Shortening the barrel on a 15-22 ???

[TJ...]

Subject to legal restrictions, does anyone advise for or against shortening my barrel length down to say 12.5" or 14" ? I can go as short as 12" by law here.

Is there going to be a material impact on muzzle velocity / range by cutting it that much and is cutting it the best way to go or is there a shorter high quality barrel out there I could purchase and fix into the S&W ?

I primarily use it for 25-50m practical rifle competitions on moving targets, advancing/retreating targets, targets with short timed exposures, speed challenge falling plate targets and from a host of rapidly changing positions incl sitting, kneeling, prone, standing, behind barricades and weak-shoulder shooting. On some days competitions last over 5-hours and the round count is 500+.

Shaving off weight is one consideration but also making it portable to move around barricades, through windows and generally switching position & targets quickly. I think shortening it will help me but do I risk losing too much in terms of performance as accuracy is as important as speed. Some events do go to 100 yrds but rarely further. Thx

 

[chuck s]

I'd leave the barrel length alone for now. Your main issues are going to be magazine and feeding issues, the barrel length is probably the least of your problems shooting for 5 hours and 500 rounds so I'd perfect the magazines and work on the chamber and other internals first.

No aftermarket barrels I'm aware of.

-- Chuck

 

[Rustpot]

An idea might be to go to 14-14.5" and have a permanent muzzle device installed to avoid the SBR fees, then just have the shop flute the barrel.

Using a micro dot with no iron sights and shortening the handguard/rails (if you don't utilize their length for grip) are also weight-saving ideas.

Are you using a sling of any kind? If not get one. You can use paracord for a front attachment or just use a 1-point mounted just behind the grip.

 

[TJ...]

Iron sights are off in favour of an Eotech. Tried a sling but I find it a pain when moving from standing to prone etc. For the 5 exposures in 5 mins when you might be in the aim for up to 5 mins max i am sure it would help so i need to get used to it. Thx

 

[c_jit]

Here is my 15-22 getting sbr'ed.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/145341-my-15-22-get-sbred-lots-pics.html

 

[TJ...]

That looks great. How does it shoot especially as you get out towards 50m ? Any drop in performance ?

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I' be surprised if there is much difference to 50 yards. My S&W 22S and Ruger 22/45 pistols shoot just about as well as my 15-22 to 50 yards.

 

[Rustpot]

Iron sights are off in favour of an Eotech. Tried a sling but I find it a pain when moving from standing to prone etc. For the 5 exposures in 5 mins when you might be in the aim for up to 5 mins max i am sure it would help so i need to get used to it. Thx

EOTech sights are much heavier than Aimpoint Micro (T1/H1) models.

If you find a 2-point or conventional sling cumbersome, a 1-point with a little bungee might be a good idea. It shouldn't hinder your transitions at all and can take the weight off your arms between stages or during preparations when you'd normally be carrying the rifle.

Where do you live? The style of shooting you're doing is what I wish a range around me would offer. Only ranges within 50 miles are bench rest or indoor, no 3-gun, IDPA, IPSC, etc fun stuff.

If you're worried about accuracy at range take a look at some of the 15-22 Pistol threads. I think that's a 10" barrel that uses the same bolt mechanism.

Even if you lightly flute the barrel you could take up to a third of its weight off, you'd just need to refinish it after.

I can't imagine many other ways to lighten up the gun, be glad that you're using a polymer gun and not a full steel/aluminum AR I guess.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I can't imagine many other ways to lighten up the gun, be glad that you're using a polymer gun and not a full steel/aluminum AR I guess.

One of easiest ways to reduce weight on a 15-22 is to replace the sights with MBUS. The factory equipped sights are close to a half pound.

 

[Ladyfox]

Here is my 15-22 getting sbr'ed.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/145341-my-15-22-get-sbred-lots-pics.html

I was going to comment in the other thread but I'll say it here instead. That is one of the most beautiful 15-22's I've seen I mean that shorter barrel just makes it look WICKED!

I would have gone with a different color on the furniture myself but that by no means detracts from T3H S3XY!! ^_^

 

[TJ...]

Thx for the ideas guys. Shot 700 rounds today. Not one FTE or FTF with Eley Club and accuracy was pretty good too. Can't ask for better than that.

Rustpot, I'm in the UK. Gun laws are strict here so we have to be inventive and there are quite a few .22 shooters because of the restrictions. Have a look at this link...pages 49 onwards details a few events organised through the NRA. There are less formal events than this:

http://www.nra.org.uk/common/files/gr/GRP10.pdf

Just to make everyone really jealous as i know i am, have a look at this place...english link at the top..never been myself but how good does this place look !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! these Germans know how to do it !

Willkommen bei MSZU - Müller Schiess Zentrum Ulm | MSZU - Müller Schießzentrum Ulm

 

[BELT_FED]

Shortning the barrel will not affect accu. as long as the crown is corrected.. and those indoor ranges are BA ... id love to go play there for about a week