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  #1  
Old 09-24-2018, 9:15 AM
Starslinger Starslinger is offline
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Default What effect if I cut off four inches of barrel length?

There are a couple of rifles that I am looking at for my next purchase. They have 20 inch barrels. I'd prefer that they had 16 inch barrels to make them a bit more maneuverable and easier to pack around. Generally, what is the effect and cost of having a gunsmith cut off 3.5 to 4 inches of barrel length from a rifle? One of the rifles is .223 and the other is 22 magnum. Thanks for any information!
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Old 09-24-2018, 9:37 AM
SarcoBlaster SarcoBlaster is offline
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Loss of velocity.

Cost would vary depending on who does the work, I'd imagine.
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Old 09-24-2018, 9:42 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Starslinger View Post
There are a couple of rifles that I am looking at for my next purchase. They have 20 inch barrels. I'd prefer that they had 16 inch barrels to make them a bit more maneuverable and easier to pack around. Generally, what is the effect and cost of having a gunsmith cut off 3.5 to 4 inches of barrel length from a rifle? One of the rifles is .223 and the other is 22 magnum. Thanks for any information!
You lose velocity, which will not matter if you are only shooting 200yds and closer with the 223 or 50yds and closer with the 22 magnum.

The cost depends on what type of rifle.
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Old 09-24-2018, 9:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SarcoBlaster View Post
Loss of velocity.

Cost would vary depending on who does the work, I'd imagine.


This


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Old 09-24-2018, 9:48 AM
CinnamonBear723 CinnamonBear723 is offline
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For some guys cutting off four inches would leave them with nothing.......
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Old 09-24-2018, 9:52 AM
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For some guys cutting off four inches would leave them with nothing.......
And for others it would leave them with 26".
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Old 09-24-2018, 9:54 AM
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Is that like being 'over-circumcised' I wonder?
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Old 09-24-2018, 10:02 AM
P5Ret P5Ret is offline
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You might want to expand your horizon a bit. There are plenty of good rifle's that come from the factory with 16" barrels. No need to cut one down.
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Old 09-24-2018, 10:06 AM
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Personally I also like the shorter more maneuverable barrel.

And if you do cut them down I wouldn't be concerned about the loss of velocity but I would be concerned with their loss of value at resale, if you ever need to sell them.

Is also the possibility of cutting the barrels affecting their accuracy if it is not done correctly.
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Old 09-24-2018, 10:07 AM
ChuckDizzle ChuckDizzle is offline
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For most .223 loads consider an 18.5" barrel length, it's close to the max velocity provided by a 20" and is a good compromise.

Shorter than that and it starts losing about 100 fps per inch.

As far as .22 winmag I'm not sure, I researched .17 HMR because I bought one, and 19-20 inches seemed to be the top length, but I went with a 24" for the iron sight radius and have had higher velocities with CCI A17 and Remington Premium Rimfire Magnum than my friend does in his 20" barrel. Other loads he is actually slightly faster.
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Old 09-24-2018, 10:59 AM
1911man 1911man is offline
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My 6.5 CM losses about 150-200 fps. Cut from a 27” down to a 16” barrel. With 120 gr. Bullets.
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Old 09-24-2018, 3:37 PM
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I would assume velocity.
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  #13  
Old 09-24-2018, 5:19 PM
Starslinger Starslinger is offline
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Okay, thanks folks!
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Old 09-24-2018, 8:42 PM
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Dont forget about twist rate.
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Old 09-24-2018, 11:03 PM
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For the 223 why not just buy another shorter barrel, they're not that expensive?
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Old 09-24-2018, 11:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Starslinger View Post
Generally, what is the effect and cost of having a gunsmith cut off 3.5 to 4 inches
I dont know but if you are married she wont be happy...
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  #17  
Old 09-25-2018, 2:17 AM
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For real test results, go here:
.223: http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/223rifle.html
.22 Mag: http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/22mag.html
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  #18  
Old 09-25-2018, 4:03 AM
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You will find no differences in maneuverability minus 4" unless you're traversing thick jungle.
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Old 09-25-2018, 7:06 AM
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Here you go OP -- check out the following article where they cut a barrel down from 26" to 6" and provide data:
https://rifleshooter.com/2015/12/223...s-to-6-inches/
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Old 09-25-2018, 8:26 AM
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http://ballisticsbytheinch.com/
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Old 09-25-2018, 8:47 AM
Starslinger Starslinger is offline
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Thank you for the links y'all.
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  #22  
Old 09-25-2018, 8:49 AM
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As long as its cut down properly. There's a reason match barrels are crowned. The last thing the bullet touches is the tip of the barrel. A burr at the muzzle would send accuracy to crap. And why cleaning a barrel from the muzzle end should always be done carefully if it can't be avoided.
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Old 09-25-2018, 10:01 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alpha_romeo_XV View Post
As long as its cut down properly. There's a reason match barrels are crowned. The last thing the bullet touches is the tip of the barrel. A burr at the muzzle would send accuracy to crap. And why cleaning a barrel from the muzzle end should always be done carefully if it can't be avoided.
Maybe less than you think...

https://rifleshooter.com/2018/03/do-...fect-accuracy/
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Old 09-25-2018, 10:46 AM
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Sell old barrel and buy new. Dont try and make something into what it isn't.
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Old 09-25-2018, 1:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy's View Post
You will find no differences in maneuverability minus 4" unless you're traversing thick jungle.
Or mounting and dismounting vehicles, esp. tanks.

Shorter = handier, no argument.
Longer = superior ballistics and open sight accuracy, no credible argument.

Everything is a trade off.
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  #26  
Old 09-25-2018, 2:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy's View Post
You will find no differences in maneuverability minus 4" unless you're traversing thick jungle.
I am partial to rifles no longer than 41", with 38" being "perfect" for me. This isn't for maneuvering through "jungle". It is just helps general handling and balance, for shooting from my favorite position; standing.

That said, I can't help frowning on the crowd that cut AR barrels to 14.5", and then permanently attach a flash hider to meet the minimum legal barrel length. This seems like style over substance, unless actual CQB is involved.

Then again, as long as it is safe and legal, why should you and I care what someone else wants to do to their rifle; or why? Advising them on technical factors, such as the potential for a "rifle length" gas system on a 20" AR not working reliably, after the barrel is cut to 16" is all the help that should be offered.
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