Accuracy of short barrel rifles

[nords]

So for scrub rifles and pigs guns people like short barrel rifles for handling... No long barrels to get caught on bush and the rest.

It's sort of accepted though that accuracy out of these isn't great, 1.5" - 2" or whatever seems pretty normal and people are happy with that.

Is it just not possible/practical to get 3/4 MOA out of a short barrel? 16" or that kind of length?

Anyone who buys a Tikka or Sako I think expects this kind of accuracy, but they don't really do short rifles?

If you took a Sako Hunter or whatever and cut 6-8" off the barrel, would accuracy go out the window because of the shorter barrel?

[Westy]

I've got a 16" barrell on a 300 black in rem 700 and as of yesterday it was shooting .75" @100M .So yer it possible with the right load data and a bit of practise! IMHO

[nords]

That's heavy barrel I guess, Westy?

[Westy]

That's heavy barrel I guess, Westy?

Yes it a heavy Barrell Oldmate LOL Looks like this

[Combat_Wombat]

Went out with a bloke roo shooting with the same rifle in .223 and he was putting didn't miss a shot all night even out to 250m but saying that he's gone out every night for 15 years

[Sakoh]

The "right" barrel length is largely about how much powder has to be burned.

e.g. I think 20" is pretty much accepted as the shortest barrel you can really use on a magnum cartridge. Any shorter and you're just flame-throwing the unburned powder out behind the bullet.

Chopping an inch off an existing barrel that doesn't guarantee a drop in accuracy. It can/will change the harmonics and you might need to adjust your loads, but you should be able to get the same accuracy back from a little change like this. Plenty of people do this when they re-crown a barrel.

I think you'll find lever/scrub gun accuracy (or lack thereof if you're looking at it that way) is a result of them being designed fulfil limited range shooting. If you're shooting pigs in dense bush you might only be 50m - 100m away max. 1.5" groups is more than enough for that.

I'm sure Sako could make a half MOA 16" barrel rifle if they wanted, but that extra time/tools/manufacturing etc. doesn't come for free. Are you gunna buy a $2,000 Sako for half MOA accuracy though when a $900 lever does the same job?

Different tool for a different job, that's all.

[Prios]

Different tool for a different job, that's all.

Yep.

If you want a high precision rifle, don't buy a scrub hunting gun.

[Prios]

Westy's 700 SPS Tactical is a good example.

It's short barrel, but as designed for "urban sniping" where high accuracy is important. In a police/sniping setting you're potentially talking about someone's life.

No such concerns hunting pigs obviously.

[roob]

What if the pigs take your buddy hostage?

[fordj]

If that happens leave it to the professionals.

Call Samuel L. Jackson.

[BBJ]

I'd rather get saved by Michelle Rodriguez

[jennageit]

Hi Guys,

Although I'm still seriously considering the Marlin XT 22 for my first rifle, I've been doing a bit of research. I found this thread because the rifle I'm looking at seems to be a compact. The barrel looks quite short, and i'm wondering if it will affect accuracy for fox shooting and some target shooting. I've been told that the Marlin may not be much good for targets, but I was willing to give it a go anyway.

This evening I found the "Ruger American Rimfire Compact" The stats say its overall length is 35.75 inches, as opposed to 41 inches on the Marlin. The article I'm reading says nothing on the barrel length of the Ruger, but the marlin is 22 inches. Will this greatly affect accuracy?

The price difference is Marlin $345 through Clayton Firearms, but whichever Ruger 22 I choose is $450.

Is the extra $100 worth spending?
Does Ruger have a better reputation than Marlin? Will it do the job I want?

Suggestions please guys.

I'm thinking of spending a maximum of $500 on my first rifle to do fox and rabbit shooting, plus some plinking.

Thanks in advance!

[Gregg]

It's sort of accepted though that accuracy out of these isn't great, 1.5" - 2" or whatever seems pretty normal and people are happy with that.

A pig won't know the difference if you put one through its heart, or an inch to the side

[kurl]

Plenty of accurate short barrel rifles.

Look up groups for any of the 'tactical' rifles like the Remington 700 SPS etc.

[Seconds]

Although I'm still seriously considering the Marlin XT 22 for my first rifle, I've been doing a bit of research. I found this thread because the rifle I'm looking at seems to be a compact. The barrel looks quite short, and i'm wondering if it will affect accuracy for fox shooting and some target shooting.

You're talking about completely different things with a centrefire barrel and a .22 Centrefire has heaps more powder to burn so can need the extra barrel.

The Marlin XT has a 22" barrel which is pretty standard. You won't see any 22LR's with a 30" truck axel on the front, they're not for F-Class

[Supporter]

The barrel looks quite short, and i'm wondering if it will affect accuracy for fox shooting and some target shooting.

Random bit of trivia here but just FYI, I know Anschütz do some of their top target line barrels in 19" and they're as accurate as it gets.

Shorter than your XT barrel.

[jennageit]

Wow, thanks guys for the advice, although now I'm more confused than ever lmao

Here's what I'm going to do.

Next wednesday night the LSBR club have their weekly meet. I'm going to go there (if my back play by the rules) and chat to the guys. I've been promised the opportunity to have a go with some of their club rifles, so maybe I'll find one that will suit my needs. Then, I'll find one to buy, save up my dollars (hopefully under $500) and start there.

Sound like a good idea?

[Prios]

Sounds good.

One thing I'll add though after seeing all your others posts...

I know choosing your first rifle sucks. Takes ages, you go round and round (and round) trying to find the right thing. At some point you've just gotta take the plunge and get one so you can get some hands on experience and actually know what you're talking about instead of reading about it.

I don't have a Marlin, but from all accounts its a good shooting, affordable 22. I know a few of the guys here have one and they say the same. What more can you ask for really?

Get your first rifle and learn. You can always sell and upgrade down the road if you want something else

[jennageit]

Thanks Prios,

That's what I'll end up doing I reckon.

I've already booked my spot for next wednesday night at the LSBR club, and I'm already looking forward to it. I find myself wishing it was happening this weekend.

All I have to do is make sure my back keeps improving so that I can actually go. If it flares up again, I'll end up stuck in bed and have to put it off for another week. Can't have that!!! lol

[Prios]

All the best with your back.

Keep up the meds and maybe add a stiff drink into the mix to stay relaxed?

[Ken]

They say alcohol is the best medicine right

[Hercl]

We do.

"They" don't

[jennageit]

All the best with your back.

Keep up the meds and maybe add a stiff drink into the mix to stay relaxed?

My back was excruciating the other night.

I'd taken my Targin (oxycodone hydrochloride 10mg), Gabapentin (nerve pain tablets 300mg), Endone x 2 (oxycodone hydrocholoride 5mg) Nurofen, and 2 panadol and it was still trying to tie me up in knots. How I was still able to remain upright and carry on any sort of conversation, or at least string two words together, I have no idea lol

I came out of the bedroom to complain to my husband, and he handed me a shot of butterscotch Schnapps. slept beautifully that night, for a whole 6 hours (unheard of since I did my back)!

It's not something I'd ever do again, unless I was in the same situation, but it really did help.

On the bright side, my back seems to be getting better, so there's little chance i wont be able to go shooting.

As for accuracy for short barrelled rifles, you lot have explained it all to me nicely, so now I think (maybe) I understand.

Jenna

[whert]

Endone

I have a friend who' a Midwife. She tells me that's the good stuff

(for patients, she's not taking it)