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Posted: 9/19/2008 6:52:29 PM EDT
| Would shortening the barrel on a Ruger Mini-14 to the length of an AC556 barrel improve accuracy by eliminating the barrel whip? |
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IMO, you aren't going to see much improvement. The barrel is just a little too thin. If you really want to improve it, I would save your money and send it to these people. I've never used them, but I've heard good things. Accuracy Systems |
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In theory, the most accurate Mini 14 variant would be the AC556K. Because of the operating system, barrel length and diameter, the Mini 14 is succeptible to barrel whip and negative harmonics. Shortening the barrel increases its rigidity and thus reduces these negative effects. While shortening the barrel might make the weapon slightly more intrinsicly accurate, it would be difficult to take full advantage of these improvements. Clearly, an AC556K is not a 600+ yard DMR...Short barreled rifles can be as accurate as long barreled counterparts, but their dynamics make shooting accurately at distance very difficult. Short barreled sub-carbines like the AC556K are designed for CQB, not Camp Perry. Also consider the caliber you are dealing with. 5.56x45 is at its best below 200 yards and thats with a full size rifle. With a sub-carbine, you are talking around 100 yards of fragmentation range. Considering accuracy or lack thereof is most apparent at distance, the whole concept of AC556K and accuracy is fundamentally flawed. With a 6.8 SPC, you might be on to something however "large caliber" Mini's accuracy sucks so bad they make 5.56 versions look like M25's. There are also more important first steps to take. Mechanical bedding and a good stock are the most important factors in building Mini 14 accuracy, followed by mechanical changes to the barrel/operating assy. If you are looking to increase the accuracy of a Mini 14 by shortening the barrel, 16 inches is a much better choice. Or, you could save yourself the trouble and get a 580 series GB Carbine, which will be among the most accurate stock Minis availible. Add mechanical bedding to its already shorter/heavier barrel and you might really have something...Mine shot around 1.5 MOA with a cool barrel and good ammo. |
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