Cutting SPS Varmint barrel to 20"

[rthook]

Anyone with a SPS Varmint 223 had it cut down to 20" with good results. I'm a lefty so the tactical option is out. Does the shorter barrel allow you free float it with factory stock? Having it done by a local gunsmith so I know his work will be good, just wondering if you have done this would you do it again?

thanks

 

[Al Thompson]

I've known several folks to do that. IMHO, it was so popular that Remington copied it with their LTR. You still get a weight forward balance, but it's much handier. The folks I know that did it used theirs for hunting, particularly from a tree stand. If the crown is cut correctly, you may very well gain some accuracy.

 

[RevolverMan567]

cut my 308 down to 20'' out to a few hundred yards I cant swear it doesn't shoot better due to added stiffness from the short fat tube.

get a good crown when your done and dont look back

 

[rthook]

Thanks for the replies so far guys!!
Any of you have pics of your rig cut down to 20"

 

[TonyAngel]

I'd imagine that for a pic, you could just take a look at the SPS Tactical. It comes stock with a 20" barrel in a Hogue stock. Really, depending on whether you have a smith that you can trust to do the work right and what they are going to charge you, you may be better off just getting your action rebarreled. I know that I just bought a 20" LTR pull off barrel for $100. I didn't need it. I just couldn't pass it up. Now I have to find an action for it.

 

[Maverick223]

How far do you plan to shoot with it? That is a big determining factor that needs consideration. If you don't plan to stretch it too far, 20in. would be fine, but if you want to shoot past about 500yds or so I'd keep that marvelous 26in. bbl for the added velocity. It is probably not a bad idea considering that you are stuck with 60-65gr. bullets anyway. BTW 20in. is as short as I would personally choose to go with a .223Rem., as it will make for a handier package.

 

[wgp]

I had a .308 Sendero barrel cut to 20" and professionally re-crowned. Rifle is more accurate now than before and while still heavy, carries better. I see "tactical" rifles for $2500 or more that are essentially the same thing I've got for a lot less.

 

[Al Thompson]

Hate to disagree with TonyAngel (actually a first), but the cutting and re-crowning should be 50 to 75 bucks and a crown professionally done has an excellent chance of being better than factory.

 

[Maverick223]

Al, I get a similar price here in NC, though I know some smiths charge ridiculous prices for "routine work". IIRC the local smith charges $60.00USD for a cut and crown. IMO it is best to seek an aftermarket (read: better) bbl if you plan on doing a swap. Krieger usually gets my business, but most any barrel by a reputable maker is better than a factory...well a factory anything.