I have a 26" tube on my 460 and its like swinging a fence post around. Not fun or handy. I am getting a 510 Wells built and went 23". My smith seemed reluctant to go shorter. I wanted 22" but now wonder how a real short 20" would be. It's not like I need every last fps out of either of these guns. My H&H is 24" and feels just right with the lighter barrel.
So I see the trend here is to go bigger and shorter. What is perfect, within an inch or two?

500 AR
Built on a 06 length Rured
22" would be great

458accrel 21.5 very lite Clint

danny Pedersen told me that anything over 19" on a 510 wells wasn't needed.
20-23 is a goodly range

Short or long is only half the story ... also depends on the contour.

I built my 458AccRel with a 24" #6 straight taper with 1" extra parallel length on the shank. Probably a bit too heavy. It would probably be just right at 20".

Another 458AccRel was built as above but with #5.5 contour ... I reckon its perfect, owner reckons a bit too heavy.

Last is a #5 at 24" with standard Ruger shank length, I reckon too light, owner reckons spot on perfect.

Once owned x2 Rem700s in 375H&H ... first was a Safari Classic with sporter barrel at 24" ... lovely to carry! Second was a Rem magnum contour that had been docked at 22" ... I think this was perfect!
Cheers...
Con

quote:

Originally posted by PoppaW:
I have a 26" tube on my 460 and its like swinging a fence post around. Not fun or handy.

What are you doing with your .460, hunting mice in a broom closet?

Seriously, I have never understood this complaint.

IMHO, a heavy profiled 24 or 25 inch barrel is perfect for a hard-kicking big bore rifle, especially for rapid or offhand shooting.

The rifle will hang and swing much better, the muzzle will not rise as much or as fast, and muzzle blast and recoil will be attenuated.

Plus, you will get more velocity.

quote:

Originally posted by mrlexma:

quote:

Originally posted by PoppaW:
I have a 26" tube on my 460 and its like swinging a fence post around. Not fun or handy.

What are you doing with your .460, hunting mice in a broom closet?

Seriously, I have never understood this complaint.

IMHO, a heavy profiled 24 or 25 inch barrel is perfect for a hard-kicking big bore rifle, especially for rapid or offhand shooting.

The rifle will hang and swing much better, the muzzle will not rise as much or as fast, and muzzle blast and recoil will be attenuated.

Plus, you will get more velocity.

The moose up here live in some thick bush. A 94 Winchester feels long sometimes. If I was in the fields more then a 26 is fine. As for speed, I don't think its lacking if I miss a few fps.

My 416 Ruger w/ the 20" heavy barrel handles very nice. I can't see anything more than 24" for heavy or dangerous game myself.