VIDEO: Should I cut my barrel down? | Rifle vs Carbine Length for the Big Woods
Cutting a barrel is a permanent decision, so you'll want to make sure it's worth it!
At Big Woods Bucks we see a lot of questions about cutting barrels down from rifle length to carbine length. It's a natural modification to entertain given the popularity of factory carbines. But it is an irreversible modification that will likely devalue your rifle, and could impact accuracy. Let's take a look at some things to consider if you're thinking about shortening up a barrel on your rifle.
First let's define 'rifle length' versus 'carbine length' for the purpose of this discussion. Rifle length barrels are usually going to be over 20" from the tip of the muzzle to the forward end of the receiver, or the back of the chamber. If we're talking about rifles like the Remington 760 or 7600 that factory rifle length is around 22". Some bolt actions will have 24" or longer barrels. Carbine length is typically a nominal 18". I say 'nominal' because it is common to cut barrels to 18.25" or 18.5"; those are still carbine length and many factory carbines fit these measurements. So generally we are talking about taking 3 to 4 inches off the end of the barrel.
Next let's look at why you might want to cut a barrel down to carbine length. After all, wouldn't the gun manufacturer have the gun optimized to work its best from the factory? Well, yes and no. Some guns come in both rifle and carbine versions from the factory. This was the case with the venerable Remington 760 and 7600. The carbine was intended for hunting in tighter confines for ease of maneuverability and a lighter weight overall. The balance of the carbine is also shifted rearward slightly for what some argue is a gun that carries better over long periods, and mounts to the shoulder more quickly. Authentic factory carbines can be harder to find and more pricey, especially on the used market, when compared to their longer barreled versions. So it's natural to evaluate the option of buying a more available rifle and cutting the barrel down to make your own carbine.
So what will the benefits be? Certainly your rifle will be lighter by the weight of the section of barrel removed. This will also shift the balance point or center of gravity aft by about a finger's width. Take a look at your rifle and where you typically carry it. As long as there's nothing sharp or uncomfortable to hold just behind that area where you currently carry it, shortening it will make it slightly easier to carry. It will feel more handy and quicker to bring to your shoulder. It will be easier to hold at your shoulder while you cycle the action, which means faster target acquisition and faster follow up shots. The margin of these improvements is fairly small. They are perceptible, but minor, and easily supplanted by range time. It is a subjective thing, but if you're comparing two otherwise identical rifles you will likely notice the carbine carries and handles more nimbly. If all you have is one or the other, the difference between the rifle and carbine is unlikely to register as a significant factor during your hunt.
These are the things to consider when deciding whether to cut down your barrel. You might be considering this for a used gun that is worth several thousand dollars, which seems a little crazy. This craziness was certainly a topic of discussion when Big Woods Bucks and Henry Repeating Arms started working together to make rifles that are ready for the big woods, right from the factory. If you want to risk devaluing a rapidly appreciating asset, hey this is America and you're free to do that! But if you were economically minded (and also, speaking of America ... ) for less money you can get an American-made, factory new, high quality Big Woods Bucks Henry Long Ranger with an 18.5" barrel, detachable box magazine, upgraded walnut stock with BWB's Rack & Track logo and Skinner's fantastic rear peep sight and fiber optic front sight - right out of the box. It's a great big woods option for a new factory carbine, whether or not you choose to cut down your rifle barrel.
If you're debating cutting a few inches off your barrel here's what you need to consider:
Rifle length or carbine length? Does it really make a difference? Let's take a look at weight difference, balance and handling and more.
