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

NRA ARC Barricade Video 2
NRA ARC Barricade Video 2

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.

Rhode Island Wins Inaugural National Intercollegiate Rifle League Title

Rhode Island wins inaugural Scopos Intercollegiate Rifle League team title while Georgia Military College’s MacKenzie Sookhoo sweeps all eight individual competitions.

USPSA Managing Director Reflects on Record-Setting 2025, Outlines Vision for 2026

USPSA Managing Director Alan Turner recaps a record-breaking 2025—including all-time highs in membership, participation and Nationals attendance—and highlights 2026 initiatives.

New: Real Avid Master Maintenance Collection for Glock

Real Avid bundles 13 Glock-specific tools and cleaning supplies into one comprehensive kit covering sight installation, trigger work, maintenance and cleaning.



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