[CAP]

What are the pros and cons of 22, 24, and 26 inch barrels in a bolt action rifle? I understand the technical side, I'm mainly interested in the practical side - carrying, setting up for shots, differences in shots close and at distances.

Thanks,
CAP

[Art Eatman]

With a scope, there's no difference in "setting up for shots", if I understand you correctly.

For long shots, shorter is slower, for muzzle velocity. So, if you know you'll have to shoot out to 300 or 400 yards, you're probably better off with the longer barrel. For four inches, the difference is easily 200 ft/sec, for something like a .308 It can run to 300 ft/sec for '06 and bigger. (Case efficiency affects the amount of loss.)

My two pet rifles are a 26" '06; and a 19" .243. They are nearly identical as to length of pull and in trigger pull. I've been using them for a tad over 30 years.

Other than weight, I've never had any problems with "handiness" or whatever. The .243 is handier in thick cover or in working from the cab of my truck. Fast to swing on to a moving target, but I've killed more running deer with the '06. To me, it all just makes no never-mind.

Likelihood of bigger deer and/or longer shots, I prefer the '06. CenTex deer and mostly-shorter shots, the .243 is equally good.

IMO, if you're stalking, playing sneaky-snake and your shots are the generality of under 200 yards, a 20" barrel is as good as anything else. A lot of walking, lighter is better.

FWIW, Art

[CAP]

Thanks Art. This is exactly the kind if feedback I'm looking for.
Keep it coming gang.

[MoonMan]

Oh. This is a thread about guns? I thought we were comparing something else.

Sorry; carry on.;)

[Art Eatman]

Inches, MoonMan, not millimeters.

Art

[Dan Morris]

LOL, I've always had better accuracy out of a 24/26" rifle tube.
In the field, have noticed no differnce in the carry. Couple of inches mean better powder burn= better velocity n trajectory.
100yds in a 20vs a 24" can be a mortar at 200!
Dan

[cheygriz]

While I agree with Art, I've always considered 22 inches for non-magnum calibers and 24 inches for magnums a good compromise.