Shortening A Rimfire Barrel

[Deker 3,478]

 

 

There is no discernable difference between a 12" or a 24" barrel, so as long as the overall length of the gun is still legal, go for whatever length suits you.

 

That's somewhat like saying Ferrari, Bentley or Ford KA, there is no discernible difference in the time it takes me to get to work in the rush hour!

 

Try the Seven Bridge to London run at 03.00 in the morning and see the difference, how many target shooters do you know that use a 12" .22lr barrel?

 

 

I'm sorry. I didn't know the O.P was a target shooter. To avoid confusion, yes, 16" will be fine.

 

 

You over generalised, always dangerous, that was the point I was making, doesn't matter if he was a target short or not! There is a VERY discernible difference between 12-24" barrels with some ammo and some applications!

 

ATB!

 

Not trying to be picky but I have been at this a long time and those comments don't help anyyone.!

[walshie 2,804]

 

 

 

There is no discernable difference between a 12" or a 24" barrel, so as long as the overall length of the gun is still legal, go for whatever length suits you.

 

That's somewhat like saying Ferrari, Bentley or Ford KA, there is no discernible difference in the time it takes me to get to work in the rush hour!

 

Try the Seven Bridge to London run at 03.00 in the morning and see the difference, how many target shooters do you know that use a 12" .22lr barrel?

 

 

I'm sorry. I didn't know the O.P was a target shooter. To avoid confusion, yes, 16" will be fine.

 

 

You over generalised, always dangerous, that was the point I was making, doesn't matter if he was a target short or not! There is a VERY discernible difference between 12-24" barrels with some ammo and some applications!

 

ATB!

 

Not trying to be picky but I have been at this a long time and those comments don't help anyyone.!

 

 

I'm not trying to be picky either, but the OP had read it "won't make too much difference" - which is a general statement. General answer - no it won't.

[Deker 3,478]

 

Does the rifle need reproofing when cut?

 

reproofing: if you want to sell it, it does. if you want to keep it, it does not need it.

 

 

comment for the original thread maker, I would highly recommend 18.5 inchs. when the ammo is consistent (which is very rare) my 18.5 inch barrel will shoot a few out at 0.25 inch c2c at 120 yards. but its more like an inch usually. I firmly believe this is due to the rounds not the barrel on my 18.5 inch browning 52. forget the 14 inch dude its a little to short.

 

 

NO it doesn't, there is NO law and NO precedent, there is conjecture and debate and hot air from the Proof House as to whether any individual RFD will/should buy it or not.

 

In the last about 4 years I have purchased a .22WMR from a RFD that had very obviously been cut and threaded, a couple of years later I sold that same gun to a different RFD, at NO time had/has it been re-proofed and no problem whatsoever.

Edited August 13, 2013 by Deker

[Deker 3,478]

 

 

 

 

There is no discernable difference between a 12" or a 24" barrel, so as long as the overall length of the gun is still legal, go for whatever length suits you.

 

That's somewhat like saying Ferrari, Bentley or Ford KA, there is no discernible difference in the time it takes me to get to work in the rush hour!

 

Try the Seven Bridge to London run at 03.00 in the morning and see the difference, how many target shooters do you know that use a 12" .22lr barrel?

 

 

I'm sorry. I didn't know the O.P was a target shooter. To avoid confusion, yes, 16" will be fine.

 

 

You over generalised, always dangerous, that was the point I was making, doesn't matter if he was a target short or not! There is a VERY discernible difference between 12-24" barrels with some ammo and some applications!

 

ATB!

 

Not trying to be picky but I have been at this a long time and those comments don't help anyyone.!

 

 

I'm not trying to be picky either, but the OP had read it "won't make too much difference" - which is a general statement. General answer - no it won't.

 

 

[drakeshead gunner 26]

Thanks for all the comments, helpful and very interesting! Think I may go to 16 inch, as I know some of the cz models are 16 inch from factory. Although mine is not the 452 modle it stands to the 1 in 16 twist rate comments. Someone mentioned about eley subs, with their target back ground. Have people had good experiences with these?

[riflehunter583 58]

 

 

Does the rifle need reproofing when cut?

 

reproofing: if you want to sell it, it does. if you want to keep it, it does not need it.

 

 

comment for the original thread maker, I would highly recommend 18.5 inchs. when the ammo is consistent (which is very rare) my 18.5 inch barrel will shoot a few out at 0.25 inch c2c at 120 yards. but its more like an inch usually. I firmly believe this is due to the rounds not the barrel on my 18.5 inch browning 52. forget the 14 inch dude its a little to short.

 

 

NO it doesn't, there is NO law and NO precedent, there is conjecture and debate and hot air from the Proof House as to whether any individual RFD will/should buy it or not.

 

In the last about 4 years I have purchased a .22WMR from a RFD that had very obviously been cut and threaded, a couple of years later I sold that same gun to a different RFD, at NO time had/has it been re-proofed and no problem whatsoever.

 

 

well I think I will take the advise of a respected local gun smith, a derby rifle shop, a Sheffield rifle shop and Birmingham and London proof houses with regard to if a rifle shout be reproofed or not after shortening in order to sell on.

 

'Similarly, with regard to the cutting of a screw thread on a rifle muzzle (or for that matter any other repair, replacement or modification of a Barrel), there can be no offence committed unless or until the entire Small Arm is subsequently offered for sale, exchange, export etc. Even if/when this were to happen, the requirement to submit a barrel for re-proof only arises if the barrel has been "unduly reduced in Substance or Strength".'

 

above quote taken from jacksons rifles.

 

I would rather be on the safe side and have it retested IF I decided to sell.

[Deker 3,478]

 

 

 

Does the rifle need reproofing when cut?

 

reproofing: if you want to sell it, it does. if you want to keep it, it does not need it.

 

 

comment for the original thread maker, I would highly recommend 18.5 inchs. when the ammo is consistent (which is very rare) my 18.5 inch barrel will shoot a few out at 0.25 inch c2c at 120 yards. but its more like an inch usually. I firmly believe this is due to the rounds not the barrel on my 18.5 inch browning 52. forget the 14 inch dude its a little to short.

 

 

NO it doesn't, there is NO law and NO precedent, there is conjecture and debate and hot air from the Proof House as to whether any individual RFD will/should buy it or not.

 

In the last about 4 years I have purchased a .22WMR from a RFD that had very obviously been cut and threaded, a couple of years later I sold that same gun to a different RFD, at NO time had/has it been re-proofed and no problem whatsoever.

 

 

well I think I will take the advise of a respected local gun smith, a derby rifle shop, a Sheffield rifle shop and Birmingham and London proof houses with regard to if a rifle shout be reproofed or not after shortening in order to sell on.

 

'Similarly, with regard to the cutting of a screw thread on a rifle muzzle (or for that matter any other repair, replacement or modification of a Barrel), there can be no offence committed unless or until the entire Small Arm is subsequently offered for sale, exchange, export etc. Even if/when this were to happen, the requirement to submit a barrel for re-proof only arises if the barrel has been "unduly reduced in Substance or Strength".'

 

above quote taken from jacksons rifles.

 

I would rather be on the safe side and have it retested IF I decided to sell.

 

 

That doesn't say you have to have it re proofed to re sell it.

 

Take whoevers advice you like, that is exactly what I said......

 

"NO it doesn't, there is NO law and NO precedent, there is conjecture and debate and hot air from the Proof House as to whether any individual RFD will/should buy it or not"

 

[riflehunter583 58]

 

 

 

 

Does the rifle need reproofing when cut?

 

reproofing: if you want to sell it, it does. if you want to keep it, it does not need it.

 

 

comment for the original thread maker, I would highly recommend 18.5 inchs. when the ammo is consistent (which is very rare) my 18.5 inch barrel will shoot a few out at 0.25 inch c2c at 120 yards. but its more like an inch usually. I firmly believe this is due to the rounds not the barrel on my 18.5 inch browning 52. forget the 14 inch dude its a little to short.

 

 

NO it doesn't, there is NO law and NO precedent, there is conjecture and debate and hot air from the Proof House as to whether any individual RFD will/should buy it or not.

 

In the last about 4 years I have purchased a .22WMR from a RFD that had very obviously been cut and threaded, a couple of years later I sold that same gun to a different RFD, at NO time had/has it been re-proofed and no problem whatsoever.

 

 

well I think I will take the advise of a respected local gun smith, a derby rifle shop, a Sheffield rifle shop and Birmingham and London proof houses with regard to if a rifle shout be reproofed or not after shortening in order to sell on.

 

'Similarly, with regard to the cutting of a screw thread on a rifle muzzle (or for that matter any other repair, replacement or modification of a Barrel), there can be no offence committed unless or until the entire Small Arm is subsequently offered for sale, exchange, export etc. Even if/when this were to happen, the requirement to submit a barrel for re-proof only arises if the barrel has been "unduly reduced in Substance or Strength".'

 

above quote taken from jacksons rifles.

 

I would rather be on the safe side and have it retested IF I decided to sell.

 

 

That doesn't say you have to have it re proofed to re sell it.

 

Take whoevers advice you like, that is exactly what I said......

 

"NO it doesn't, there is NO law and NO precedent, there is conjecture and debate and hot air from the Proof House as to whether any individual RFD will/should buy it or not"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does the rifle need reproofing when cut?

 

reproofing: if you want to sell it, it does. if you want to keep it, it does not need it.

 

 

comment for the original thread maker, I would highly recommend 18.5 inchs. when the ammo is consistent (which is very rare) my 18.5 inch barrel will shoot a few out at 0.25 inch c2c at 120 yards. but its more like an inch usually. I firmly believe this is due to the rounds not the barrel on my 18.5 inch browning 52. forget the 14 inch dude its a little to short.

 

 

NO it doesn't, there is NO law and NO precedent, there is conjecture and debate and hot air from the Proof House as to whether any individual RFD will/should buy it or not.

 

In the last about 4 years I have purchased a .22WMR from a RFD that had very obviously been cut and threaded, a couple of years later I sold that same gun to a different RFD, at NO time had/has it been re-proofed and no problem whatsoever.

 

 

well I think I will take the advise of a respected local gun smith, a derby rifle shop, a Sheffield rifle shop and Birmingham and London proof houses with regard to if a rifle shout be reproofed or not after shortening in order to sell on.

 

'Similarly, with regard to the cutting of a screw thread on a rifle muzzle (or for that matter any other repair, replacement or modification of a Barrel), there can be no offence committed unless or until the entire Small Arm is subsequently offered for sale, exchange, export etc. Even if/when this were to happen, the requirement to submit a barrel for re-proof only arises if the barrel has been "unduly reduced in Substance or Strength".'

 

above quote taken from jacksons rifles.

 

I would rather be on the safe side and have it retested IF I decided to sell.

 

 

That doesn't say you have to have it re proofed to re sell it.

 

Take whoevers advice you like, that is exactly what I said......

 

"NO it doesn't, there is NO law and NO precedent, there is conjecture and debate and hot air from the Proof House as to whether any individual RFD will/should buy it or not"

 

 

 

 

deker, I prefer to do things buy the book and cover my back when selling things and always advise people to do the same. that's why I reject your comments!

[dadioles 68]

Goodness me riflehunter, you sound like a right old jobsworth.

 

the requirement to submit a barrel for re-proof only arises if the barrel has been "unduly reduced in Substance or Strength".'

 

Shortening and re-threading a barrel does not unduly reduce it either in substance or in strength. If you were to widen the bore or re-cut the rifling that would be another thing but let's get real here.

 

My 16" .22 CZ is as accurate as my 21" .22 CZ and they are both beaten by my 14" Anchutz HMR but that is more down to .22 v hmr and not barrel length.

 

For "normal" shooting (rats and rabbits) a short barrel will be as accurate as a long barrel but much more convenient. Only when using iron sights will you see the benefit of a long barrel.

 

Correct ammunition choice makes the biggest difference. You must try several makes and see which works best in your gun. No-one can help you with that choice, you have to experiment and find out for yourself.

[Deker 3,478]

 

 

 

 

deker, I prefer to do things buy the book and cover my back when selling things and always advise people to do the same. that's why I reject your comments!

 

 

Do what you like as I have already said.

 

There ISN'T a Book, haven't you noticed that yet.

 

"there is NO law and NO precedent, there is conjecture and debate and hot air from the Proof House as to whether any individual RFD will/should buy it or not"

 

Jackson Rifles have taken expensive Legal advice and been campaigning for years to make the point that re proof is NOT required.

 

Edited August 14, 2013 by Deker

[Deker 3,478]

Double post!

Edited August 14, 2013 by Deker

[paulus 26]

over the years i have had loads of rifles either screw cut or shortened or both, never has one been anywhere near a proof house, never have i had a problem with selling them back to various rfd`s

[Alsone 789]

I agree with Deker, there's absolutely no reason why reducing and threading a barrel should reduce its strength.

 

A shorter barrel alone has no difference in strength as the wall thickness is the same and unless the barrel has been heated in such a way as to alter the metal's characterises, there's no reason why it will not be exactly the same as a longer barrel.

 

The threading process removes some material but again the thread is short and shallow to match the moderator and its at the end of the barrel - pressure will always try to exit from the muzzle rather than through the sides therefore. With the moderator on, you actually probably have increased strength as you have more steel with the moderator wall thickness as well. Without, well the average shallow thread will make little difference. Only if the thread was cut unusually deep and barrel re-profiled and moderator adapted to fit, would I personally be concerned which is highly unlikely to happen. I've certainly never heard of it and it would have to be a very poor gunsmith.

Edited August 14, 2013 by Alsone

[riflehunter583 58]

the strength of a professional job is not the problem. in other words the danager is 0. if anything the proofing is an outdated method which can stress material.

 

BUT

 

we are not talking about physics here.

 

this is what i said:

if your keeping it no proof is needed, if selling it is.

 

its all about covering your back if sold and there is a problem. and a problem would be very rare. but to cover your back in a world of litigation i would always recommend belt and braces to cover your back if sold.

 

WHY DO YOU THINK A GUN SHOP OF 20 YEARS HAD MY .22LR BARREL CUT AND PROOFED JUST BEFORE I BROUGHT IT???? WERE THEY DOING IT FOR THE FUN OF IT??? it would have cost them to do it courier and proofing and time.

 

Edited August 14, 2013 by riflehunter583

[Alsone 789]

WHY DO YOU THINK A GUN SHOP OF 20 YEARS HAD MY .22LR BARREL CUT AND PROOFED JUST BEFORE I BROUGHT IT???? WERE THEY DOING IT FOR THE FUN OF IT??? it would have cost them to do it courier and proofing and time.

 

Yeah but it probably cost them less than they charged you for the proofing or threading (if they built the cost in) = extra profit for them.

 

I personally don't see any need to cover you're own back as you've already done that if you had the work carried out by a qualified and reputable gun smith.