Oh, I didn't really type this part of my thought process clearly. Here's what I was thinking at the time:
First, we see that long barrels slow the bullet down in rimfires.
Second, we know that longer barrels usually aren't as accurate as shorter ones.
However, all the super accurate rimfire target rifles I've seen wear a 20+" barrel. My BRNO mod 4 target has a 28" if I remember correctly.
Now usually, long barrels on centerfire rifles are to use enough powder to get enough velocity. Target rifles seem to try to use the shortest barrels possible to have a stiff, accurate barrel while getting the velocity they need. Tradeoff.
Now in rimfires, why would there be a barrel that is both a reduction in velocity and a detriment to accuracy?
I postulate that it's because of the low power nature of the .22, the barrel vibrations are easier to tune (right brand of ammo or a barrel tuner) when the barrel is longer.
That's what my post was summing up.
