Longer barrels are often used on target and benchrest rifles. They are also seen on some more general purpose rifles such as the longer barreled CZ models referred to above. The longer barrels certainly do make the rifles quieter with whatever ammo is used. And with open sights (that is, with no scopes) they have a longer sight radius which contributes to more accurate shooting.
In target rifles longer barrels confer a few advantages. Anschutz barrels, for example, are typically 66cm and 69cm (25.9" and 27.2"). Longer barrels add weight for greater stability and inertia, particularly as barrel diameter increases. These barrels are also more rigid or "stiffer". This in turn makes them experience lesser barrel vibration than slimmer barrels. Another advantage about which I have read anecdotal reports is that longer barrels seem to produce a more consistent ES (and lower SD) than shorter barrels. If this is correct, it would mean that longer barrels tend to shoot ammo with less variation in muzzle velocity, which is especially important as target distance increases.
In target rifles longer barrels confer a few advantages. Anschutz barrels, for example, are typically 66cm and 69cm (25.9" and 27.2"). Longer barrels add weight for greater stability and inertia, particularly as barrel diameter increases. These barrels are also more rigid or "stiffer". This in turn makes them experience lesser barrel vibration than slimmer barrels. Another advantage about which I have read anecdotal reports is that longer barrels seem to produce a more consistent ES (and lower SD) than shorter barrels. If this is correct, it would mean that longer barrels tend to shoot ammo with less variation in muzzle velocity, which is especially important as target distance increases.
