22 inch barrel or 26 inch barrel on a rem 700?

[The Russian 1021]

What are the advantages of having a 26 inch barrel? Also, whats a good twist rate, and a good cheap scope for a remington 700 in 308? I want to be able to shoot out to 600, 700 yards. I probably couldnt make that shot, but would like to have the ability to.

 

[RKG]

While I'd like to believe that the longer barrel is always better for precision shooting, my observations and experience is to the contrary: variations in barrel quality, including chambering specs and execution and rifling method and execution) seem to dwarf the difference inherent in the extra length. Likewise, while a longer sight radius always makes a difference when shooting iron sights, today precision shooting almost always involves shooting through glass.

Frankly, if I were building the rifle you're describing, I'd go elsewhere than a Remington 700, but that isn't what was asked. A good 20" barrel will outshoot a lower quality 26" barrel.

 

[Howland]

A longer barrel will generally give slightly higher velocity, but the main advantage is the ability to capture all the energy of a slower powder if that is what gives the most accurate load in your rifle. Unless you are working up a load with a chronograph and measuring standard deviation, you won't be able to measure the difference, though. I would stick with a 22" barrel if you plan to do any hunting, a 26" barrel is a little more more unwieldy in the field. I have a 700 in 30.06, and I will never part with it. It consistently shoots sub-MOA with good factory or handloaded ammo. I can keep a group the size of the palm of my hand at 500 yds. The scope is not expensive, but isn't a cheap one either. For long distance shooting without dropping a huge wad of cash, the 700 is a great choice.

 

[Lsgun1]

What I read about the 700 is the 20" is just as accurate as the 26". I believe all but 1 or 2 of them are 1/12 twist which is fine. Also theres no "good cheap" scopes. Will a cheap scope work? Sure but it won't have the features of a higher end scope or the quality glass so at higher magnifications it will be hazy looking.

 

[Brushcutter]

You will hear and read about the loss of speed from a short barrel. This has not been my experience. There is some loss but nowhere near the amount advertise (100fps per inch). I have seen some gurus suggest 50 fps. The fact is it is closer to 20 fps and that is minimal. The difference between a 20 inch barrel and a 26 COULD be as much as 100-120 fps. It is not enough to warrant the extra weight and the PIA it is in brush. Stick with the 20-24 inch and you will be fine at any range an everyday shooter should be shooting at game. IMHO you can't go wrong with Remington 700. The older ones 70's-80's are buy far the best bolt action factory guns on the market. The action is sought after buy those who make customs that matter and bring a very high premium. I may be a touch biased but I know Remington's and have never had a bad one. Hagrid