Favorite Western Hunting Rifle Barrel Length

[Ucsdryder]

Curious what everyone likes! Let's call this BEFORE any attachments such as a suppressor or brake.

 

[WYOHTF]

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"

 

[jasonco]

26" mostly and a 27", before I add the 2" brake. I use the M4-72 SD compensator

 

[bozoben]

Depends on the rifle and the purpose.

Long range precision 338 RUM? 26
Mid range lighter weight 270 win? 22
Nighttime suppressed 22-250? 16.5

 

[ducky]

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.

 

[Rick Richard]

26 for me

 

[brcfo_outdoors]

24" is good for me. Gets the bullet going without being too cumbersome.

 

[North Idaho Hunter]

20 inch for me!

 

[338 dude]

Curious what everyone likes! Let's call this BEFORE any attachments such as a suppressor or brake.

26"

 

[Slick8]

I have a 26 plus brake 30 nosler and a 20 inch plus suppressor 7 saum. That 20 inch is super handy without the can.

I'm wanting to build a big 33 running 250-275s. Will be playing with QL to see where the happy spot will be between 22-26.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I run 26" as a minimum, most of my customs are either 28" or 30", one is 29" and my big 338's and 300's run 32" barrels.

I have a few factory rifles with 24" barrels, but these are not plains guns.

Cheers.

 

[338 dude]

I have a 26 plus brake 30 nosler and a 20 inch plus suppressor 7 saum. That 20 inch is super handy without the can.

I'm wanting to build a big 33 running 250-275s. Will be playing with QL to see where the happy spot will be between 22-26.

28"

 

[Slick8]

28"

I heat ya, but I'm looking at weight, portability as a comprise with MV.

I'll go 26 plus brake if needed but would really like to try 24 plus brake. I know it's splitting hairs and going to 28 isn't a killer either. Just have a goal in mind.

 

[MagnumManiac]

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.