shortening a 223 bolt action barrel

[superlative]

I am getting a 22" bolt action in 223. I read about tests where people shortened barrels and they didn't see much drop in velocity, and in many cases there was an increase in accuracy.

Now there are many accurate short barreled 223 rifles. The Mossberg MVP Patrol is 16.5" and has excellent below moa accuracy. There's no reason to have a 22" barrel. if I shorten it to 17", I will have the same accuracy, but my rifle will be lighter, easier to handle and easier to store. there is no practical loss.

however, I probably will have a more difficult time selling it? don't know for sure.

what is your opinion?

 

[diemaco]

If you cut the barrel below 18" it will be prohibited.... cut it to 18" and you'll have a handy carbine with reduced velocity that may be harder to sell and will have a different point of balance.

 

[guntech]

I am getting a 22" bolt action in 223. I read about tests where people shortened barrels and they didn't see much drop in velocity, and in many cases there was an increase in accuracy.

Now there are many accurate short barreled 223 rifles. The Mossberg MVP Patrol is 16.5" and has excellent below moa accuracy. There's no reason to have a 22" barrel. if I shorten it to 17", I will have the same accuracy, but my rifle will be lighter, easier to handle and easier to store. there is no practical loss.

however, I probably will have a more difficult time selling it? don't know for sure.

what is your opinion?

Cut a .223 barrel and there will always be velocity loss, never an increase.

Cut it to 18.25 inches to be safe and live with it... to many it will have less desire and value, but if you want it short, it's your rifle.

 

[hoytcanon]

I have bobbed dozens of barrels... the light higher velocity rounds tend to lose more velocity per inch than heavier, slower rounds... you can expect to loose 50-75 fps per inch... this can be made up with load development... I have not experienced significant gains OR losses in the accuracy department.