Heavy barrel vs Light weight barrels???

I was in a new GS Saturday and behind the counter was a Hogue stock with all the bottom metal. After reading about Fairchase's rifle, it sparked some interest. I asked how much and he shot me a price I couldn't refuse. Its for a heavy barrel so my little skinny barrel is definitely free floated. Gave it a trip to the range and that little rifle is a tack driver with 40 grain BK's. Not bad with 55's either. Now to get the barrel to get the barrel trimmed down a few inch's.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogI was in a new GS Saturday and behind the counter was a Hogue stock with all the bottom metal. After reading about Fairchase's rifle, it sparked some interest. I asked how much and he shot me a price I couldn't refuse. Its for a heavy barrel so my little skinny barrel is definitely free floated. Gave it a trip to the range and that little rifle is a tack driver with 40 grain BK's. Not bad with 55's either. Now to get the barrel to get the barrel trimmed down a few inch's.

I was just looking for a full length stock, didn't really care what brand or style it was, when i came across the hogue i mentioned for sale on here. The stock and a brand new (looked to be completely unused) Remington bottom metal ran me a 100.00 bucks or less i dont recall exactly. I mean no they are not the greatest thing ever and i would much rather have this rifle in a chassis but for the money (and this little project had to be cheap)they can be had for they are a definite upgrade over the factory. I really hadn't planned on using this rifle much but after putting it together its become a new favorite.
 
Won't say what mine cost but it was the green stock and complete bottom metal assembly including action screws and was quite a bit less than what you paid. LOL Just couldn't pass it up and it is a nice improvement over the plastic stock.
 
My buddy and I are rebarreling our 22-250's, his a factory bdl sporter. My rifle currently has a 26" fluted SS Remington factory barrel. Both will be 22" Remington varmint contour, threaded 1/2 28, mine will be fluted. I will weigh mine before the change and after(when my suppressor gets out of jail).
 
IMHO, it all comes down to usage. The first question I ask clients is, "what are you going to be using the rifle for." That helps to determine the build. If a guy is going to be doing a lot of shooting, for competition, prairie dogs, etc...then I will recommend a bull or a heavy barrel profile that can help to dissipate heat better and keep hot bore groups tighter.

But if a guy is going to be using it primarily to hunt, where a cold bore shot is more critical, then a heavy profile, medium or even a pencil profile might be advisable.

If a guy is using it with a suppressor, then I might recommend a heavier barrel to help with POI/POA shift.

So many choices...
 
I plan on getting my barrel cut down this week. Its 24" now, planning on cutting it to 20" or should I just go for it and cut to 18"? I want it short and easy to maneuver in and out of the truck.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogI plan on getting my barrel cut down this week. Its 24" now, planning on cutting it to 20" or should I just go for it and cut to 18"? I want it short and easy to maneuver in and out of the truck.

Shorter is definitely more maneuverable, so if that is a priority, get that ole girl shortened up to 16.5-18 inches.

For a short little truck gun, one of these may not be a bad choice either.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/492423...flat-dark-earth
 
I'm a bow hunter by nature. Even with a rifle or ML I like to get game in close. I'm not much of a long range shooter so loss of velocity with the rifles shorter barrel isn't really an issue to me. Guess I'll make the choice when the barrel is in the saw.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogI'm a bow hunter by nature. Even with a rifle or ML I like to get game in close. I'm not much of a long range shooter so loss of velocity with the rifles shorter barrel isn't really an issue to me. Guess I'll make the choice when the barrel is in the saw.

Well that makes it easy! I thought you were into long range.

I would go for 18”

Best regards

Three44s
 
I like heavy barrels on my varmint rigs. I'm in the middle of a new build at the moment and this rifle will have a Bartlein Heavy Varmint contour. Can't wait to get it out to the range.
 
I have had every Remington model 7 caliber ever made, plus a Ruger 77 ultra light in 6 Rem.
These ultra light barrels can be a nightmare to tune. A muzzle break was the answer to all of them shooting very well.

As I stated earlier, many accuracy gunsmiths that offer a guarantee in how their barrel shoots like a #4 shilen contour, and prefer a #5 shilen(3b). Make them as short as you like, but make them rigid.

Muzzle blast is a valid concern for many, you rarely ever hear of anyone speak of this, but I had guys that did not like a 20" 243 at all!

I hunted with #2 Shilen contours with several Sako A1s chambered with nice 17 Mach 4 reamers and 17 Remington with zero freebore-turn neck. Since they were 17's, I still had some rigidity, and were very, very accurate. These were the best ultra lights I have ever owned and they shot 3/8".

One thing for sure, ultra lights can be harder to shoot especially on longer shots.

Light weight rifles kick more, and this can contribute in making them harder to shoot well, repeatedly.

Accurate rifles that weight between 7.5-8.5 lbs(with scope) seems to be a good balance.

A new world opens up to a guy that has $2300-$4200 to spend.

To me, a rifle will swing the same if it has a 25" or a 20" sporter barrel, the varmint barrels is where the swing slows up.

CZ 223 with 20" and Tikka 223 are very light rifles and are accurate.
 
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Easy-Peasy, if it gets shot off of a bench it's heavy, if I have to carry it, it is short and light.
 
The older I get the less weight I have to carry makes it better. I love HB rifles but not for packing around. My HB stays home and a Thermos of coffee comes along. LOL
 
Well, I went with a 20" length. Mainly because thats as far as we could get the barrel through the head stock on his lathe, but even at 20" it looks better in the Hogue stock and I think this length will be fine. Now to load some rounds and see how its going to shoot.
 
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