Big Bores and barrel length

[jpuke]

I've got a CZ550 in 416 Rigby coming and I'm thinking about getting the barrel chopped from 25" to about 21".  Would this be crazy?   I'm not so worried about the velocity loss but more about the muzzle blast that it'd create.  My ultimate goal is to turn the rifle into a big bore "scout" rifle - I've already got a Tikka T3 that I had scoutified and I love the concept.  I mostly want to have the barrel cut down to make it more handy, 25" seems awfully long to me.  Any thoughts would be great. 

[Redhawk1]

I have a CZ550 Also in 46 Rigby. I like it long, but if you like a shorter barrel, have it cut down. I don't think you will get full powder burn with the shorter barrel, there is a lot of powder in them 416 Rigby's.  Once you cut it off you can't put it back on. 

[EsoxLucius]

A cut and crown is relatively cheap.  You could try an intermediate length first before going all the way to 21".

[Questor]

It would not be crazy. It would make it easier to carry in thick cover. Mine is 22 inches and has a barrel band sling swivel stud and I love it. It's so handy. The barrel band makes a huge difference because you are lowering the gun on your shoulder.

[Don Dick]

Perhaps a different caliber choice would be a good way to go.  I picked the 416 Rigby because it out did the 416 Remington.  Cutting the barrel would negate the gain.  Also, is it not loud enough now you want to make the barrel shorter?

[corbanzo]

I think a big bore scout gun is a great idea.  Velocity loss wont matter with a caliber that big, itll still take anything in NA.  Seems like a fun gun for going through thick terrain up here in AK.  I was thinking of a big lever gun with a short barrel for that same idea. 

[nasem]

I wouldn't do it
Your going to ruine that nice CZ with its nice 25" barrel..... if you ever try to re-sell it down the line... u woun't even get 1/2 of what you paid for it. 

[jpsmith1]

Cutting the barrel down should only impact performance minimally.  If it makes the rifle easier to carry, handle and shoot, then it makes it a better rifle in my opinion.

Rifles of that caliber are not generally shot for enjoyment.  They are sighted in and shot in NEED!  When you need that kind of power, blast is likely not going to matter much to you.  At the range or for "recreational shooting" you can double up plugs and/or lead sled it to reduce the abuse.

[kyote]

my remington 700 in .416 rem mag,has a 22" barrel and had it mag na ported.its easy to carry around in the bush and I can wield it faster then my longer barreld rifles for the intended game that I  am hunting.it is still very powerfull. and does has a drop in velocity.but not enough to worry me.nor the animal being taken.and I figure it is not a long range rifle.so what the heck.