Barrel length will have a significant impact on velocity, due to the increased time that the pressure is put into accelerating the bullet. Up to a point the longer the barrel the higher the velocity. So a barrel that is 25% longer 5" vs 4" will produce a higher velocity, but not 25%.
Short term problem is that you need be a member of an affiliated club with a range badge or friends with a member who is going.
Long term solution many different clubs hold new member walk through's into the fall before folks say they will wait till January. (Range Badge is for a calendar...