How short can it be?

[Hodr]

I have a 1992 (NG) handi rifle in .223 heavy barrel, 22" muzzle to breach.  This is accurate way beyond the distance I can see without a scope.  I want to cut it down to a shorter barrel without losing accuracy out to 200 yds.  It is either cut it, trade it for lighter barrel, or quit walking around the country with it.  I figure someone else has already chopped one sometime to cut weight and can help me on accuracy with a shorter barrel.  I would really rather cut it if I can, it has always been a relly accurate gun.
All advice appreciated
 
Hodr

[quickdtoo]

16" minimum barrel length for rifles, 26" minimum overall length.

Tim

[PowPow]

Cutting it is irreversible, with no guarantee that you retain accuracy.
You may create something that has no value.
Trading offers the possibilty of trading later.
Selling it for cash offers the widest range of possibilities.

[gendoc]

i did one to 17" for my kiyot getter, i usually can get them in less than 100yrds wif my call'n
before and after accuracy had very little change. but, i handload...and can make a cow pattie into a cheese cake
 
you said 200yrds... i think mine would not be off too much other than the basic trajectory
drop. i'll have to check it that far hmmmmm !!! anuther reason to play

[S.E.Ak]

It seldom makes one less accurate. You will lose some FPS but the barrel will be more rigid with less whip/vibration.

[bikerbeans]

I am glad this post is about guns.  From the subject line I was afraid it was a question for Dr. Laura.
 
BB

[PowPow]

i did one to 17" for my kiyot getter, i usually can get them in less than 100yrds wif my call'n
before and after accuracy had very little change. but, i handload...and can make a cow pattie into a cheese cake

Note to self: don't eat the cheese cake at Gendoc's house.

[Dinny]

I say cut it! Just make sure you get a good crown cut on it afterwards, that will make more of an accuracy difference than the actual length.




Thanks, Dinny

[yukondog]

If you want to cut it I say go for it, I think I would cut long just in case you need to cut again.

[pruhdlr]

I say.....the length of a bbl has no effect on ACCURACY. I have several Handi's now and they ALL have been chopped. They all have a 18"bbl and the LOP has been reduced to 13.25 inches.
These are what I(currently) have :
45-70
444Marlin
223Rem
500S&W Mag
10ga w/scope
12ga


When the bbl is chopped the CG is where it is supposed to be,just fwd of the trigger guard. --- SAWMAN

[dave29]

Join the club and cut it at 16.5". 

[rockshooter]

I cut mine to 16.25, shortened stock to 12.5' pull. No accuracy loss but it is a loud little guy. I like it in the winter with a coat hunting rabbits- carry it muzzle down and it doesn't drop in the snow when I kneel.
Loren

[S.E.Ak]

Cut my 45/70 to 16.25 also and then mounted a 1X T/C scope insted of sights.My first scoped rifle

[Hodr]

I already have a handi 45-70 with an 18" barrel.  I put in for cow elk tag rather than bull because I almost always get drawn.  Last year I set up near a cattle tank and had a bull and four cows come by on the trail less than 20' away.  Third cow was oversized and recieved a 405 grain Buffalo Bore at about 25 feet.  Not  a bang flop, bullet went all the way through, but less than 70 yds away when she fell.  My short 45-70 has not seemed to suffer from the shorter barrel and lighter weight.  I cut the stock also.  Hence my desire to shave weight on the 223, probably to 17" for up to a max of 200 yds.  50 to 125 yds would be more realistic for varmint with my eyes.
Thanks for the advice,
 
Hodr

[geezerbiker]

I don't see why it wouldn't work.  The guys with contender pistols shoot .223 out of 10 to 14" barrels. So long as you tailor your rounds to the rifle and use a powder that's all burnt up before 15 or 16", it should be fine. 

Factory rounds would put out a hell of muzzle blast out of a tube that short...

Tony

[gendoc]

Note to self: don't eat the cheese cake at Gendoc's house.

awhail........ i cud jus put some them homegrown blueberries and patti mushrooms or her an
you'd neva know tha difference than store-bought
 
well, since we talk'n chop jobs, i got plenty them thangs. prolly one in ever size hole.
an all of'um shoot gud. ifin they did'nt they be gone.
 
i like 17" cuz i can 

[Tencubed]

I have a 16 1/4" bbl on a contender, with a short carbine stock, in 222 Remington.  Very accurate and easy to carry.  It's a great little rifle and I suspect you will be well pleased with a short 223 bbl.


I also have a 16 1/4" 45-70 bbl for the same rifle.  Loud and kicks like an abused government mule but easy to pack around.  I also have a BC in 45-70.  Same load, 405 grain jacketed with fairly heavy charge, shoots well in both rifles.  300 FPS difference in velocity over a conograph.  Guess which one I carry on the quad and which one I pack when walking.


Mike