Decent ~18" barrel .308 Hunting Rifle

https://rifleshooter.com/2014/12/30...ato-barrel-length-versus-velocity-28-to-16-5/

I've attached a link to a good article regarding barrel length vs muzzle velocity with .308 Winchester. I have a couple rifles with 18" and 20" barrels.

When people bring up the added noise with shorter barrels/muzzle brakes I question why anyone would not spend $200 and wear a set of decent electronic hearing protection while hunting which still allow you to hear in the normal range. I guess some people prefer tinnitus, hearing loss, and the prospect of spending thousands of dollars on hearing aids.
 
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jamesharrison said:
Is there some reason you do not want to have the barrel on your Parker-Hale cut to 20"?

As others have said, you do not want to go to 20" or 18"; the muzzle blast is just stupid.
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I don't like the safety on it and seems lame to cut off the iron sights. Plus the bolt handle almost hits the scope on max magnification. Much prefer something different. Had a 742 and it was too heavy for me. XPR looks sweet. There was a Savage that looked interesting on the EE the other day, but didn't go for it as I'd much prefer 18, muzzle flash doesn't bother me, the extra length would way more.
 
Intheheartofit said:
I don't like the safety on it and seems lame to cut off the iron sights. Plus the bolt handle almost hits the scope on max magnification. Much prefer something different. Had a 742 and it was too heavy for me. XPR looks sweet. There was a Savage that looked interesting on the EE the other day, but didn't go for it as I'd much prefer 18, muzzle flash doesn't bother me, the extra length would way more.
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Understood but if you change your mind, front sights can be re-installed though they may require a different height front blade or bead depending on the barrel taper
 
Intheheartofit said:
I'm getting away from 6.5x55 and going to .308 for hunting and need a new rifle. I have an old Parker Hale with way too long a barrel vs the Swede I used to hunt with. I've had my eye on the EE for a while, but not really seeing anything. Is there much out there with a barrel around 18 or should I be looking for something around 20? I'd love stainless, but not necessary as the length is the most important to me for my blind and stand and also walking through the bush. Even in the truck the longer Parker Hale barrel is annoying. Don't want anything too expensive as it is a hunting gun. Ideas for rifles available in Canada at a decent price point?
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Take your Parker Hale in to a local gunsmith and have the barrel shortened to your desired length or as mentioned in earlier posts there are other off the shelf options. My preference is the Tikka with 20 inch barrel.
 
For cache hunting and open terrain I use my blaser R8 in .308

and for the bush, I use my Fix rifle with the 16 inch .308. It's sturdy as hell as you wont scratch it from going in rough woodland areas

My 0.02
 
Well I went with a Ruger American gen2. 20”. Seems real light but wish it wasn’t threaded. Pain in the butt cutting threads of and re ceracoating the barrel. Other than that it’s just the ticket. My other option was going to be a tikka and cut the bbl to 18.6”.
 
toebako said:
Well I went with a Ruger American gen2. 20”. Seems real light but wish it wasn’t threaded. Pain in the butt cutting threads of and re ceracoating the barrel. Other than that it’s just the ticket. My other option was going to be a tikka and cut the bbl to 18.6”.
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I would not bother cutting a 20" to 18.5. There is really no practical difference in handling... as someone who has cut a Ruger American 22" down to 20" i know it sounds hypocritical, but once the rifle is balanced, the rest becomes marginal. Unless it is a matter of trying to fit the rifle into some very specific space... Also, a gunsmith won't care about the rifling... unless you are going to DIY it.
 
yomomma said:
Picked up a Mossberg MVP Patrol

Very happy with it, will be my bear gun
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Ya, I was guna say, there doesn't seem to be allot of love for Mossberg bolt actions here. Shotguns yes. Sure, the bolts are a tad sloppy, but so are other Box' rifles in the same price. I like the 16.5" patrols. 5.56 & .308. Plenty accurate, fair price & take STANAG mags.
 
toebako said:
Well I went with a Ruger American gen2. 20”. Seems real light but wish it wasn’t threaded. Pain in the butt cutting threads of and re ceracoating the barrel. Other than that it’s just the ticket. My other option was going to be a tikka and cut the bbl to 18.6”.
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What have you got against a threaded muzzle?
Literally every rifle I own now has a threaded muzzle except the vintage 22's.
 
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