[Tenspot]

We all seem to know and agree that 16-17" barrels generate max 22lr speed. Generally though, what is most peoples experience with 22lr barrel length and accuracy. I am putting together my 2nd 10/22 and am searching, trying to decide, what barrel length to go with. My goal is absolute accuracy.

I see that 20" seems to be the average max, with a few going up to 21-22". Lilja goes long, but shilen only goes to 18"!?!? I also see that GM has a 20" with a 1:9 twist, what does this do for normal target velocity 22lr?

All replies appreciated, want to be a sponge on this info right now, thanks.

 

[bigdaddytacp]

I have a 20in barrel on my 10-22 for the looks and balance with the thumbhole stock.....I have other bolt guns with 22 and 24 inch barrels on these sporters.......all have scopes and I can't tell a bit of difference in the accuracy for the length of barrel....but it does make the gun easier to hold and thus shoots more accurately if it balances better in the off hand position just as the stock can help and make it easier to be accurate if it fits your build and hold.......the longer barrels are quiter for the shooter .....I have had some old target guns with barrels as long as 28inchs but these were for competition without scopes and the long barrel gave a long sight radius for those precise sight setups used on these guns........but I have shot better smaller groups with my 20in scoped gun that with those old 28bl iron sight guns......but I don't think the barrel length is the reason...again I would go for the "look" and mainly the balance that you want for the gun and its intended use.......and then get the best quality barrel you can afford......My 20in Clark cleans with just a patch and is super smooth when you run the patch thru it.......good luck and good shooting!!!

 

[marksman1022]

Lets see if I can try to answer anything youve asked with out being confusing.I believe there is no proven accuracy advantage to longer barrels on a 22lr,except when using sights due to the longer sight radius.The shorter barrels shoot a bit flatter due to the increased velocity.Some people believe the longer barrels hold accuracy at longer ranges better because of the lower velocities,but even as this theory makes sense I have never actually seen it proven.I have 22lr's in 16 1/4",18",20"21",22"and 24" and believe that barrel quality,ammo,optics,trigger,shooter etc.etc. not length is the factor in which shoots best.As far as deciding on barrel length I let the intent of the particular gun decide;If its only use is bench rest I like a heavy barrel(longer),if I am to shoot it for offhand precision I prefer an 18-20"barrel,but if im going to be out walking and hunting I like the 16".In a BR gun (or ultimate accuracy as you worded it) I feel the added weight will help you shoot the gun more accurate by "settling" the gun in the bags and riding the bags better, but have seen some mighty fine targets shot with shorter barrels.Sorry this is so long but I think there will be as many different opinions as people to this topic.

 

[1073]

1-9 twist is for the 60grn bullet. Acurracy is not good 1 1/2 at 50 if lucky. ammo bites it.

 

[spam4einstein]

Just a question, with a fairly lightly built alum reciever like those on a 10/22, wouldnt the weight of a floated barrel cause the reciever to flex a bit, compromising accuracy a tiny bit. If this is happening, then wouldnt a shorter barrel put less stress on reciever and therefore be more accurate? certainly if this is the case, then it would be worse with a reciever mounted scope? mabey only a issue with a reciever scope. any thoughts on this one?

 

[698]

It's a function of weight, balance, and...

of course, aesthetics. Some 10/22 stocks need a 20" barrel to "look good." With my Hogue stocks, the 20" barrel makes the rifle look more balanced. That's why I put a VQ stabilizer (what some may refer to as a "muzzle break" ) on the end of my 18" barrel.

Also, for offhand shooting, I prefer a rifle to be a little muzzle-heavy. It tends to be more stable.

 

[stratcat]

Re: It's a function of weight, balance, and...

(what some may refer to as a "muzzle break" )

I thought last night we established that it is a "muzzle brake"?

 

[Tenspot]

Joe,

How do you like that VQ compensator?????

I am thinking of trying one out, or building my own. Either way I would like some opinions......

 

[stratcat]

Tenspot,

I like the one I have on my rifle. I don't know how effective it is, I've never had it off and shot it.

 

[698]

Strat

just having some more fun!

Tenspot

To answer your question, I've fired mine both with and without. I really didn't measure the difference, but it seems to be a little more stable. I believe the VQ attachment acts more to reduce any bullet upset as it leaves the muzzle than it does to counter the effect of recoil as would a true muzzle "brake" (like VQs integral compensator which is available on many of their barrels).

Like I said, I put mine on for purely cosmetic/aesthetic purposes because I didn't like the stubby look of the 18" barrel.

 

[050]

That's curious.

My impression was exactly opposite. I could detect a bit of taming on the recoil but so far, nothing quantifiable on accuracy.. (20" barrel)

Hmmmmm..

Ron

 

[050]

I had one and couldn't tell any difference in group size, so I sold it. I didn't like the looks of it clamped on the end of the barrel. Purist I guess. I'da put up with the looks if it did anything....JL

 

[winnall]

winnall

We all seem to know and agree that 16-17" barrels generate max 22lr speed. Generally though, what is most peoples experience with 22lr barrel length and accuracy. I am putting together my 2nd 10/22 and am searching, trying to decide, what barrel length to go with. My goal is absolute accuracy.

I see that 20" seems to be the average max, with a few going up to 21-22". Lilja goes long, but shilen only goes to 18"!?!? I also see that GM has a 20" with a 1:9 twist, what does this do for normal target velocity 22lr?

All replies appreciated, want to be a sponge on this info right now, thanks.

I think everyone is looking for the perfect 10/22. All the barrels shoot pretty much the same. I've used a midway fluted that could keep up with my shillen barrel. There is too much choice out there. Find a barrel in your price range, give it a target chamber, good crown and try lots of different brands of ammo to find one that suits. then you can look at stocks, triggers and all the other bits that make up the gun trade. But most of all when you have finished your gun, enjoy your shooting!!!!
Good luck
Philip Winnall

 

[nemohunter]

if you are going for absolute accuracy i would think botu gettint that barrel threaded into your reciever. accuracy is all prettymuch equal within a manf. if i was doing it i'd buy a Lilja and an MOA reciever to start with a Kidd or VQ bolt.

 

[knzn]

Maybe checking in and reading up at the Bench Rest forum here at RFC, and over at http://www.benchrest.com/forums/ will turn up a trend. Maybe there is a place to find what all the winners are shooting in terms of barrel lenghts and brands.