barrel length / accuracy

[Forestclimber]

If I cut down a 50 caliber barrel (from 32 to 28 or 26 inches) and recrowned it, would the accuracy be affected?

[Semisane]

Not really.  Barrel length is not a determinate of accuracy (other than a longer barrel provides a longer sight radius). 

A 26" barrel has the same potential accuracy as a 36" barrel, given equal quality barrels with good crowns.  The longer barrel may have potential to shoot higher velocity loads.  But that is seldom an issue with traditional guns because good accurate hunting loads usually fall in the 80 to 95 grain range, which will give you a full burn in a 26" barrel.

[keith44]

other than sight radius, some (SOME special ) barrels are slightly tapered internally for accuracy, some are slightly "choked" (for lack of a better word)  The tapered ones are tighter at the muzzle than the breech.  They are usually made for skirted bullets that obturate to better fill the grooves.  (Like the Minnie ball projectile)  High grade .22 LR target barrels are also made like this.  The "choked" barrels are also used (in smaller diameters) in higher grade pellet target rifles.

If you are thinking of cutting off a $1,xxx.xx barrel, cut the breech end and re-breech it.  Otherwise no worries.

[yellowtail3]

If I cut down a 50 caliber barrel (from 32 to 28 or 26 inches) and recrowned it, would the accuracy be affected?

Did you shorten the barrel, and... was accuracy changed?

[Forestclimber]

I did not shorten the barrel, so I do not know if the accuracy would be changed.

[tacklebury]

I shoot a 22" barreled non traditional and it's rated to 200 yards, although I don't extend past 100 typically.  Modern ballistics has shown that out to 200 yards as your powder is getting burnt within the barrel completely prior to exit, it should perform fine.  If you are using really heavy loads of black powder, the extra barrel length is good.