Shorter Barrel and accuracy.

[GhostMutt]

I am all out of add-ons...doodads and what nots to put on my 15-22.

I could buy more to swap out but i have my 15-22 set up aesthetically just the way i want it....one last big project to do.

I was thinking and had my heart set on swapping the handguard for a Diamondhead 15.5 inch.) i was aware that this would mean permanent modification to the upper but that thing looks cool as.

However, here in Blighty everything is hard to get hold of...that handguard would take a lot of money to get over here...i have had a quote to do a barrel shortening, to the UK legal limit of 12.5 inches...it would actually work out cheaper than replacing the handguard. (i personally do not mind the original handguard, i dont 'over the bore' hold, i use an AFG and Gas Pedal as it suits my offhand shooting stance better) so my question is.......

Has anyone shortened the barrel to 12.5 inches or less and have you noticed anything in particular that someone planning to do this should take into consideration before doing so?....(velocity/ accuracy/manoeuvrability).?

I really like the short stubby look and have a very skilled, highly reputable guy ready to do this, who specialises in 15-22 barrel reduction, re-crowning and re-threading.

Some pics of your short barrels would whet my appetite for this new line of thinking even more.

 

[Warren Sear]

I thought I wanted a short barreled AR until I fired one with a 10 inch barrel. The muzzle blast was unacceptable to me.

A shortened barrel will always be more accurate than a longer one, all other things being equal, until you get to really short lengths.

 

[trebor127]

GM there is not much diff between the 12" and the 16-1/2"

for accuracy, just make sure the guy can read a ruler

you may as well go as short as we are allowed here in England.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IduXgNLrMo[/ame]

keith

 

[little_airwolf]

Got a 10" barrel and live it.

 

[Rpg]

Barrel length has little to do with accuracy.

 

[WR Moore]

The OP is in the UK and plays by a different set of rules.

Since we're dealing with .22 lr, 19 inches is the optimum barrel length. All the powder is burned ( I expect that's with standard velocity). Without reference to sight radius, on a .22 lr I don't think it'll make much difference in accuracy. You will lose some velocity.

Actually, shortening a barrel can improve accuracy by making the barrel stiffer for it's length.

 

[little_airwolf]

The crown and chamber size imo effects accuracy far more than barrel length.
However I do agree there is a sweet spot between berrel length, harmonics, loudness, over all weight, rifle balance and accuracy

 

[jbarchitect68]

Short barrels are the best. Go for it.
Mine is 4.25" with a silencer.