204 handi w/ 22in barrel

[MOGLEY]

o.k I looked around abit and after reading a lot about the calibers for long range varmit hunting, (woodchuck and smaller), I decided on the 204 for my next purchase. So out this weekend I go with the intent on buying me one. Talked to a couple different people at the various gunshops and most said to stay away from the 22 in 204. They claimed the accuracy was not that of the 24 in barrel past 100 yards. I would really like to reach out to 300 and they say past 100 their are issues. So I filed that away to ask about here and..... would'nt ya know it I found a handi with 22 in barrel for 185.00........... Their was a couple issues with the used gun. The action would not stay closed unless you closed it with authority. I thought htis the major issue. I noticed the action was real easy and the trigger was about 1 1/2 lb pull. So I figure someone has replaced the barrel and done some trigger work. The blue of the barrel and the reciever was just a minute shade different. Then considering the comments about the 22 in barrel vs the 24.. I decided to pass.  What are your opinions.Is there anything to the barrel length for the 204? The only other comment was they thought the barrel fouled more with the short barrel than with a longer one.
I really like the caliber and everyone that has, or has had one said it was a great caliber and was not as finicky in the wind as some have said........

[quickdtoo]

That sure sounds like someone doesn't know what the hell they're talking about, there's a heck of a lot of PDs that are pushing up daisys near Hooker Ok that got that way due to Mitchell's and a couple other's 204 Handis with 22" barrels!! A lot of shots in excess of 400yds!!

I wouldn't be concerned about blueing being a different color on the barrel and frame, they aren't made of the same material and they aren't blued at the same time. If the barrel was off another rifle, the last 3 digits of the frame serial number engraved on the underlug of the barrel wouldn't match, something to check.

As far as lock up, a new gun does required it to be closed with authority, says so right in the owner's manual, if it's more than that, H&R will fix it.

Optimum barrel length for the 204 is 23", right in the middle of the 22" Handi and 24" fluted Ultra!

http://www.bullberry.com/204Rugerdata.html

Tim

[McLernon]

I find it hard to believe that a 24 inch barrel would be superior in any way to the 22 inch barrel.  As a matter of fact tests have shown that a 23 inch barrel gives optimal velocity with the 24 and 22 having both having slightly less velocity. I have one with a bull 22 inch barrel and it does1-1/4MOA without any tuning. I expect after tuning that it wiill shoot subMOA. The other issues you mentioned are of a concern and I think you did the right thing in passing up the offer.

I am sure others will chime in on this one.

Mc

[McLernon]

You beat me to it Quick

Mc

[quickdtoo]

Mc, that happens sometimes!!!

[burntmuch]

I dont understand what happens after 100yds . 1inch group at 100yds = 2inch group at 200yds???

[McLernon]

Nothing

Mc

[MOGLEY]

Thanks for the reply's guys. I know better than to listen to just one person and definetly ask people who have the experience. I won't be shying away from the 22 inch barrel anymore. I am going to wait for a deal to come along and temper my impulses but it is not easy. I get tunnel vision real bad!! While I was shopping though I picked up some 40gr v max bullets to load in my cz 222. Even bought a chronograph last night on line. I want to see what I can do with the lighter 222 ammo for speed,accuracy and trajectory comparison. This is a fun hobby but it takes time to do it right and good weather, which I do not have right now. I would like to tell you all from first hand experience what a bullet does in -25 degree weather but,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, even I could care less. I would be happy for the 20's right now!!

Thanks again