When I had my Smith barrel mounted for bench rest I had it left at the 1 5/16 that the blank came as we simply had it polished up. As far as length I don't see extra length as a plus. I like 28" as it looks good to my eye. Others will shorten as far down as 24". Within reason shoretr is better, it all depends on what you can live with as to looks.

40 Rod

Mr. Bruce,

  No! As Mr. 40_Rod says shorter is better, if all you plan on doing is to shoot smokeless powder. A good example of this is to take a 1/2" dowel 1 ft. long and then try and bend it. Then take a 1/2" dowel 3 ft. long and see how much you can bend it. A similar thing happens with a longer barrel. The vibrations set up by the gun going off will deflect the muzzle further with the longer barrel than a shorter barrel. Probably a poor analogy but I think you get the idea. Now if you're going to be shooting black powder then the caliber will dictate what the minimum length of barrel you will need for complete combustion of the charge.

I have a 28 inch # 5 32/40  for one of my CPA's, looks like it ought to on the rifle. It's a formidable piece of iron.  With ASSRA rules maximum foreend and Hart rest the rifle slides back dead straight and returns to zero with a simple push forward. 

I wish I could tell you it's accurate.  Have had it 3 years now and only shot 50 or so rounds. One day I will be to old to shoot offhand, will find out then. Way my knees are going it might be soon.

Boats.

I agree with Leadball on the Leingth. My 28 inch #5 balinces nice right on the forearm. I think if it was longer the center of gravity would be off for rest shooting.

Boats