a rifle fits my needs, I buy it. Shop All Long Guns
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