30-30 handi

[CPHILL]

 I am new to the  forum but I have owned one handi in 280 it was a nice hunting rifle. I have seen pics of some short barrel 30-30 and they look great. Iwould just like to know how much speed is lost if you cut the barrel to 18 or 20 in. I think it would make a great brush gun          thanks

[trotterlg]

In high velocity guns the rule of thumb is something less than 50 fps per inch.  The 30-30 will probably be less than that, if you are shooting in the brush it just won't matter how fast the bullet it going at 100 yards because you will never shoot that far.  Larry

[CPHILL]

 Thanks for the info . It looks like it would be the most handy,handi-rifle in a great caliber.thank you

[Slufoot]

  Iwould just like to know how much speed is lost if you cut the barrel to 18 or 20 in.

Hello CPHILL, the majority of 30-30's, Marlins & Winchesters have 20" barrels and there is no question as to their effectiveness as hunting tools.

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

[Rustyinfla]

  If you go over to leverguns.com and look through the back pages or just do a search I believe that question has come up over there. Some people like to take a 20" .30-30 and cut it down to 16" to make it a Trapper version.

 I did one myself years ago. It shot just as good as ever although it was a little louder. I can't say as to velocity loss as I didn't have a chrony at the time.

[petemi]

I just did some measuring on a 22 inch Handi and a 19.5 inch Marlin 336.  With the hammers down measuring from muzzle to hammer the Marlin measured 26 inches and the Handi 23.5.  Subtracting the 2.5 inch difference makes the Handi equal to a 17 inch Marlin.  So the 22 inch Handi is already an excellent brush gun.

Pete