Contender carbine barrel lenght ?

[Maine Woods]

I am about to set up my first carbine in 223. use will be primarlly coyotes and informal target shooting " just for fun " my question is 16"  or 21" I tend to like the bull barrels. What say you folks ? Thanks in advance  John.

[Catfish]

I don`t have data for the 16 and 21 in. barrels, but I do have it for a 14 in. and a 20 in. barrel. With the same load of imr-4198 powder the 20 in barrel will push the bullet 400 fps. faster. In the 14 in. barrel you`ll get about 2,800 fps. and in the 20 in. barrel you`ll get 3,200 fps. You can make up your own mind if the extra velosity is worth the extra weight.

[LabsnGoldens]

I think the 21" barrel gives a better balanced and better feeling rifle. The 16" might be a little quicker handling in a snap shot situation. Just one ole dawgs opinion.

Regards, LabsnGoldens

[Bullseye]

I am currently finishing the stock for a conteder carbine that I have a 223 barrel for.  I bought the new 23" G2 barrel.  It depends what length you think is the best to handle.  I went 23" because I think they are too short and do not handle as well with the 21" barrel, but that is just my opinion.  I have a Winchester Trapper with a 16" barrel that I think is a little short and the 21" barrel gives you the same overall length as that gun, so I went 23".  The 23" barrel is a full bull.  Hope to have my stock done in the next week and try this thing out.

[KN]

I second the 23" G2 barrel. I like the bull barrel and if you feel it's too long you can shorten it to any length you want. I personally have a 20" on a gun for my daughter and it feels perfect to me.   KN

[coopershooter]

I TEND TO LIKE THE 21 OR LONGER BARRELS, I HAVE ONE IN 17REM,22K-HORNET, BOTH TAPERED. AND ONE IN .357 A BULL BARREL. EVEN WITH THE WEIGHT OF THE BULL BARREL, I LIKE THE WAY THE GUN BALANCES. I HAVE A FEW SIXTEEN INCH BARRELS AND FIND THEM TO WAVE AROUND IN THE AIR, WHEN HOLDING FOR A SHOT.
   MOST GUYS WILL AGREE THAT THE SHORT BARRELS ARE ACCURATE FROM THE BENCH, BUT NOT AS EASY TO HIT WITH WHILE SHOOTING OFFHAND.
 BUT AS WITH ANYTHING ELSE,IT,S ALL A COMPROMISE.
   GOOD LUCK
   BOBBY OLSON

[contender hunter]

I'm in the same position I'm putting together a 7-30 waters carbine and not sure what length bbl. to go with and tapered or bull --bobby you mentioned that you have a 21'' tapered and a bull could you say how they compare in weight can you tell the bull is heavier - and one other thing that I DON'T want is does the bull bbl. seem to be front heavy when bringing it up to your shoulder- meaning does the barrel  weight tend to fall forward if you no what I mean

[coopershooter]

My hunting buddy, has two 14 inch barrels with two inch barrel extentions on them one in 30-30, one in 7-30. like i said before they shoot great off the bench, but get lost in off hand!  yes the heavy barrel hangs, and yes you  feel the weight. and they balance great.  but! when you shoot at longer ranges, even with an improvised rest, tree, stump, or over your coat or pack, it,s alot more steady to hold the crosshairs on target.
  i,m gussing that my carbine weighs six lbs. i,m not a big guy! 5ft 8in tall and 150lbs. and i can tote this gun all day! i think it,s easy to take light weight rifles way too far. it would be easy to make a contender very light! but even if you keep the balance. the lack of weight starts to become a disadvantage.
  i put together a ultra light 10-22 ruger for my son. i,m guessing around 3.5 lbs. he loves it, but for me its hard to use under field conditions.
  i,m sure it,s diffrent for everyone. thats just my oppinion.
 Bobby Olson

[doc-and]

Well guys, I'm going to be different.  My Contender is set-up with a Super 16 barrel in 223 with a 4x Leupold scope.  The whole rig is just a tad over 30inches in length and weighs nothing.  It's a dream to carry and handling is fast for those suprise shoots.  I also own a 24inch Encore 223 set-up which is ok, but for any hiking I'll grab my Contender!

doc-and

[rifleman]

I'm with cknight98 and doc-and in that I love my 223 carbine with a Super 16 barrel. So easy to handle, light, fast and very steady. My confidence in that rig is so high, I believe that i'll not miss anything I aim at. I'd like to get a 17HMR 16" barrel next for fox.

Dave

[coyote 2]

I also have to agree on the short barrel. Mine is a full bull (1") x 20" long. I think you loose the qualities of the carbine when you go to long barrels. This barrel is a Bullberry barrel (four months to build). Although in purchasing a 17HMR barrel I am really looking at G2 bull 23". Just because of the cost and the time frame in receiving it. Also remember this guys - if you go for the longer barrel - and do not like it - have it shorten - new crown - and your back in business.     :lol: