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Posted: 12/6/2006 5:12:43 PM EDT
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does cutting down a barrel affect the accuracy and if so how bad? i have a 20" and thinking about cutting it down to 16". thanks in advance. |
| Cutting the barrel should not hurt the accuracy if the barrel is cut and crowned properly. The barrel may actually be more accurate as shorter barrels are stiffer and potentially more accurate. I don't know if you would have to modify the gas port. Randall at AR-15 barrels will know. |
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I don't recommend going all the way back to 16" on the rifle length gas system. 16.5" and 17" have proven to be more reliable. Depending on the gas port size you start with, you WILL have to open the gas port when you get much below 18". Shorter barrels of the same profile are stiffer. Stiffer barrels of the same length are more accurate. There may be other conditions in your barrel that keep it from getting more accurate such as the throat or rifling condition. With a proper crown, it should be at least as accurate as it is now. I have had several people that experienced better accuracy on barrels I simply threaded and crowned. I suspect that these barrels had a buggered up crown to begin with and I simply put them back into good condition. |
+1 It has been my experience that shorting a barrel with a rifle length gas system requires that the gas port be opened in the area of 0.110" (7/64"). If it is chrome lined, I suggest using a reamer. If you have to use a drill on a chrome lined barre, a drill bit can be used, but a drill bit can leave a ragged edge around the gas port in the bore. Once you shorten it, you will have to put a quality crown on it. If you can get a good riflesmith to do the work, especially for $45, it may be worth your time and effort to send it. |
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