I am planning a new project rifle in a 6.5x55 swede. What would you choose for a barrel length?

1) Make it a short barrel(20") and full-length stock it like a Mannlicher or........

2) 24" Barrel (or more).

What would be the best for accuracy? would it make any real difference?

I am going to use a 1909 Peruvian action that is an intermediate length action.

SECOND QUESTION:

What type of finish woulf you use on the metal - Blueing, parkerizing, guncote, ETC

It is going to be a rifle that will be used - alot.

Thanks for the Feedback in advance.

I believe it's a poor policy to choose barrel length for performance.....choose it to suit your personal likes and dislikes.....whatever that is. Accuracy is mostly unaffected by length of barrel.

My 6.5 X 55 sports a Douglas #1 barrel 21" long and suits my style fine. If you like the longer ones get one.....it's your money.

There's nothing wrong with a good well polished blue finish. Just avoid the "glare all across the mountain" mirror finishes.

I have both a 21" & 23" Bbl. I like them both. I don't see where Bbl length affects accuracy. Especially if you are purchasing a quality Bbl..

As for the finish, My personal preferrence is the matte finished blue. I'm a nut for walnut and a matte finish although I own synthetic and stainless also.

I like 'em long and blued.

The original Mauser length of just over 29" is perfect.

While I like the look and feel of the manlicher type rifles, I can't see putting up with the velocity loss and muzzleblast of the smallbores, though in a medium bore it would be wonderful.

Thus methinks a 6.5X55 should be 22" minimum and 24" maximum. I'd also lean towards a more slender taper to keep the rifle light.

More accuracy is gained and lost in the dimensions of the chamber and the care used in cutting it than any other factor, this assumes a good crown as well. Pick the barrel length and contour that tickles your fancy, go with a reputable tube and have a good smith chamber it, you will be satisfied with the accuracy.

I love the looks of a Mannlicher so 20" is appropriate. I have settled on 23" for std. carts. & 25" for mags. I like wood & matte blue.

You don't have to compromise. I've had several light rifles with 23.5" barrels and full length mannlicher style stocks.

I have all three lengths in various rifles, short, medium and long. I have guns I like in all categories of those lengths.

If I was going to built a short rifle 20-21" I would want a short heavy stiff tube, say .600" or over diameter at the muzzel.

In medium lenght I like 22-23" tubes, I just built a 23" #3 contour. I could see your Mexican action being barreled with a 22" inch, #0 contour, that would be a neat gun.

For big and heavy, although I can see a 6.5x55 in a bench type gun, I wouldn't use your action for this though. its just nor a suitable match in my mind.

quote:

Originally posted by KurtC:
You don't have to compromise. I've had several light rifles with 23.5" barrels and full length mannlicher style stocks.

I was wondering about that possibility - Thanks - any photos fo that rifle??

The wide shots are a bit out of focus. Hopefully the close-ups make up for them. This one is a 1947 Brno 22f in 7x64, with a very low Jaeger side mount.

KurtC:

That is gorgegous!!

I love the double set trigger.

Is that one with a 23.5" barrel??

Two questions on parts:

Where do you find the front sling attachment? and..................
Where do you find the side mount(and is it a Quick release mount?)

OK 3 questions.

FWIW, I prefer a 23 in BBl minimum for the 6.5x55.

I got to play with someone who had rebarreled a winchester featherweight to 6.5 x 55 and went with a 20 inch barrel.... I was redoing one at the time also....

I planned on using it for open country.. and having to carry it a long time, for a lot of walking....

I went with a 27 inch barrel in featherweight contour with a 1 in 7 twist.. on a long action....

Short barrels for brushy terrain with short distances when you shoot... a long barrel for open country is what I prefer....

cheers
seafire

It is a 23.5" Barrel with an original full length stock. Everything but the scope and mount is original factory Brno. The mount is quick release. A single lever and a push button. The Jaeger mount has not been produced since the 1960's, but I think NECG may have a few left in stock. The trick is to find a low base and use high rings, that way it keeps a low profile with scope removed.