14 replies to this topic

[joel1316]

I'm thinking of buying a rifle chambered for the 223rem with a 16" barrel. How much accuracy would I be sacrificing with such a short barrel? What other disadvantage does a 16" barrel bring?

[drewh]

At that barrel length you would probably find a 221 fireball more efficient, and would likely get comparable velocities. It is also likely to be quite loud.Drew

[capitol]

I always thought barrel length when at least 16" does not affect accuracy only velocity. I've also read a 16" barrel will sometimes be more accurate then say a 20" barrel because its more rigid and shows less flex when fired.Im sure ShooterJohn will comment soon.

[Frank]

I believe 18" is the shortest legally allowed on a rifle barrel?! About the only thing you are likely to lose is velocity.... perhaps around 150 fps in a 223 between an 18" - 22" barrel. I've recorded as much as 140 fps loss on high intensity/velocity calibers with the barrel just 2" shorter, but that is not the norm with many, if not most calibers. That was on a 257 WBY mag.I've shot 20" 223's that were extremely accurate, so semi doubt much, if any loss in the accuracy dept?!Good LuckFrank

[hawk eye]

look into DPMS their 16' ar 10 model will do sub moa so it'll probably do the same or better in 223

[joel1316]

I'm thinking about this Ruger which has a 16.5 inch barrel and weighs in under 6 pounds.I'm basically looking for a light rifle that can I walk with comfortably for a long time. All my "varmint" rifles are really "bench type" guns that weigh a ton! I'm also thinking of a single shot falling block, which should be accurate, light and a longer barrel should be less clumsy due to the shorter action. The longest I'd probably feel comfortable reaching is about 200 yards for dogs.

[capitol]

I'm thinking about this Ruger which has a 16.5 inch barrel and weighs in under 6 pounds.I'm basically looking for a light rifle that can I walk with comfortably for a long time. All my "varmint" rifles are really "bench type" guns that weigh a ton! I'm also thinking of a single shot falling block, which should be accurate, light and a longer barrel should be less clumsy due to the shorter action. The longest I'd probably feel comfortable reaching is about 200 yards for dogs.

I know Mr Mister doesn't speak kindly about Ruger rifles I owned but sold a Rem 700 LVSF 223 and it was a light, varmint, stainless gun with a fluted barrel No really...It's one of those guns that I wish I didn't sell. Accurate and light, but not a praire dog gun because of the thin barrel. Its a perfect dog gun though.

[joel1316]

Steve,You'd hate looking into my gun safe then Its full of boat anchors

[ShooterJohn]

Joel, why do you have a safe full of boat anchors? I keep mine in the boats.

[joel1316]

My boat anchors hate the water

[ShooterJohn]

My boat anchors hate the water

I bet they do!

[Shoot-it]

Well I killed a buck with my boat anchor it works fine for me.It was one of those 270 anchor types....

[A17Shooter]

joel1316,Seems like only one thing left to say. Why don't you get a TC carbine? You could have a gun that weighs about five lbs with a 16.5" barrel and many calibers between 17 Mach II and 45-70.Just a thought,A17Shooter

[joel1316]

I've considered a Thompson, but there is just something I don't like about how you have to break open the action to load??? Its a personal thing I guess

[ShooterJohn]

I've considered a Thompson, but there is just something I don't like about how you have to break open the action to load???

That can be a pain when shooting from a bench. I mean you can get used to it but it isn't conducive to bench rest quality shooting as you're constantly having to adjust the gun.