What length should make my 22 LR barrel?

[Runningman]

Hello, I have a bolt action Ruger VBZ stainless lamented stock 22 LR 24" barrel. I've decided I want this gun shorter than it is. This one actually shoots real well and I want to keep it. So I'm trying to decided on a length between 18" - 22". Give me you opinion on what length I should have the barrel cut down to.

 

[Bearhands]

leave it alone....... why screw with something that shoots

real well and I want to keep it.

I don't understand...

 

[Auburn1992]

I wouldn't shorten it one bit if it shoots fine.

 

[Black Dime]

22lr burns up in 16". Read a few articles recently stating that a loss of velocity occurs after 16" or less than 16".

 

[JWF III]

As easy as Ruger's .22lr barrels are to change, if you really want it shorter, I'd buy a cheaper aftermarket that is already the length you want it.

As black dime said, the .22lr is effectively burnt out at 16". But if your using iron sights, the longer sight radius (longer barrel) will make it more accurate.

But I wouldn't cut the stock barrel if it shoots that good.

Wyman

 

[Daizee]

I cut my barrel back to 20.5" from 24". Velocity went UP a solid 50fps with CCI Velocitors (40gr). Your mileage WILL vary depending on the ammo you feed it. Some tops out early, others later.

I wanted more maneuverability in the woods since this was to be a small game rifle. I was sorry to lose the sight radius, but gained velocity and convenience.

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=215062


-Daizee

 

[rangerruck]

the legal limit is 16 inches; this is also the max lenght you need for a hi or hyper velocity 22 lr round, it won't gain any speed after this length.
Let the bbl tell you the correct length. Have it slugged by a very competent gunsmith, and find the tightest spot you can find within the bbl, starting from 16 inches in length.
Then , when you find that tightest spot, cut and crown right there.

 

[Runningman]

I should mention this rifle model does not have iron sights on it. I have a 4-12X scope on it. I use this rifle for ground squirrels and grouse hunting so the shorter length would be more handy many times. Found this article from Lilja kind of interesting reguarding barrel length and rigidity. http://www.riflebarrels.com/articles/barrel_making/rigidity_benchrest_rifles.htm

 

[NCsmitty]

I've read articles that mentioned the optimum length for regular hi-velocity 22 LR is between 19-20".
As mentioned, a cut and recrown may be as expensive as an after market barrel.

NCsmitty

 

[280shooter]

A Gun writer, did just that

gun writer wanted to know what the optimum length would be for 22, he started with a 24 in barrel. he would cut 1 in,at a time and crono,each in, he found with all the dif ammo he tried. 15 in. was the optium length,
this was either Guns and Ammo or shooting time,

 

[woof]

Isn't that a heavy barrel? Not sure I see the logic of a heavy barrel being cut down. I agree that shorter barrels are better, I have CZ 452s in 16.5 and 22 inch barrels and much prefer the 16.5. Consider selling it and buying another rifle with short barrel like the CZ, ro something to cut down.