is there a rule on how long the barrel has to be because i really don't like it hanging over the side because i don't want it to get hit? (small or fast gun)whatever you call it
For MWCI its in section 2.E.7 a-b Basically its 5 inches for o-ring cannons which are most common. There is no min length. However as they get shorter you lose muzzle velocity and accuracy.
That's 5 inches maximum; it can be shorter. I had a couple of 3" barrels on the sidemounts of my I-boat.