Author Topic: Anybody like short rifles? (Read 1018 times)

slide-flipper · « **on:** March 04, 2006, 09:00:28 PM »

So here I am looking at all the carbine/rifle barrels on ebay and wondering... why are they all so long? Even barrels that don't need to be like the .22 and .17 HMR and .17M2 are 23" or so. My favorite is the 16 1/4" barrels in chamberings that don't have two much blast... anyone else out there? They are just so short and light, very manueverable and easy to get in and out of vehicles. Not knocking the long ones, just wondering why I don't see more of the short ones...

slide-flipper

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2006, 01:36:53 AM »

I just don't like the look.

predator_huntin · « **Reply #2 on:** March 08, 2006, 07:41:23 AM »

i love the short barrels...16's are my favorite and preferred

KN · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2006, 11:59:39 AM »

I cut my 17HMR tpo 18" after reading the test on velocity vrs barrel length that VV did. I found that at 23" the barrel tended to twist a little when firing. (bench and bipod) At 18" the twisting went away and there is hardly any recoil at all. Not that there was much to start with, but just an observation. KN

spinafish · « **Reply #4 on:** March 08, 2006, 02:39:15 PM »

I have a 7-30 stainless in the 16" carbine and love it..had a .414 SuperMag, but front forearm stud kept pulling free..just not enough metal to hold it with all that recoil..If the barrel had been a bull barrel it would have worked. So,T/C replaced it with a 23" 6.8 Spc. It took some getting used to, but I do like the 6.8 with this length barrel. Shoots really nice.

boneguru · « **Reply #5 on:** March 08, 2006, 03:46:46 PM »

that was the best factory offering they ever did, you go pistol or carbine and do whatever whenever, there are times and calibers that a full length bbl is best but for all around use the 16"s were darn near perfection, one exception tho.....got my 45/70 in the 18" Katadihn, wow what a sweetheart, had one in 24" heavy bbl and this is much nicer, R

skb2706 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 09, 2006, 04:39:24 AM »

I have a 16 1/2" carbine barrel in .221 FB...full bull. To me, it is much more difficult to steady than my full bull barrels of longer length, similar calibers.

jw4570 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2006, 05:13:55 AM »

I like short rifles, but the contender with basically no action length, makes it really short. My 21" barrels are short enough for me.

I can see where a 16.5" barrel could be handy, in certain calibers.

Danegeld · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2006, 05:57:19 AM »

I've got a Remington Model Seven in .308 with an 18.5" barrel and really enjoy it. I hike-hunt alot and the weight (7lbs w/scope) makes for an easy carry when you put a few miles behind during the day. I use it for Black-Hills hunting where the longest shot might be 100yds and the brush is pretty thick. It kicks like a mule though!!!

Take Care
Ben

coopershooter · « **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2006, 08:32:34 AM »

i find the shorter barrels are harder for me to hit with, than the 21 or 23 inchers. and i like a little weight up front.
sometimes you give up shootability for compactness!?

Steve P · « **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2006, 08:46:09 AM »

I grew up in southern OR and travelled a lot into northern CA. When driving the ranches in spring keeping the chucks out of the alfalfa and coyotes away from the new calves, the shorter rifles were always handier. Out the window, on the mirror and bang. Also worked walking the fencelines. Use a fence post to help rest and let'r buck. Saved a few tons of hay and a few hundred calves that way.

All tools have their uses, no matter the size.

Steve

Steve P · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2006, 09:04:25 AM »

Dang it! You made me go pick up that chipmunk .22 and my little .30-30 and a couple of short .22s I have set up for kids. Now I'm gonna have to set up a short Contender. See what you do with post like this!!

Steve