I am curious as to why the Ruger Alaskan and Guide gun have 20” barrels on the 338wm? I really like Ruger and want a 338, but in the past and with other rifle companies, most use a 25-26” tube.

Also, this is an interesting rifle, a 375 Ruger Featherweight?
https://ruger.com/products/Haw...pecSheets/47166.html

Because that is what they figure will sell.

The Guide models are fast handling, ie., weight is distributed between the hands. Surprises some to learn this (moment of inertia, MOI) can be quantified. The Guides have low swing numbers in spades. When you are able to handle one you will appreciate this. The Africans are less nimble, IMO, as are things like 24" M-70s and 700s. Good guns all.

Choices are good, tho.

If 100 fps (.375R, .338, '06) lost velocity potential 24" vs 20" matters best buy some other model or maker. Very happy with my 20" .375 Guide. Doubt I'll ever use anything else rest of the way.

quote:

Originally posted by Jon Beutler:
...
Also, this is an interesting rifle, a 375 Ruger Featherweight?
https://ruger.com/products/Haw...pecSheets/47166.html

Are you referring to the "FTW"? My understanding that it was a tie-in with the FTW Ranch shooting school. ( http://ftwsaam.com/ ) I have one in 260 Remington, and it's certainly not a featherweight! Though a 7.8 lb 375 Ruger seems plenty light to me.

quote:

Originally posted by Jon Beutler:
I am curious as to why the Ruger Alaskan and Guide gun have 20” barrels on the 338wm? I really like Ruger and want a 338, but in the past and with other rifle companies, most use a 25-26” tube.

Also, this is an interesting rifle, a 375 Ruger Featherweight?
https://ruger.com/products/Haw...pecSheets/47166.html

IMO 24" is perfect for a .338 WM. Edge, RUM, Lapua are better with 26 or even 28. I could tolerate a 22 on a .338 WM but prefer 24.

A friend had a rifle built in 300 Wby with a 20" barrel. I told him he had the loudest 308 on the planet.

Reading this thread causes me to think maybe I have some misconceptions about barrel length vs. bore capacity.
I believe the case for the .264 Win. and the 338 are pretty much the same thing. If 26 inches is just right for the 264 bore than how much of a 338 bore would be equal in capacity.
I cut 2 inches off my mod. 70 because some plumber thouy he could be a brake specialist.
It's not much difference in performance. Least IMO.
Then again I can barely mow the yard in a ccw direction.

I have a Ruger .338WM African, and it has a 22" barrel. It has express sights, and no muzzle brake. It's quite a nice looking rifle out of the box, with a great-looking walnut stock.

There is nothing wrong with a 22" barrel, since you aren't losing too much bullet speed, specially if you reload for it. The action is sort of a satin black color, even the bolt is that way.

I put the stock away, and replaced it with a McMillan Classic one, cut to my LOP to include a Decelerator recoil pad.

".264 Win. and the 338 are pretty much the same thing. If 26 inches is just right for the 264 bore than how much of a 338 bore would be equal in capacity."

338wm use similar powders as 3006 so it would need similar barrel lenght to burn maybe 24".

A .338 Win IMO should have a 24 inch barrel at least...Its a real killer, but its velocity even with a 24 inch barrel isn't a world beater, but its enough to get the job done about anywhere, anytime..One of my favorite African, Alaskan, or NA for Moose, or the big bears along with my 375 Ruger older Hawkeye with m-70 safety, iron sights, wood stock at 7.5 lbs.

The .338 needs, must have a 26 inch barrel to get over the hump with a 320 gr. Woodleigh and 300 gr. Swift. its truly on that borderline with those bullets at max loadings..