Thoughts on cutting barrel down

View · by **OldmanFCSA** on Wed Jan 22, 2014 3:19 pm

Interesting read - thanks for the responses.

My answer was : 1/2 JOKE & 1/2 based on the article as quoted by others.

However, based on your new information:

If you are hunting tight timber, cut to 17 or 18.
Do NOT add a muzzle break for a hunting rifle, the large increase of sound to your ears will damage your hearing. On the range you wear hearing protection, I know of only a few that use hearing protection while hunting.

If you are hunting anywhere where fields or open timber is the norm, leave it alone and learn to shoot it.

308WIN is a great cartridge! Shoot light loads, work your way up until shooting hunting loads is like shooting a 223REM. Loud sound is the main reason people learn to flinch. Don't make it worse by adding a muzzle break.

View · by **Rip Van Winkle** on Wed Jan 22, 2014 9:21 pm

Something else to consider. IIRC, in the 308 you loose ~50fps of velocity per inch of barrel in the 18' to 24" range.

View · by **RJWesleyIII** on Thu Jan 23, 2014 9:18 am

Thanks for all the replies fellas. I could always add the muzzle brake for range time and take it off for hunting. Or I could just use this as a dedicated bench gun. I have so many rifles in different calibers I could use for hunting. I won't be shooting any high powered calibers or hunting for awhile. Still fighting cancer and have this port in my chest on the right side. So any high powered rifles might hurt I love shooting my rimfires when I can, and thought if I tame this .308, I might be able to shoot it. My .223 doesn't bother me either. Now I just need to find a reasonable place to get it cut.

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View · by **exarkun** on Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:01 am

RJWesleyIII wrote:Thanks for all the replies fellas. I could always add the muzzle brake for range time and take it off for hunting. Or I could just use this as a dedicated bench gun. I have so many rifles in different calibers I could use for hunting. I won't be shooting any high powered calibers or hunting for awhile. Still fighting cancer and have this port in my chest on the right side. So any high powered rifles might hurt I love shooting my rimfires when I can, and thought if I tame this .308, I might be able to shoot it. My .223 doesn't bother me either. Now I just need to find a reasonable place to get it cut.

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Lemme know what place you find. I have a RRA LAR-8 Predator HP that I would possibly want to get the barrel threaded and a brake installed.

View · by **OldmanFCSA** on Thu Jan 23, 2014 7:43 pm

I have an ArmaLite AR-10 in 308WIN with a 20" barrel and a factory installed muzzle break. Recoil is non-existent, but DAMM ITS LOUD !!

View · by **Slayer_MN1** on Thu Jan 23, 2014 8:08 pm

If you don't mind driving about an hour and a half north o the metro I can get you in touch with a guy to do the work. He mainly builds bench rest rifles but he'll cut, thread and crown your barrel for a very fair price with speedy turn around.

Pm me if you want his number

View · by **BigDog58** on Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:52 pm

If it helps any, I had the guys at Ahlmans adjust the stock on my Weatherby and add a recoil pad. They were very reasonable in price and did a superb job. I will say they are a bit slow in turn around time.

Also, depending on the distances you shoot, changing from a muzzle brake, to without it, will change your point of impact. Not a lot, but depending on your accuracy requirements, something you should consider.

View · by **RJWesleyIII** on Fri Jan 24, 2014 8:05 am

Thanks for the recommendations, I'm going to give a gunsmith I found in south St. Paul a try. I'll let you all know how it turns out. I just need to find time to get over there. Lot of things going on and it's not a huge priority. I appreciate all the responses!
Bob

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View · by **yuppiejr** on Fri Jan 24, 2014 6:59 pm

One thought, you could also sell the Ruger and pick up a Mossberg MVP tactical or predator model in .308 for around 550 and get the features you want in a factory config with a detachable magazine option and laminate stock to soak recoil better than the Ruger stock. I own and like both Ruger and Mossberg rifles and have no brand favorite.... Just leery of seeing 200 worth of parts and smithing go into a 300'rifle when there are other options.

View · by **loose** on Mon Jan 27, 2014 11:39 am

RJWesleyIII wrote:Thanks for all the replies fellas. I could always add the muzzle brake for range time and take it off for hunting. Or I could just use this as a dedicated bench gun. I have so many rifles in different calibers I could use for hunting. I won't be shooting any high powered calibers or hunting for awhile. Still fighting cancer and have this port in my chest on the right side. So any high powered rifles might hurt I love shooting my rimfires when I can, and thought if I tame this .308, I might be able to shoot it. My .223 doesn't bother me either. Now I just need to find a reasonable place to get it cut.

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Ahlman's will do it for fifty bucks.