Does sizes matter? Lengh

[Shinyknight]

This topic will focus on the fx liners. There are 500mm 600mm 700mm 800mm. We all know the longer the barrel the more power you get from it. The real question is, does size matter when it's about accuracy? Accuracy or precision, whatever you want to call it. I am talking about being able to hit your target (aim point) over and over constantly. If your group is all over the place that isn't accuracy. So, the question is will longer barrel be more accurate than a shorter barrel? If power isn't something I want, but accuracy is, should I get a longer barrel or shorter? If I want to hit a dove size bird at 100 yards plus, can a shorter 500mmbarrel do just as good as a 700mm or 800mm?

 

[GeneT]

There's actually a good argument to be made for a shorter, stiffer, barrel for accuracy at the expense of power. There are a huge number of variables though - just as two "identical" barrels seldom shoot identically. I wouldn't hesitate to play with the shorter barrels, but recognize that some of it is luck of the draw. A good long barrel will out-shoot a lousy short barrel every day, but all else being equal, the short barrel should have some advantage.

GsT

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

I was told of an experiment with a known accurate barrel, where they cut it down incrementally and tested accuracy each time. The results were the accuracy stayed with the barrel, but power/speed declined with the shortening length.

 

[EPG]

This topic will focus on the fx liners. There are 500mm 600mm 700mm 800mm. We all know the longer the barrel the more power you get from it. The real question is, does size matter when it's about accuracy? Accuracy or precision, whatever you want to call it. I am talking about being able to hit your target (aim point) over and over constantly. If your group is all over the place that isn't accuracy. So, the question is will longer barrel be more accurate than a shorter barrel? If power isn't something I want, but accuracy is, should I get a longer barrel or shorter? If I want to hit a dove size bird at 100 yards plus, can a shorter 500mmbarrel do just as good as a 700mm or 800mm?

Hi Shinyknight,

Regarding FX liner length and how it effects accuracy… A few points to consider (there are many variables)

Shorter barrels/liners are stiffer than longer barrels.

FX liners are thin and flexible compared to a traditional steel barrel.

Those first two points mean that a long FX liner may be more prone to harmonic flex. Harmonic flex may impact accuracy, but it can also be managed/reduced via barrel tuners, weights, carbon fiber tubes, etc.

A longer barrel requires less air to achieve a target velocity. (The longer barrel gives more time for the air charge to accelerate it).

Less air means a longer barrel can be used with a milder, more air efficient tune (less hard hammer strike on valve). This mellower tune may help the shooter achieve accuracy as the rifle is less jumpy.

A longer barrel may increase the overall time till the pellet leaves the muzzle (lock time). This longer lock time will require the rifle to remain still longer to achieve accuracy.

All these points are simplified, and there are many experts on AGN who will drill into great details if you want to know more.

My personal experience- based on currently owning 3 FX PCPs (and 15 PCPs overall):

I target shoot so accuracy is top priority. I prefer longer barrels for the milder tunes.

I prefer bullpups so that even though the barrel may be 600 or 700mm, the overall length of the rifle is reasonable.

I have had great results with 600mm (600 is somewhat long) FX liner barrels, and harmonics have not been a problem.

I’ve used FX barrels of 380, 500, 600 and 700mm both with and without the FX carbon fiber sleeves - and have not noticed a significant difference in accuracy - so barrel harmonics with the thin FX liners has not been a big issue for me.

I hope this helps,

-Ed

 

[Shinyknight]

Ok guys thanks I was thinking going to 500mm. I own an fx impact 600mm and it's kinda long. Wanted to know if going to 500mm I will lose accuracy or not. I'm not trying to follow all those high power tune you see on youtube. I plan to shoot .22 15gr and 18gr jsb at about 800 fps. And also plan to shoot up to 100 yards on pest. So if 500mm barrel can still be accurate to hunt up to 100 yards, I'll order a 500mm barrel