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Blimey, that's a can of worms ain't it?

Not meaning to offend anyone, I was merely asking if shortening a barrel had increased accuracy for anybody.

As for my concern with shortening barrels, I was just thinking the overall length must be getting close to the legal requirement. Like someone else said recently, just cos an RFD has/would be willing to do it, don't make it legal.

It would appear for .22lr that 16" of barrel is optimal, but I don't think I'm taking a hacksaw to the mod54 any time soon. While I agree that shorter isn't always better, especially for precision target work. But, for plinking I'd assume that the 'match barrel' option for most tacti-cool rifles wouldn't have much point, especially when shooting standing, all that weight out front can't be great can it?

I was just interested in people's experiences and thoughts about whether shortening any barrels had closed up anyone's groupings.

Personally I can't imagine that condition ever being true, irrespective of certain theories.

jazzyj wrote:I was merely asking if shortening a barrel had increased accuracy for anybody.

HALODIN wrote:Personally I can't imagine that condition ever being true, irrespective of certain theories.

jazzyj wrote:I was merely asking if shortening a barrel had increased accuracy for anybody.

I can. If there was damage to the barrel causing inaccuracy and the cheapest solution was chop and recrown the barrel below the section causing the problem.

A short barrel isn't going to be any less accurate that a longer barrel. However, the lower velocity, lower weight, short sight radius (for irons), increased muzzle blast and perceived recoil isn't going to do the shooter any favours in that area.

I am looking for a nice .223 carbine and while doing some research came across this article which made sense to me.
http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/

I've been told that shortening the barrel can improve harmonics but I guess ammo type calibre etc all come into play, even barrel diameter.

I just fancy a <20 barrel and as I mostly shoot at 100 yd I guess it wouldn't matter.

Elmer Keith used to "bust rocks" with a heavy load in his .44 Spl SAA (Peacemaker) revolver with a 5.5" barrel, out to 500 yards.

There may be the perception that a short barrel is less accurate because errors in sight alignment are magnified the further from the muzzle you go. Stay within the capability of the cartridge and it will only be your skill that does not allow you to match it's full potential.

Sim G wrote:Stay within the capability of the cartridge and it will only be your skill that does not allow you to match it's full potential.

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