Performance difference between a 24" and 20" barre

[DVRich]

I am looking into getting a nice 77/22 .22 cal bolt action rifle for the range and they come in 20 and 24" barrel lengths. Would there be much of a performance difference in the .22 caliber models between the 2 barrel lengths.
The 10/22 and 77/22 both are available in 20" barrel lengths.....would the performance between these 2 be almost identical.
Money is no consideration.

 

[Sgt Garcia]

Not enough difference to say so. You would probably loose a little velocity with the 24 inch barrel.

Dennis.

 

[CraigC]

Most high velocity rounds will reach peak velocity in ~14" so a 24" may shoot a little slower than a 20". IMHO, velocity should be near the bottom of the list of considerations when deciding on barrel length. Balance, sight radius and noise are much more important to me. Four inches makes a significant different in noise and should be a consideration on a field gun.

 

[Sgt Garcia]

Most high velocity rounds will reach peak velocity in ~14" so a 24" may shoot a little slower than a 20". IMHO, velocity should be near the bottom of the list of considerations when deciding on barrel length. Balance, sight radius and noise are much more important to me. Four inches makes a significant different in noise and should be a consideration on a field gun.

Good points all but for me noise is not something I consider as I never shoot without hearing protection. In this case performance isn’t an issue; the gun is for range use so I would make my choice based solely on the one I thought looked the best. :D

Dennis.

 

[DVRich]

I guess I'll run over to Daytona Beach tomorrow and pick this one up!
I love shiney stuff!
I guess $580 plus tax is a pretty decent price.

 

[don44]

Looks like a good buy. :)

 

[toysoldier]

Barrel length in .22 rifles was addressed in American Rifleman. Chronograph testing showed that high-speed .22 ammo velocity maxed out at 16"-18". Anything longer resulted in velocity loss. The exception was the hypervelocity CCI Stinger, which showed incremental velocity increase out to the maximum tested 24" length.

If you're bench shooting, go with the most accurate barrel, regardless of length. For hunting with ordinary .22 ammo, a short, handy rifle gives up nothing in killing power. For maximum punch and reach, hypervelocity ammo and a 24" barrel are the way to go.

Information published online indicated that all common pistol cartridges max out velocity in barrels around 18", with some losing velocity after 14". Something to keep in mind when you're looking at a pistol-caliber levergun for hunting.