I’ve always thought that 28” is a proper length for a plain-based benchrest rifle. I know that others have advocated a shorter barrel but it just doesn’t look. 28” gives you enough length for irons.

40 Rod

There was a point in time here when mostly Miller's were being used in the matches here. They all had a tendency to have short fat barrels with bloop tubes then being attached to extend the iron sight radius just for those events. These was quite typical of what the top shooters at that point in time were using and doing. If I recall right Charlie Dell was a big fan of short fat barrels and I would assume allot of it was due to his exstensive machine rest test results and 40 Rod would have more knowledge than me on it having spent time with Charlie. There are still some club records held by the those folks who followed that trend but it could have just been that a trend as you don't see them being used here any longer in competition. The majority of the barrels being used here now are 28 inches in length and I can't think of one currently being shorter than. Most of the rifles being used here now also tend to be more in the traditional design so the overall look of those rifles probably dictates the desired barrel length more so now and I don't think there is an accuracy loss due to the now slighlty longer lengths being desired.

JLouis

Lowell used to be one of our regular ISSA Regional competitiors and he also shot his Miller rifle just as extremely well. 

JLouis

  Just shoot your bullets in the order cast and the rest doesn't matter.

With the gain twist, is that 28" length from the chamber's throat to the muzzle?   

Quote:




Jeff,
Could you please clearify your smiley face?

Is it concering the more shooting aspect? 

The putting down of barrels?

Or calling someone a cheater, w/o proof?

Or all of John's post?

Inquiring minds would like to know?

Frank

Personally, I don't think that there is a right or wrong length for a barrel in CF. But, I do have a opinion on RF (can't prove it, of course ). 

I think in RF that a long barrel can have a advantage. Because that the amount of powder is so small and fast, it's shown that a 20" barrel can burn it, most all of it. I think that the additional barrel can act as a stabilizer and a dampener for the bullet, plus it does lower the muzzle pressure that acts on whats left of the blow out, to groove base band.

Makes since to me but, whether it works or not, I can't say.

Going back to CF, I've thought for the last 10+ years, that muzzle pressure can have a effect on accuracy, with our soft bullets and that is maybe why the Miller Short seems to have a overall, slight advantage.

That group and score killing, one or two fliers could possibly be a damaged base, on exit?

My vote is for long barrels. 28" minimum, I have two 26" and two 30" (rest are 28") but, my 45/70's have been 32".

Frank