Additive vs Non-Additive Weight

[mariamsanford]

I've been looking at the weights of different handguns lately and wondering what weight adds to the overall capability of the firearm and what weight does not.

For example, a full lug barrel adds weight on a revolver which might help tame muzzle flip while a long slide pistol has more weight moving back and forth when fired and could have the opposite effect.

In revolvers a six shot GP100 in .357 magnum with a 2.5" barrel weighs 36oz and the GP100 Match Champion in .357 Magnum weighs 38oz. For the extra 2oz the buyer gets 1.7" more barrel, a trigger job, target crown etc.

Do you ponder the ounces?

[1fast4by]

No.

[Alleycat72]

I do in rifles, but sometimes I carry one 4 to 7 miles in a night. 

[Erich]

I look more at composition or distribution of mass vs overall weight. Bore axis being another piece. Long slides may have more reciprocating mass, but that would be a factor without an appropriate recoil spring. A forward weight bias would counter the initial flip though. Think of a standard govt model vs commander length as an example. 

Target pistols have added weight for good reason. But none of the tricks are intended to make up for what may be lacking with technique.

[Grayfox54]

Generally, more weight reduces recoil and making shooting better and more accurate. The down side is that it's harder and more tiring to carry. 

The big thing that makes modern plastic guns so popular is their light weight. This makes them great for carry. Lets face it, many of us carry a gun, but very few will ever actually use it. 

OTOH, if you're target shooting or hunting, weight is your friend. 

How much weight you want depends entirely on the guns specific purpose. 

23 minutes ago, mariamsanford said:

For example, a full lug barrel adds weight on a revolver which might help tame muzzle flip while a long slide pistol has more weight moving back and forth when fired and could have the opposite effect.

Nope. I have a couple of long slide 1911s and the extra slide mass reduces muzzle flip, felt recoil and makes them excellent shooters. 

[JustEd]

If it is a carry weapon then yes.  If it is for exclusive target or competition, then possibly.  The modern trend seems to lean more towards barrel porting or a muzzle mounted compensator to reduce muzzle flip, rather than added weight.

I will note, my 1911's and heavy S&W revolvers tend to be easier to shoot.  Practice can allow me to shoot a lighter weapon as well though.

[ohell]

I’m with JustEd.  A good comp gives lighter bang for the weight. But not so easy to add on a revolver  And I’m a comp fan but not a ported barrel fan. I’ll download before I poke holes in top of barrel.    
Pros and cons to everything. If it’s a run of the mill pistol round your pokin holes so drop caliber is an option too.