Fry wrote:Other factors like barrel harmonics play a part too I guess.
It's not just about getting the bullet out of the barrel asap.
I know the Anschütz 1416D 22LR has a 22" barrel and they shoot greeeeat. I don't think anyone will say Anschütz don't know what they're doing.
Just ask the guys here that have em.
There is nothing wrong with a 22" barrel on a .22LR but perhaps they are accurate DESPITE the fact they have a long barrel. The stiffer the barrel the better and the shorter a barrel is for a given diameter the stiffer it is. Harmonics(wobbly barrels) are a plague not a blessing.
The only advantages a barrel longer than 16.5" has is an improved sight radius for iron sights and cosmetic appeal to the consumer (and perhaps a bit of extra meat to trim back the crown a couple of times) I would be happy to stand corrected.