I agree about off-hand being a last resort. But even from field positions, or resting on a tree, etc, I like a gun to be a LITTLE bit muzzle heavy. If it's too far out of balance, it becomes a chore to carry. But I like the balance point about 1-2" ahead of the center of the front bridge of the action. I find it also swings better for running shots that way.
Steve
I pretty much agree with this.
I read this thread and there were some confusing references.
Short tubes have the advantage in they are stiffer, simple physics take a 12" piece of 1" angle iron secure one end and place 10 lbs on the other end and measure the droop. Then take a 6' piece of the same stock do the same exericise. Measure at the 12" mark compare the difference. This a overly simple model of effects on longer barrels. Shorter tubes can also be done in heavier contours when comparing similar wieght. The downside is velocity loss in shorter tubes, and there are really only a few really good choices in chamberings that do really well with the shorter tubes.
My general rule of thumb on a bolt action rifle is 26" is about max length for a hunting rifle. If I was building a range, or long distance shooter a 28" tube is very good but by the time I get a good barrel contour on that length of barrel it is going to be heavy. Remember long thin tubes want to whip.
A good source of reading is get up on Lilja's website, he has a lot of information available. He has a systamtic scientific approach on this literature, and a liflong commitment to the shhoting sports.
Posts: 1486 | Location: Idaho | Registered: 28 May 2004
I'm a long/heavy barrel kind of guy. I'll take my 24" barrel when I stalk. If I have to get in the realy thick stuff I'll take my Browning M92, 44mag. I have considered a 20 or 22" heavy sporter barrelled Manlicher but that seems a little odd. capt david
Posts: 655 | Location: South Texas | Registered: 11 January 2004
Really, barrel length is subjective to the kinda hunting you do. If you're in and outta the brush, a 22" is a little long. Those long tubes are fine if you're gonna get on top of a hill and snipe antelope, but they suck to carry. As for which length is best for shooting off hand, I prefer to find rifles that balance well, then pick the best shooters from there. I doubt you'd pack around a 30 lb. rifle with hal a tree trunk for a stock to balance a 26 in. bull barrel!
A longer barrel will add to the moment of inertia, which will add stability (think of how much easier a 15 kilo dumb bell is to twirl than a 15 kile bar bell) Weight forward balance also seems to aid stability.
Actually I think the most important improvement to offhand shooting is a very light trigger. Balance don't mean much if you're yarding off target each time you squeeze off a shot.
Posts: 7213 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 27 February 2001
I will be rebarreling some of my hunting rifles over christmas and wam trying to decide on barrel length. What is considered to be more stable to hold in off hand field positions? My 300 weatherby has a 24" barrel but was thinking of going for a 27" barrel. Am I right in thinking that longer barrels are generaly more stable off hand ,and slightly front heavy is more stable as well? What do silhuoette shooters use.?
Ilike Pauls response--and I like your idea of the 27" barrel on the wby as long as you don't muzzle break it. A GOOD TRIGGER AND A GOOD BARREL===much happiness.
Posts: 2002 | Location: central wi | Registered: 13 September 2002
1 Moa will be better than I need of the bench. At the moment I have it down to 3/4" most of the time. I want the best accuraccy I can get when shooting off hand, when totaly buggered from too much walking and too much running around. I,m not after benchrest accuracy ,just a stable rifle to hold when I,m breathing like a steam train after chasing pigs and deer who are much better runners than me. I have plenty of rifles which can shoot the left nut off a fly at 300 meters from a bench , but they arent much good if they are hard to hold steady off hand with their 21" barrels. What do silhuoette shooters usualy go for with barrel length and thickness???
