Barrel length for your hunting levergun?

[HairyHook]

What is your preferred barrel length for your hunting levergun, and why? I am sure that there are a number of opinions, but I am curious what you think.

Thanks

Hairyhook

[Old Savage]

I have 20, 22, and 24 and like them all. Some are attached to the idea and use of short or long but not I. I like them all - all makes, all models and all lengths. They have different advntages. Well, all the common ones; there are some I have never shot.

[rjohns94]

30" on my lever action - breech loading sharps - nice balance and not too heavy.

24" on my 45lc model 73 - points very well and since it has a big hole, its not heavy at all.

18 inch on my 45-70 Marlin Custom modified by Wild west Guns - its a takedown and its a comprimise between the long barrels i like for sight visibilty and fast handling. This rifle has high vis sights so I don't have problems seeing the front sight.

20 inch on my .357 because I wanted the extra capacity .


16 inch on my takedown .22 Marlin 39TDS - Again, I wanted portability. My travel guns are the two Marlins, both takedowns, both short barrels. I don't feel limited by them and they fit into a small package. My every day carry rifle is the .357 and I wanted extra capacity there.

[CowboyTutt]

Another consideration is what cartridge are you using and will the extra barrel lenghth make a difference. In my 20" 454 Puma the velocity is only 50 fps more when compared to my friend's 16 barrel. In pistol calibers, there is very little to be gained in the longer barrel except for sight radius. In a 30-30 or other true rifle caliber, the velocity difference may be quite different. For shooting longer distances, the longer barrels and sight radius may be an advantage, so it depends on your local hunting terrain. Just some other thoughts to consider.

-Tutt

[WCF3030]

17 5/8 inch.

[buckeyeshooter]

26 inch is my favorite but I also have 20 and 22 inchers

[runfiverun]

i like 20"
seems to balance better and not hang up in the brush
you can also shoot it one handed if necessary.

[dr walker]

I only have 20 inchers right now. I have owned 16's as well. I prefer the 20.

[Bigahh]

I agree with Old Savage. I also have 20,22, and 24 inch barrels. All 3 have a time and place. If I had to cut it down to only one I would pick the 24" as it shoots the best for me. The 20" Carbines are nice though for quickness at close range.

[morgan in nm]

Depends on the caliber, game, and area in which you hunt. For me, I like the 20" 30wcf for hunting deer in wooded areas and 24", 26", and even a couple of 28" for distances greater that 150yds. Those are just my personal preferences but my dad sticks with the 20" for everything and does better than me despite the caliber.

[Hobie]

I like 'em to balance very much like a 20" barreled Win 94 or Marlin 336. Some guns can do this with a 22" barrel and some with an 18" barrel. I do have a couple that can't do it, but, that's not a consideration for those guns.

[El Chivo]

I like the 24" for shooting, the sight radius gives me confidence. However, it's a little long to carry all day. So for hunting I guess I'd have to say the 336 in 20". I'm going to use a scope this year anyway, so barrel length is a moot point.

I did once handle a Marlin 22" with the short mag, that was a very nice balance. I could go for that, but I don't want to get into the big bores. Though I understand they make it now in 308 mx. Don't really want to get into that, either. Do it in 30-30 or 35 Rem and I'll buy one.

[Pisgah]

I've got them from 16" to 24". I like the shorty for convenience as a truck gun and in the really tight cover, the 24" when the woods are open and the extra sight radius might come in hamdy on a longer shot, and the 20" is just good all around.

[Griff]

26" for my favorite one. Tho' I've got them from 16" - 26" with stops at 20" & 24" inbetween.

Oh yea, this thread is worthless w/o pictures!!!

[Chuck 100 yd]

I like my barrel to be long enough but not too long. Seems anywhere from 16 to 30" is about right for leverguns. 36-42" for muzzleloaders.
I hate to be so pickey but that is just the way I am!

[Kansas Ed]

24" minimum in all Marlins and Winchesters. Balance is better for me.

Ed

[TedH]

I like the 20's. Seems like a good compromise.

[44LVR]

My favorite is 26", with 24's being a close 2nd place. Because of that those are the only lengths I have with the exception of my wifes 18 1/2" .357.

44

[Poohgyrr]

16" is handy enough, and some only come in 20" - so they will do. Most of my shots are within 125 to 150 yards max.

[Rustolium]

20 is what I run with no problems. Marlin 1894SS in .44

[20cows]

These are the two extremes:



I use the 16 1/2" 99% of the time because I have it with me that much of the time. Most of my hunting is opportunistic.

[piller]

I have only used the shorter barrels, so by default that is my favorite. If I get a chance to try one of the longer barreled leverguns, then maybe I will update my opinion. In the meantime I plan to enjoy what I have.

[6pt-sika]

I have lever rifles with 16.25" all the way to 26" . With bolt actions I have 18.5" all the way again to 26" !
And in single shots I have 22" to 28" barrels !

They all work well enough for me