Help a man in need... Barrel questions

[BTGuard]

I'm looking at replacing the factory barrel on my Marlin xs7. Why? Because I can and i figure it can only increase accuracy! I'm looking at an er Shaw barrel, in a fairly heavy contour. Maybe 3 or 3.5? What length and contour would you think about for a. 308. Mostly a target gun, although I do of it sound occasionally for a varmint hunt. No mountains, and I already have a Boyds laminate stock. What say you?

[MitchParker]

I'd go with a number 4 for a range gun. I love my Douglas #4 for my 257 Bob - it's my stand hunting rifle.

[BTGuard]

I'd go with a number 4 for a range gun. I love my Douglas #4 for my 257 Bob - it's my stand hunting rifle.

What's finished weight on that? I'm trying to decide what the balance will be... While a lot will be range gun, like I said there may be some times I hoof it a little ways for some yote or Beaver hunting.

And also I'm not set on Shaw so anything you folks think is better for the money is be open to. I don't want anything super expensive, seeing as its a 300 dollar gun to begin with, but I think a good barrel would go a long way.

[BTGuard]

Bump... Surely more if you have put one of these barrels on how bolt gun!

[captainsling]

Haven't paid that much attention to the Marlin. Are they like the Savage rifles where you can do everything yourself? If not, your biggest challenge may be finding a smith to work on that action. I know some smiths will not work on some actions.

[TacticalCowboy]

Haven't paid that much attention to the Marlin. Are they like the Savage rifles where you can do everything yourself? If not, your biggest challenge may be finding a smith to work on that action. I know some smiths will not work on some actions.

Savage type barrel attachment.

I'd go with a 24 or 26" barrel.

[BTGuard]

Haven't paid that much attention to the Marlin. Are they like the Savage rifles where you can do everything yourself? If not, your biggest challenge may be finding a smith to work on that action. I know some smiths will not work on some actions.

Yep its very similar to Savage. I was considering sending it to Shaw to have them install and true the action. They should be Sending me a quote for the work of the barrel. What would the difference between 22, 24, and 26 inch barrels be? I know velocity will probably doctor different. Do you have any idea how much that would be?

[RJH1]

Yep its very similar to Savage. I was considering sending it to Shaw to have them install and true the action. They should be Sending me a quote for the work of the barrel. What would the difference between 22, 24, and 26 inch barrels be? I know velocity will probably doctor different. Do you have any idea how much that would be?

Probably 50 fps an inch is a good estimate. I know shorter barrels are the "cool thing" right now, but I also like longer barrels and while length has basically no effect on accuracy, it does seem to effect recoil characteristics, at least to me. Every time I have replaced a gun with a shorter barrel with one with a longer barrel I have been happy.

[BTGuard]

Probably 50 fps an inch is a good estimate. I know shorter barrels are the "cool thing" right now, but I also like longer barrels and while length has basically no effect on accuracy, it does seem to effect recoil characteristics, at least to me. Every time I have replaced a gun with a shorter barrel with one with a longer barrel I have been happy.

Your saying a slightly longer barrel will seem to kick less? Also, will a longer barrel make it sound quieter from the shooters point of view?

[Stick1]

If you are focused on increasing accuracy, you may want to consider looking at a few other makers.

[TacticalCowboy]

Your saying a slightly longer barrel will seem to kick less? Also, will a longer barrel make it sound quieter from the shooters point of view?

Much less muzzle blast with a longer barrel.

[BTGuard]

If you are focused on increasing accuracy, you may want to consider looking at a few other makers.

Any recommendations on where to start? I'm not looking to sirens a fortune, so if I can't increase accuracy for a modestly low price I'll probably just hold off for now. It's not a super excitement gun to begin with do it seems silly to double the price with a barrel

[Mike D]

50fps is a bit aggressive on velocity changes.

35 is more in line in with what I have seen. You may see higher differences in a magnum caliber but likely not on a mild caliber like 308.

I prefer shorter barrels in mild calibers. I see no reason to go longer on a caliber like 308 and potentially upset the balance of the rifle.

[RJH1]

Your saying a slightly longer barrel will seem to kick less? Also, will a longer barrel make it sound quieter from the shooters point of view?

I am saying I perceive it to kick less. Muzzleblast is definitely reduced. The feeling of balance is subjective, while one person might prefer the feel of the shorter barrel, another, myself included, prefer the longer.

[TacticalCowboy]

If you are focused on increasing accuracy, you may want to consider looking at a few other makers.

The one I had in 30-06 held 3/4" or if the box.