I'm looking at putting a Shilen Match barrel on my 10/22 that is already set up for a .920in barrel. I'm wondering about some of the differences. Is 18in or 20 in barrel length better, ammo dependent? I wonder because I have seen T/C contenders with stubby barrels have awesome accuracy. I plan to use either Eley type ammo or Federal Match, informal shooting at 50 yd. Also, does stainless or chome moly make a difference in care or accuracy? Besides the lesser chance of corrosion?

I haven't used a shilen but have never heard anything bad about any of their work.....I have a 920 clark in chrome molly 20inch...I like the 20 for my gun due to the forearm length "look" with the 20 and the weight out front for balance in offhand shooting in the field....the steel type makes more difference than just stainless or CM and stainless does take field use and less cleaning a little better but my CM is matte finish and is so smooth on the inside that it cleans with a wet patch and doesn't have any rough spots to grab lead and buildup.....some CM is a little harder than some stainless but in a 22lr rimfire I don't think you could ever tell the difference...given equal quality of work in the chamber-bore-finish......enjoy the build up and good luck and good shooting!!

sputser-

I have a stainless Shilen "heavy sporter" on a 77/22 bolt action. It's not the heavy bull that you're considering, but just a bit heavier than factory.

On my centerfire rifles, I prefer stainless. A bit easier to machine, and a bit longer life. On your 10/22, neither matters. (It will already be a "drop-in", and with 22 LR, I don't see how you'd ever wear out a barrel).

As for length, the commonly accepted standard is that a rimfire is "most efficient" in a 16 inch barrel. Anything more is supposedly wasted. So, 18 or 20 is a toss up. On my 77/22, I like 20", but on my 10/22 heavy barrel, I like shorter. Besides, with the aluminum receiver, I'm hesitant to hang much more out there.

Overall, I'm absolutely tickled with my Shilen rimfire barrel!

I have a shilen barrel on my 10/22 and back when Federal was still making the UM1B Ultra Match ammo that little gun would produce some groups that would absolutely defy belief. I have found some loads that shot well, but nothing like the Federals. However for $6/50 they had better shoot good. The crazy price I'm sure was the cause of their downfall.