Tikka T3 Tactical .308, 20" or 24" ???

[eric.cartman]

This is the rifle I want: http://www.impactguns.com/store/082442814032.html

Should I get it in 20" barrel, or 24" barrel?

What's the advantage of longer/shorter barrel for .308 Win ?

Thanks!

 

[Z_Infidel]

The 24" barrel will give you somewhat higher velocity than the 20". It will also provide a little more weight, which may help dampen recoil a little. Of course, the 20" version will be handier to carry.

You should also look at their Varmint version, which is very similar but at a lower price point.

 

[steverjo]

24"

I just took delivery of the Tikka T3 Tactical in a 24" barrel. Great rifle. Very accurate. In my opinion, the diff in lengths does not make the shorter barrel any easier to use or carry around, but the longer barrel gives more velocity and better groups. Unless there is some reason you absolutley need the shorter one, go with the 24.

 

[steverjo]

Tikka

Try East County Guns in Elma, WA. Ask for Andy. Good place to shop online, easy to work with. www.Tikkausa.com

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

If you're never going to shoot over 500 yards, then the 24" offers no real advantage in practical terms.

Yeah, more velocity will help fight the wind, flatten the trajectory a bit - but it's not that significant. Key here is, IF you are looking for handiness. If handiness is not a factor and this is going to be a rifle shot off the bench as a range toy, go for the 24" as most published reloading data is based on a 24" barrel. As others have stated, the extra 4" will add a little weight that will add a small bit recoil reduction. That won't be a significant difference either.


In my opinion, need long range shots? Absolutely 24"

Never going to shoot far and want compact rifle? 20"

Won't shoot far, but don't care about compactness? 24"


If that makes any sense. That's how I would judge it.