Favorite Western Hunting Rifle Barrel Length

Favorite barrel length for a western hunting rifle

  • Sub 18”

    Votes: 1 0.4%
  • 18-19”

    Votes: 6 2.3%
  • 20-22”

    Votes: 51 19.4%
  • 23-24”

    Votes: 86 32.7%
  • 25-26”

    Votes: 109 41.4%
  • 27”+

    Votes: 10 3.8%

  • Total voters
    263
I think a 20" is good for the dark timber and a true mountain rifle - long barrels are difficult for me in the timber.
In the western plains I think 26" is were it's at if the cartridge chosen can utilize it.
So I voted middle of the road at 23-24"
 
18"-22"

18" if I'm using a suppressor 22" if I'm not. I'm more worried about weight than actual barrel length. My suppressed hunting rifle weighs 9 lbs, my other rifles weigh between 7-7.5 lbs.
 
If you are only running a brake, another 2-4" is neither here nor there.
I run a brake on my 32" 9" twist 338-416 Rigby Improved 45° shoulder. Overall length with brake is over 54", I have to take the brake off to get the rifle in the case….this is the ONLY annoyance for me.
As for plains hunting, spot and stalk is the name of the game and once set-up you can hit 'em at whatever range you want.

Cheers.
 
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