Barrel Length Vs. Accuracy

by
posted on May 31, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
barrelbreak-inlead1.jpg

From the February 1956 issue of American Rifleman, one reader asks a question on rifle barrel length affecting accuracy, and another question about Remington 720/721 mainspring compatibility.


Barrel Length Vs. Accuracy
The barrel of my 7.62mm Russian service rifle is too long for hunting purposes and I would like to cut it down to 22 inches. Will this affect its accuracy?—E.H.

Answer: It has been my experience that reasonable shortening of a rifle barrel has no effect on practical accuracy provided the job is done properly.—L.R.W.


Not Interchangeable
Are the mainsprings of the Remington Models 720 and 721 rifles interchangeable?—W.S.

Answer: No. The Model 721 is an entirely new rifle and bears no parts relationship to the Model 720, which was a slightly improved version of the Model 30 and 30S rifles. If you are seeking a spring for the Model 720, I would suggest use of an Enfield speed action spring available for $1 from Schmidts Precision Products Co., Route 1, Box 150-M, Sargus, Calif.—H.E.M.


More classic articles:

Latest

Heckler IPRF 2
Heckler IPRF 2

Chad Heckler Wins Limited Title at 2026 IPRF World Championship

Chad Heckler hit 171 of 200 shots to edge JC Robertson by two impacts and win the IPRF Limited world championship.

New: Springfield Armory Echelon Pro 9 mm Pistols

Springfield Armory’s Echelon Pro Comp brings an integral compensator, laser-sculpted grip texture and a steel magazine well to the 9 mm Echelon.

2026 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot: U.S. Women’s Results

Lanny Barnes and Lena Miculek each won three world titles while Dianna Muller took silver at the 2026 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot.

Kentucky’s Braden Peiser Goes Perfect, and the NCAA Rifle Streak Rolls On

Kentucky’s Braden Peiser fired a perfect 600-53X in air rifle against Murray State, the sixth 600 of the young NCAA season.

Hillsdale College Freshman Orientation Moves to the Range

Hillsdale College swapped its freshman campus tour for a Halter Center visit built around safety instruction, live fire and team building.

How One Postal Match Bridged U.S. and Australian Smallbore Competition

SSAA’s postal match sparked the Hands Across the Sea match during the 2026 NRA Smallbore Nationals, and a U.S. team will compete in Australia in 2027.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.