20" Is Too Long

[CMP70306]

All of the above. It sticks up above my head and catches brush when slung and when field carried it just seems like it takes more maneuvering. In the stand it just feels heavy and awkward.

I used to hunt with a 24" barrel + brake and I never gave it a second thought. But after being spoiled with 16" the last few years, 20" plus a 12 ounce can seems unwieldy.

You haven’t lived until you’ve had to switch windows on a running buck with a 9” can on a 24” barrel in a stand that’s only 52” wide. I made it work but the buttstock went out a third window to make it happen quickly.

Now my rifles are 18” to 20” and I’m still using that 9” can as the suppression is too good to pass up.

 

[zrodwyo]

Suppressors do a lot to help short barrels...it is just getting over the cost and taking the plunge in a state that allows them.

True, but 20” suppressed is a a hell of a lot quieter than 16”.

 

[Ajsomp]

20” is about my upper limit for suppressed rifles. 16” gives up too much velocity for 6.5 creed or 6mm with factory loads for western hunting. 18” seems to be the sweet spot for 223 and 6 creed for me. With the right suppressor you’re still under what most factory 24” and muzzle devices are.

For east coast hunting - 16” all day.

 

[justin davis]

Suppressors do a lot to help short barrels...it is just getting over the cost and taking the plunge in a state that allows them.

Yea even with suppressors. Short barrels are still louder suppressed than longer suppressed barrels

 

[omicron1792]

One thing I like about the Blaser r8. It is 4” shorter than a standard bolt action rifle. So a 20” barrel is the overall length of a 16” barreled tikka.

 

[North of 60]

Yea even with suppressors. Short barrels are still louder suppressed than longer suppressed barrels

No doubt...my point was suppressors make shorter barrels on rifles more tolerable sound-wise, not that they are quieter than long barrels suppressed.

 

[dårlig jeger]

20” is about my upper limit for suppressed rifles. 16” gives up too much velocity for 6.5 creed or 6mm with factory loads for western hunting. 18” seems to be the sweet spot for 223 and 6 creed for me. With the right suppressor you’re still under what most factory 24” and muzzle devices are.

For east coast hunting - 16” all day.

I hear you on the velocity. If I was regularly shooting over 300 yards at game, I would rearrange my priorities. As it is, I'll give up 75-100fps for 4" all day. The ease of carrying and maneuvering far outweighs a tenth or two of wind and drop on the rare long range shot for me.

If 14" wasn't sbr and suppressor danger territory, I think I'd go even further.

 

[Anschutz]

@Ferrulewax has your solution.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I use 130ttsx in this gun exclusive. I was in same boat as you. So I sent my barrel to Kampfeld Customs and had it cut back to 16.5". Now with my Nomad Ti XC, it's actually slightly shorter than it was in stock form. Velo fell off some with my load, but I could get it back with TAC if I want. But I have alot of Varget and it shoots great. Had a slight POI shift with change, but still shoots great.
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48.5g seems to be the ticket. That is a .308 Win?

 

[KyleR1985]

My 16” dasher and DD wolf hunter has more velocity than I can take advantage of, and is quiet enough to shoot without ear protection out in the open.

The over the barrel suppressors could possibly make me lean 18” on a future build, but probably not.

 

[sdupontjr]

48.5g seems to be the ticket. That is a .308 Win?

Yes. It use to stack em up at 49g with the stock length barrel at 3000 and some change. Since cutting barrel to 16.5" and adding can, my POI shifted slightly and 48.5g looked good for that test. More testing to be done with more rounds, but for time being and hunting season, 48.5 will do for now.