Why does everyone chop their barrels to an even number length?

[dårlig jeger]

I chose 16" because 15" is a lot more work.

 

[HGL]

I went 19" on my 6mm creed. Couldn't decide between 18 and 20 so I just split the difference.

 

[Mike Islander]

Same reason I set cruise control to 68 and thermostat to 72.

 

[feanor]

17” for me, but never had the stones to admit it until I saw everybody else in this thread.

 

[ColPenguin]

There is more than one way to measure the length of a rifle barrel. The nominal length is just a reference for making an order. Some smiths may not even ask length to cut barrel to, but length to cut off a barrel.

The NIST standard is closed bolt face to crown, or a measurement taken parallel to axis of the bore. I don't know that every manufacturer follows this, especially if they are not even a US company.

If Tikka sells me a 24" barrel, I believe they measure from tenon to crown. There is about a 1" threaded tenon, and 23" of barrel visible from action face to crown. If I want 20" of barrel to the action face, I could ask the smith to cut off 3". The overall length of the barrel per manufacturers reference would then be 21", after cutting. I doubt the bolt face to crown measurement also comes out at exactly 21". I would expect it to be tens of thousands of an inch beyond exactly 21".

 

[Pulleye16]

cause even numbers are good luck. for everything. Radio volume, speedometer, microwave settings...everything works better and gives you better luck is it's even!

 

[Hnthrdr]

I ordered a 6arc prefit for a savage and went with 17”

 

[schmidty3]

More food for ponderance..

Why does everyone do whole numbers?!?!?!

My 25 prc is 23.25"

(Or was...its dieing . Boring me already has a 26" barrel in waiting...she gonna be fast!)