Barrel Length

[EdKin]

I am thinking about a new barrel for my Savage 204 it currently have a 26" heavy sporter contour on it. The barrel shoots great and the overall weight is not an issue but with the 26" length it just feels tip heavy and is just too long in tight quarters. I would have this one cut and recrowned but it is fluted. My question is how short to go 22" or 20" it will be the same contour. I'm not really concerned about a little loss of velocity as most of my shots are under 200 with an occasional groundhog out to 300. The barrel is going to be a Criterion from NSS.

[1jonzmith]

Good brand!

[JackinSD]

I'd go 22". You can always make it shorter. It's a bit more difficult to make it longer. ;D

And yes on the Criterion barrel.

[davemuzz]

I had a .17 Fireball barrel that I cut off 4". It's now 19" in length. It has lost some velocity....but the fox and the groundhogs here in Pa. end up just as dead.

I'd go the shorter length if you want. The critters you hit will flop over just the same.

DAve

[EdKin]

I'd go 22". You can always make it shorter. It's a bit more difficult to make it longer. ;D

That is what I'm thinking I can always have it cut down and recrowned if needed.

[catfish]

I have been wanting to get a 222 in a heavy sporter barrel 28" long, mainly to quiet it down. For you guys that have cut your barrels, how much louder have they gotten?

[davemuzz]

I honestly can't tell you that the .17 Fireball has gotton louder since I've had the additional 4" whacked off. But remember.....it's only a .17 cal.

Dave

[catfish]

Ya. i was at the range years ago with my 22-250 24 VSSF and there was a guy shooting a 16" 223 with a flash suppressor and that thing was terrible, the owner sat it the very next bench and muzzle blasted me until i moved. Im hoping a 28" 222 will be about as bad as a 22 wmr with a 20-21" barrel