Does barrel length affect .17 Remington accuracy significantly?

Factors Influencing Barrel Length on Accuracy

The .17 Remington is a high-velocity cartridge, but its accuracy is more dependent on chamber and barrel quality, rather than length. For example, a well-made 22-inch barrel can outperform a poorly made 24-inch barrel. Most factory rifles come with standard lengths (22-24 inches) that are optimized for this cartridge. In general, barrel lengths between 20-24 inches provide similar accuracy, with minimal loss in performance.

Real-World Barrel Length Comparisons

In a 2019 field test, a 20-inch barrel with a high-quality .17 Remington chamber delivered a 1-inch group at 100 yards. In contrast, a 24-inch barrel with a mediocre chamber produced a 1.5-inch group. This example demonstrates that barrel length is not the primary factor in .17 Remington accuracy.

Optimizing Barrel Length for Your Rifle

If you choose to experiment with different barrel lengths, keep in mind that shorter barrels (under 20 inches) may introduce increased muzzle rise and decreased velocity. On the other hand, longer barrels (over 24 inches) may introduce increased weight and decreased practicality. To optimize your rifle’s performance, focus on selecting a high-quality barrel and chamber, rather than relying on extreme barrel lengths.