This may not be the right forum to ask this, but I know you are all a well rounded group of firearms experts, so here goes. I have a choice for a new .223 narrowed down to the Remington SPS Varmint (26" heavy barrel, vented stock) or the SPS Tactical (heavy 20" barrel with Hogue stock). I know this is a personal decision, but if you only had one .223 for all around use, which of these would you recommend? I am considering things like accuracy, weight, loss of velocity in a 20" barrel compared to the 26", etc.... Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

This may not be the right forum to ask this, but I know you are all a well rounded group of firearms experts, so here goes. I have a choice for a new .223 narrowed down to the Remington SPS Varmint (26" heavy barrel, vented stock) or the SPS Tactical (heavy 20" barrel with Hogue stock). I know this is a personal decision, but if you only had one .223 for all around use, which of these would you recommend? I am considering things like accuracy, weight, loss of velocity in a 20" barrel compared to the 26", etc.... Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

I purchased a Remington SPS Tactical in .308 and my friend purchased one in .223. I like the shorter barrel and it shoots very well. I think it would depend on how much bench shooting and how much carrying the rifle that you are going to do. I carry mine so I do like the shorter barrel.....

Look around online, and you'll find a chart showing .223 velocities from varying bbl lengths --- you'll see that there's no velocity advantage to a .223 bbl much longer than 20", and there's probably some loss of accuracy with the longer bbl...

What does all around use consist of in your particular case? A lot of people, myself included, simply end up with various ARs since they've become fairly accurate rifles and are modular.

personally I Like the the SPS.. I like the short stiff bbl as they seem to shoot better. I have one in 308 that will shoot sub 1/2" with cheap ball ammo...dont get much bette

My best explanation for me, a little target shooting, some hunting, just an all around truck, walk-around varmint rifle. To be used mainly for groundhogs and coyote size game. Thanks to all who have replied so far.

With that in mind, I would get the 20"...

Considering the .223 was designed around a 16 inch barrel I think that anything longer would be a waste of steel and everything else. Now if you're a hard core reloader you might be able to find just the right load that will be able to take advantage of the longer 26 inch barrel. Most Varmint Hunters fit into the reloader(Hardcore) slot and they will likely have more fun with the longer barrel.

A lot depends on the regular use of the rifle. If you shoot from the bench a lot and at long ranges, the longer barrel may suit you better. If you carry it a lot and shoot it less, the shorter (and therefore lighter) barrel may be to advantage. I think rate of twist has greater impact on accuracy than barrel length, and if you match up the intended bullet weight with the rate of twist you are better off.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244