Interested to hear from anyone that has shot a short barrel 10/22 semi-auto, something like a 12" long barrel versus say 16". The concept of a short overall length from a compactness standpoint is cool to me, but what are the pros and cons from an accuracy standpoint or any other factors? It would be for plinking or target shooting with some sort of optic. Appreciate the feedback.
10/22 Short Barrel Rifle feedback
- Thread starter Chrispy123
- Start date
- Location
- ON, North of GTA
I have a 10" Shaw barrel on a 10/22, shoots better than the factory barrel did.
No issue hitting pop cans at 200yrd with a 5x MilDot scope
No issue hitting pop cans at 200yrd with a 5x MilDot scope
- Location
- Red Deer, Alberta
This is completely dependent on the ammo and quality of the barrel. Most subsonic 22lr loads need 16-18in for complete powder burn.
Are you meaning longer than 16”, like 18” or longer?
The overall length needs to be 26" at a minimum to remain non-restricted. So if you fold the stock closed it still needs to be over 26" in length. You can buy pre-built 10/22s with shorter barrels; Dlask Arms and Spectre Ballistics come to mind. Both are site sponsors. Having said that it's incredibly easy to replace the barrel on a 10/22.
Because rimfire ammo requires about 16” to completely burn the small powder chargeis the main reason for the longer barrels on most rifles. The muzzle blast increases as the barrel gets shorter, why handguns are so loud. If your target shooting I would go with a longer barrel and a folding or collapsing stock if you want short but remember the minimum length.as mentioned.
tactical lever
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Fox Creek, Alberta
Thought I recalled that it was generally about 13" to get really close to the max, but looking at the ballistics by the inch data, there was surprisingly little loss even that short with most ammo. .22 magnum on the other hand needs about 17" IIRC for a full burn.
Accuracy isn't dependent on a long barrel. Generally a bit shorter barrel shoots better as it's stiffer. It'll be loud being that short. Might want to consider an attenuator.
Accuracy isn't dependent on a long barrel. Generally a bit shorter barrel shoots better as it's stiffer. It'll be loud being that short. Might want to consider an attenuator.
Dorian Gray
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Had a 10/22 takedown with a 9" Dlask barrel on it. It was in a magpul backpacker stock. Easy to pack around. But it was loud. Much more noticeable than my 18.5" stainless model. It wasn't a deal breaker, but was definitely a considering factor as to why I sent it on down the road. Why I ultimately sold it was that my job/lifestyle changed. And the perceived need for a super compact takedown .22lr was no longer there. Still cool af though.
The 12.5" barrels seem to be the goldilocks length for me (noise, velocity, accuracy, compactness). Had a Dlask barrel on a 10/22 I put together, shot great, was a fun range and grouse gun.
I've done a 8 inch years ago (NEA), it didn't shoot great but I don't know what blanks they were using. Had a 9inch Dlask backpacker that shot well, very handy, they're just a bit loud.
I've done a 8 inch years ago (NEA), it didn't shoot great but I don't know what blanks they were using. Had a 9inch Dlask backpacker that shot well, very handy, they're just a bit loud.
Last edited:
I would love a 12" barrel on my TD, as with the collapsable stock it still would sit at the required length. I ended up using the 16" as that is all that was readily available at the time I built mine years ago.
It is with a volquartsen barrel because they were available with the scope mount on the barrel. Again a feature I wanted and not many were around in that config.
They are now more readily avail at Dlask, but when ever it was on my mind and I had funds for it they were always out of stock. Maybe one day, but the set up I have never disappoints, so it continues as built.
It is with a volquartsen barrel because they were available with the scope mount on the barrel. Again a feature I wanted and not many were around in that config.
They are now more readily avail at Dlask, but when ever it was on my mind and I had funds for it they were always out of stock. Maybe one day, but the set up I have never disappoints, so it continues as built.
Thanks. I'm going to start with a 16" barrel as that's the shortest I can find on a decent package gun. I contacted SBI about their C-71 Apex Sport series rifles with the traditional stock, but they told me they are discontinuing that series with either the C-71 or ST22 receivers due to tariffs on the stocks now. It saddens me to hear Canadian gun manufacturers having to do this due to increased cost of components out of the US, but note this doesn't at all impact their other lines of rifles where SBI manufacturers both the receiver and chassis. From there I'll keep my eyes open for a nice 12" barrel and (maybe) grab if funding allows at the time.
