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

2026 MAC Champ Results 5
2026 MAC Champ Results 5

Mount Aloysius Defends MAC Championship Title as Two Mollys Steal the Show

Mount Aloysius College defends MAC championship title with 4558 aggregate as Schreiner’s Molly Mitchell and Mounties’ Molly Miller split conference’s top individual honors.

New: Fix It Sticks Armorer’s Punch Toolkit

Fix It Sticks pairs a new magnetic-socket hammer with 24 punches in a portable kit aimed at competition shooters, armorers and gunsmiths who work on guns away from the bench.

Champions Old And New: 1989 National Matches

The 1989 National Matches featured new metric targets, a record-setting U.S. Pershing Team victory, repeat champions and breakthrough performances across all disciplines.

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge: Kyle Lamb’s Position-by-Position Guide to the ARC Barricade

Kyle Lamb covers six positions on the NRA ARC barricade with practical tips on stability, transitions and rifle placement.

Collegiate Rifle: Akron Closes Season with Record Performance at GARC Championship

Akron set a school smallbore record of 2346 and finished fifth at the 2026 GARC Championship at West Point, just one point behind Army.

Cameron Hicks Takes FITASC and EZGO Shootout Titles at 2026 Seminole Cup

Cameron Hicks wins FITASC HOA over 205 shooters at the 2026 Seminole Cup, matching his father’s FITASC victory from 2003.



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