7.62x39 20" vs 22" feedback

morp said:
I have the Howa 20” heavy barrel in a walnut stock with Jefferson aluminium bottom metal and a Leupold VX2 in QRW rings. Weighs 7.5lb scoped with an empty mag.
Balance is perfect for me with the heavy barrel adding a little forward weight which helps for offhand shooting and allows a few more shot strings at the range without losing POI. Trigger is good.
Have taken two deer in the woods, both within 100yds, no issues and no tracking needed. I didn’t find the 20” barrel a hindrance to manoeuvring.

Keep thinking of trying out a CZ in same chambering, but every time I handle the Howa, I can’t help feeling I’d be downgrading. The Howa action/bolt is all steel with no plastic, where as both Ruger and CZ have a bunch of plastic/aluminium parts.

I also have a Ruger Ranch in 5.56. Handy little gun, but quality is certainly below the Howa.
Click to expand...
After a couple several responses neutralizing my sway toward the 22".

I put a 20" heavy barrel in the cart, but held off purchasing to look into direct mount rings.
To look at a walnut version, in person today. To see that 1 specimen, and measure the chamber top opening width to make sure what scope length I'll need if I want to stay with a 2 piece scope mount. Keeping the top loading option more easily usable.

Got home to see a couple positive responses to the 22" barrel.
So I'm back to the ⚖️ again. But a little more free thinking about that barrel length fret.

Did you bother to add any extra wood protection to your gun for the hunting weather, or dampness in the maritimes?
 
Scarb67 said:
After a couple several responses neutralizing my sway toward the 22".

I put a 20" heavy barrel in the cart, but held off purchasing to look into direct mount rings.
To look at a walnut version, in person today. To see that 1 specimen, and measure the chamber top opening width to make sure what scope length I'll need if I want to stay with a 2 piece scope mount. Keeping the top loading option more easily usable.

Got home to see a couple positive responses to the 22" barrel.
So I'm back to the ⚖️ again. But a little more free thinking about that barrel length fret.

Did you bother to add any extra wood protection to your gun for the hunting weather, or dampness in the maritimes?
Click to expand...
Reconsider direct mount rings, you'll might need a scope base that has a 20 moa or more forward cant perhaps depending on your optic and desired range
 
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