Handgun vs. Long Gun

Question
About one year back you answered a question about relative damage from a 5.56 rifle compared to a 9mm handgun at close range (25 ft.)  The 5.56 won handily because of the terminal ballistics.  My question is:  Would the result be any different if the the rifle and the handgun both use the same cartridge? (.357 magnum, for example)  Thank you for sharing your expertise.

Answer
No.  As a general rule, the longer the barrel the more muzzle velocity and thus the more energy (often measured in ft/lbs). Your example is not a mere hypothetical. The Winchester 94 Ranger Compact comes chambered in .357 Magnum. It delivers much more energy than that cartridge would in a revolver.

See Jeff Quinn's write-up at http://www.gunblast.com/Winchester-Ranger357.htm