Really it’s all about the PURPOSE.
If you want to do it like I do and EDC in a bag, 10.5 is your minimum, but there’s extra homework and mods to do to get it running right.
If you’re looking for best handling for HD, 12.5-14.5 is your range.
If fireballs and pissing off people at the range while punching holes in paper is your deal, then say “Fuck it all” and go 7.5” and enjoy the jams and maintenance issues.
Then there’s the ammo. Generally, 55gr works well enough out of longer barrels, At short-mid-range distances.
For reaching out a long way, you need a heavier, more stable bullet from a longer barrel. I’m not even gonna get into twist rate right now.
62gr is also very good at short to mid-range, and works better out of a shorter barrel than a 55gr will at short range. It’s sort of the compromise weight, and there are some in this class that work better than others.
@Jds556762 knows all about it
77gr is your long-range load. Out of a short barrel it’s going to have problems getting enough speed and therefore energy to expand properly or fragment, but from a 16-20” barrel it works better at delivering to 500y+.
Good basic synopsis?