Suppressors How long is too long?

[Namekagon]

Did some searching on here but didn't find where anyone had asked this question...I have a Rem 700 in 6XC that I use for precision shooting/coyote hunting. I also am interested in entering some local PRS-style matches. Right now I have a 26" barrel, and a SiCo Omega on the way, my first suppressor. The barrel needs to be threaded.

My gut feeling is that I should have the barrel shortened when the smith threads it, because adding 7-8" onto a 26" barrel seems to me would make the rifle a PIA to carry around, especially on hunts. But I don't want to give up a ton of velocity either, so I'm not sure how far back to go. Right now I'm leaning towards cutting back to 22 or 23". It seems like alot of guys use 20" barrels when suppressed.

How long can a suppressed barrel be before it becomes a pain to handle in the field? Thanks.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

You will be fine the way it is. Most people I see are using 24 with suppressors

 

[KZP]

Tape a piece of cardboard tube or rolled up paper the length of your desired suppressor onto your barrel and see how it feels to walk around with it.

 

[Namekagon]

Tape a piece of cardboard tube or rolled up paper the length of your desired suppressor onto your barrel and see how it feels to walk around with it.

I did that, and its what got me thinking I needed a trim. Though I might repeat the exercise.

 

[Namekagon]

You will be fine the way it is. Most people I see are using 24 with suppressors

That makes me feel a bit better about staying on the longer side. Are you seeing those on hunting rigs?

 

[Sniperwannabee]

I was commenting on the prs community. But if you feel you need a shorter gun for hunting, well that's a great excuse to get another gun!

 

[lash]

I have been shooting my 26" barrel with a 9" can on it for over a year now. Once I got over how long it seemed, I am quite comfortable with it in a match situation. My rifle altogether is a pig though, so not a useful comparison for hunting.

 

[W54/XM-388]

I would avoid shortening the barrel if you plan to do a bunch of competitions with it.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I run a can on my rifle with a 26' barrel. It's fine for comps, but lugging it around in the woods would be a pain in the dick. Not just because of the length, but the weight also.

I use my rifle to hunt deer and in the morning on the walk out to the stand, I throw the can in my pocket and reattach once I'm sitting. Same thing after I leave at night.

 

[Namekagon]

Thanks everyone. Think I'm gonna go shorter, and if the competition thing pans out, I'm guessing I'll have a second rifle anyway. Or at least a second barrel.

 

[wpierce]

I just had a 26” 308 cut down to 16.5 for my specwar.

 

[Hrsmn51]

I had my 6XC set up with a 20 inch barrel and a sig 762. It was reasonable to carry and I managed to get 3085 fps with 105s. The barrel lasted 1490 rounds. Good luck with your build!
H

 

[rocklinux]

26" barrel with that can is no problem in my book. No big deal if you want to go 22-24" though

 

[Namekagon]

Yeah, I'm thinking 22". My hope is that I'll lose ~30fps/inch or less, so say 100-120fps loss by cutting back to 22". But hope to gain back 30-40 fps by adding the can. A net loss of 80 fps or less, in exchange for the shorter barrel length, to me seems like a good trade on a mostly hunting rifle.

Do those numbers seem reasonable, or am I way off?

 

[Namekagon]

I had my 6XC set up with a 20 inch barrel and a sig 762. It was reasonable to carry and I managed to get 3085 fps with 105s. The barrel lasted 1490 rounds. Good luck with your build!
H

Your load must have been a bit toasty? 1490 is less than I would have expected for an XC. I am only getting 3000 out of my 26" barrel, though I could probably push a little harder. BUT...I am just starting to mess with RL17 and am getting much higher velocities. I use H4350 right now because the gun loves it, group wise.

 

[Hrsmn51]

Was using RL17 yea it was warm but not excessive. First barrel didn't make 1000 rounds. I have had several say the same as you but this is my experience no BS. Two new builds in 6 SLR using N165 22inch barrels both running 3050fps with 105 RDF's. Just for reference longest string 10 rounds in 4 minutes.
H

 

[Namekagon]

Damn, that sucks. The XC isn't supposed that much of a hot rod. Ought to be able to get 1000 out of a 22-250!!

 

[tangodown]

The struggle is real. 28” with an Omega. I wouldn’t say it’s a huge difference than when it’s on my 24” honestly.

 

[Lunchbox27]

I have a 24" barrel currently and run a SiCO Omega. Zero issues or complaints and I have ran it through it's paces at local comps. I'm getting ready to have it re barreled and I'm going with a 26". IMO, shoot it for a while with the can at competitions. See if 4" is really going to be limiting you. You can always take off after you have decided it's too long for what you want.

 

[Servo93]

I have an Ultra 7 can on a 24” barreled AIAT. I’ve only shot one match so far but I do shoot a lot of positional stuff at the range and I have no complaints. I don’t find it a bother at all moving in and out of stuff or shooting off hand , in-fact i love it so much i never take it off.

 

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

damn, I'm going thru the same dilemma with a rem 5r .308 with 24" barrel.
Won a few FTR matches with that rifle and cant bear to cut it and thread.
After reading this I think ill leave it long
Thanks.