Benefits of 22" bbl for 22LR?

[6530]

OK, I'm on the verge of breaking down and buying a 10/22 for plinking. In particular I'm looking at this one. I think the stainless steel and better quality checkered stock are worth the extra $30 over the standard 10/22.

Just one question: is there any real benefit for the 22" barrel over the 20"?

 

[GlocksRock]

No, the extra length of 22" barrel will actually slow the bullet down. I think anything more than 16-18 inches of barrel on a .22 will slow the bullet down, but it will be more stable in flight. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[pauli]

an extra 2" of sight radius...

 

[Wildalaska]

My 39A Marlin has a 22 incher and shoots three shots touching at 50 years with open sights

WildhawkeyeAlaska

 

[Mylhouse]

The muzzle blast will be quieter. You will probably be able to shoot it comfortably without hearing protection.

 

[Third_Rail]

Though you really should not do that with firearms of any kind, even suppressed.

 

[Master Blaster]

If you plan to customize the 10/22 with a new barrel and stock like many do, then it is a waste of $30.

If you plan to keep it stock, then you get an extra 4" of sight radius, which helps with accuracy. If your going to mount a scope it probably does not matter, except that the stock is a little better than the standard model for a large adult. If you are small statured or plan for a child to shoot it the smaller standard model and stock is better.

I would not worry about the extra barrel length slowing the bullet down, I would like to see some chrono results to back that urban myth up.

Finally if you like to hunt pesky tree rats in an urban /suburban setting, the 22 inch barrel will be very quiet with CB caps, and subsonic ammo, much quieter than the standard barrel.

JMHO YMMV