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What barrel length do you use for NRL22?

DedicatedShooter

DedicatedShooter

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Apr 1, 2010
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#1
I'm in the market for a .22 that I can compete with in NRL22 matches. I am torn about what barrel length to go with. I'll be shooting suppressed, so overall length is a consideration. I am thinking between 16" - 22" would be ideal.

What barrel length are you using?

How significant are the ballistic advantages across the 16" - 22" length ranges?

Thanks in advance everyone!
 
#2
NRL22, no significant ballistic advantage at 100 yards. 16" is fine.

I run a 16" unsuppressed, and a 20" unsuppressed. 16" adds more mobility for stages like getting in and out of ladder rungs or between the chair seat. 20" I have because I like the way it looks :p
 
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#3
I went over this same dilemma before I ordered my Kidd barreled action, ended up getting a 18" on that and it worked great for last season for me.

Just got a new cz 457 and decided to try the 16" for the new rifle. Nothing wrong with the 18" but wanted to try a shorter barrel for in and out the ladder rungs and other barricades on the bonus stages.

With the little testing Ive been able to do with the new rifle doesnt seem to be giving anything up to the 18" ymmv
 
#4
I shot a 16” cz, an 18” RPR and a 20” Tikka using the same ammo and all the velocities were basically the same. Between 16 and 22 I think it really comes down to what you think looks good or if you are building a trainer for a CF rifle. I am currently having my match rifle rebarreled from a 20” to a 16” because I find it easier to use on barricades. I also shoot unsupressed for that same reason and a few others. When I am spotting or running a stage with a shot timer I hate seeing guys come up with surpessors. If I’m trying to look through the glass and call shots it can be difficult at times. They may fire and miss then move on to the next target. Since I couldn’t distinguish their rifle from all the background firing I don’t move on to the next target because I didn’t hear them fire and miss the next hit. If I am trying to count shots and spot it is very easy to miss scots unless I am watching the shooter. I obviously can’t watch the shooter if I’m on glass spotting. If You are running a timer on a timed stage you have to go in and change the settings on the timer then basically put it on a stick and hold it in front of the muzzle. Shooting suppressed has the cool factor but in a match with subsonic rimfire ammo I see it as more of a disadvantage personally. Just a few possible drawbacks to consider along with the extra 6” it will add to the length of your rifle.
 
#5
16" suppressed T1x, is a perfectly managable length.
Have previously used my CZ American 22" both suppressed and unsuppressed.
The bare 22" barrel wasn't too cumbersome, but when suppressed it was a tad ridiculous.

Stick under 22" total length and you'll be fine.
 
#7
Thanks for the input everyone. I am considering the CZ 457 VPT with the 16.5" barrel. Was torn between that model and the 457 Pro Varmint that's suppressor ready but I think the Manner's stock is worth the extra $$. I don't feel like waiting for someone like KRG to come out with a good replacement stock for the 457 even though its rumored to be out anytime now.
 
Last edited:
#8
DedicatedShooter said:
Thanks for the input everyone. I am considering the CZ 457 VPT with the 16.5" barrel. Was torn between that model and the 457 Pro Varmint that's suppressor ready but I think the Manner's stock is worth the extra $$. I don't feel like waiting for someone like KRG to come out with a good replacement stock for the Pro Varmint even though its rumored to be out anytime now.
Click to expand...

If you're planning on competing competitively you'll probably be swapping out the stock anyway. CZ barrels are pretty lottery like, you might get a good one, and you might get a bad one. Could get a CZ Scout $350 + new barrel $325, + MDT LSS RF chassis. Put you around the same price.
 
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#10
littlepod said:
If you're planning on competing competitively you'll probably be swapping out the stock anyway. CZ barrels are pretty lottery like, you might get a good one, and you might get a bad one. Could get a CZ Scout $350 + new barrel $325, + MDT LSS RF chassis. Put you around the same price.
Click to expand...

I could definitely build a 457 by starting with a lower cost base model. I checked out the MDT chassis stock and was a bit disappointed by the fact that You're paying $400 + tax for an incomplete stock and B. I would still have to purchase a stock and pistol grip which for me means a MAGPUL PRS because I don't like any other type of AR-style precision rifle stock. I have always preferred the look and feel of composite stocks over full chassis systems but I am willing to compromise if the price is right. If we're trying to end up around the price of the 457 VPT I think it would be difficult to do it going this route.

Rough estimate here for going the Scout-build option or straight for the VPT:

CZ 457 Scout: $329
Barrel Options:
Bartlein from 419: $550
Lilja: $440 (it's not suppressor ready so add $100 for the machine work)
Lothar-Walther: $299
Proof: $650
Stock:
MDT + PRS stock + Pistol grip: $400 + $240 + $30 = $670

Total Scout build with the Lothar barrel (it's the least expensive): $329 + $299 + $670 + 8% tax = $1401

Total Cost for the 457 VPT: $996 + 8% tax = $1075.68 and that's WITH a Manner's stock. If the rifle isn't a shooter, I could have it pillared and bedded and still be under the scout build.

Still, haven't decided on what to go with yet. Really appreciate everyone's input on barrel length and advantages of shooting matches suppressed and unsupressed.
 
#11
Eoddave27 said:
I shot a 16” cz, an 18” RPR and a 20” Tikka using the same ammo and all the velocities were basically the same. Between 16 and 22 I think it really comes down to what you think looks good or if you are building a trainer for a CF rifle. I am currently having my match rifle rebarreled from a 20” to a 16” because I find it easier to use on barricades. I also shoot unsupressed for that same reason and a few others. When I am spotting or running a stage with a shot timer I hate seeing guys come up with surpessors. If I’m trying to look through the glass and call shots it can be difficult at times. They may fire and miss then move on to the next target. Since I couldn’t distinguish their rifle from all the background firing I don’t move on to the next target because I didn’t hear them fire and miss the next hit. If I am trying to count shots and spot it is very easy to miss scots unless I am watching the shooter. I obviously can’t watch the shooter if I’m on glass spotting. If You are running a timer on a timed stage you have to go in and change the settings on the timer then basically put it on a stick and hold it in front of the muzzle. Shooting suppressed has the cool factor but in a match with subsonic rimfire ammo I see it as more of a disadvantage personally. Just a few possible drawbacks to consider along with the extra 6” it will add to the length of your rifle.
Click to expand...

Good points on suppressed vs. unsuppressed. I guess I just want an excuse to use the can for something more than plinking. Never thought about how it would impact a shot timer.
 
#12
Yeah, I think a lot of guys use them for the cool factor but as I said I have found them to be a handicap. If only a few guys are using them you still need to wear ear pro so it isn’t really gaining you anything. It just makes it harder to move through barricades and for the spotters. I have 2 rimfire suppressors but the only time I really find I use them is on my rimfire pistols and if I’m in a place where the noise really is an issue.
 
#13
DedicatedShooter said:
I could definitely build a 457 by starting with a lower cost base model. I checked out the MDT chassis stock and was a bit disappointed by the fact that You're paying $400 + tax for an incomplete stock and B. I would still have to purchase a stock and pistol grip which for me means a MAGPUL PRS because I don't like any other type of AR-style precision rifle stock. I have always preferred the look and feel of composite stocks over full chassis systems but I am willing to compromise if the price is right. If we're trying to end up around the price of the 457 VPT I think it would be difficult to do it going this route.

Rough estimate here for going the Scout-build option or straight for the VPT:

CZ 457 Scout: $329
Barrel Options:
Bartlein from 419: $550
Lilja: $440 (it's not suppressor ready so add $100 for the machine work)
Lothar-Walther: $299
Proof: $650
Stock:
MDT + PRS stock + Pistol grip: $400 + $240 + $30 = $670

Total Scout build with the Lothar barrel (it's the least expensive): $329 + $299 + $670 + 8% tax = $1401

Total Cost for the 457 VPT: $996 + 8% tax = $1075.68 and that's WITH a Manner's stock. If the rifle isn't a shooter, I could have it pillared and bedded and still be under the scout build.

Still, haven't decided on what to go with yet. Really appreciate everyone's input on barrel length and advantages of shooting matches suppressed and unsupressed.
Click to expand...

Why not just get a Tikka T1X with a KRG Bravo?
 
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#16
littlepod said:
you're planning on competing competitively you'll probably be swapping out the stock anyway. CZ barrels are pretty lottery like, you might get a good one, and you might get a bad one
Click to expand...


littlepod said:
Why not just get a Tikka T1X with a KRG Bravo?
Click to expand...


Are the T1X factory barrels proving to be more consistently worth keeping?
 
#18
Shorter the better. Most of the energy from he powder is used by 13". Bullet dwell in a .22lr is quite long so the quicker you can have the bullet exit, the less chance of you fucking it up. So, no reason for longer than 16" and shorter if possible.
 
#19
milanuk said:
Are the T1X factory barrels proving to be more consistently worth keeping?
Click to expand...

Yes. Almost all of the T1X barrels I've seen can hold about 1"-1.2" with standard ammo, and about .8" with match ammo at 100 yards. I've seen better, but rarely have I seen worse.

I shot about 3000 rounds through my factory T1X barrel -
With SK Standard Plus and averaged 1.1" across my 6x5's.
Eley Target averaged 1"
With Eley Tenex - .75" 6x5's
Lapua Polar Biathlon, Center-X, Pistol King - .85"

All at 100 yards.

Mag changes with the T1X are easier than CZ.
 
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#20
Eoddave27 said:
Yeah, I think a lot of guys use them for the cool factor but as I said I have found them to be a handicap. If only a few guys are using them you still need to wear ear pro so it isn’t really gaining you anything. It just makes it harder to move through barricades and for the spotters. I have 2 rimfire suppressors but the only time I really find I use them is on my rimfire pistols and if I’m in a place where the noise really is an issue.
Click to expand...

I use one as it's better for training where I live, annoys neighbours less. Also use the same rifle for hunting.

For a dedicated match rifle it's definitely not overly helpful.
 
#24
The T1x in the Bravo is a fantastic set up. That’s what I shot with most of this last season. It hung right in there with all the custom CZ’s and Vudoo’s. I can assure you the rifle was more than capable of wining every match I shot with it.
 
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#25
Something to consider for PRS/NRL type shooting. Short barreled 22's are tail heavy, by a large degree. Consider barrel contour and length as a means to adjust your balance point, ideally right in front of your mag well. Yes, powder is burned up before the end of the barrel. Yes speed is "sacrificed". However, consider the trade off of 10fps in a projectile that is already subsonic, to a rig that has superior balance on ladders, barricades, etc. If you run the numbers out to 150, you will see that the difference is negligible. Free recoil is a thing even for the 22's. The more wobble zone you have, keep backing off pressure/contact until it shrinks to an acceptable size and then send it!
 
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#26
^^^what he said. Balance is the most important part of choosing a 22lr barrel for NRL22. My 16inch Vudoo is slightly rear heavy and if I did it again I would either get a heavier barrel profile or go 18 inch to help balance things out. The 16 shots very well out to 400 yards no problem.
 
#27
Rumblingdwarf said:
^^^what he said. Balance is the most important part of choosing a 22lr barrel for NRL22. My 16inch Vudoo is slightly rear heavy and if I did it again I would either get a heavier barrel profile or go 18 inch to help balance things out. The 16 shots very well out to 400 yards no problem.
Click to expand...

What barrel profile and do you run a suppressor on it?
 
#28
Jefe's Dope said:
Shorter the better. Most of the energy from he powder is used by 13". Bullet dwell in a .22lr is quite long so the quicker you can have the bullet exit, the less chance of you fucking it up. So, no reason for longer than 16" and shorter if possible.
Click to expand...
My train of thought mirrors yours, have you ever started with a long barrel and proceeded to shorten it for data? Is there any reliable chart or data as to when extra length becomes drag and or detrimental?
My recent history with 22LR is all 10-22's, 3 diff barrel lengths, not the same barrel, so I bring nothing here.
I have been though the same scenario with shouldered 9mm's, or PCC's. The resulting drag in a 14.5" barrel with blasting ammo is apparent. Both speed and accuracy wise. But if you shoot self defense loads, 3-400fps gain, and nifty groups at 50 yards.
 
#31
Milo 2.5 said:
My train of thought mirrors yours, have you ever started with a long barrel and proceeded to shorten it for data? Is there any reliable chart or data as to when extra length becomes drag and or detrimental?
My recent history with 22LR is all 10-22's, 3 diff barrel lengths, not the same barrel, so I bring nothing here.
I have been though the same scenario with shouldered 9mm's, or PCC's. The resulting drag in a 14.5" barrel with blasting ammo is apparent. Both speed and accuracy wise. But if you shoot self defense loads, 3-400fps gain, and nifty groups at 50 yards.
Click to expand...

I have not but Mike from Vudoo did. There's a video on YouTube of him discussing it.
 
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