Barrel cutting question

[palmtree191]

Is it possible for a gunsmith to cut a barrel like this with the fluting? It's a Bergara 7 PRC with 22" steel barrel. I've thought about cutting it to 18" at some point so I'm curious if that's even possible given the 4" cut would go into the fluting.

 

[Tom264]

Yes

 

[Apex Custom Rifles]

You can but it doesn't look great IMO. If you are going to thread the muzzle again doesn't matter and would just be cosmetic.

 

[palmtree191]

You can but it doesn't look great IMO. If you are going to thread the muzzle again doesn't matter and would just be cosmetic.

Definitely would thread again. Moving to 18" would be to help keep a shorter OAL with a 6" or 7" can. Not too concerned about aesthetics

 

[Sdvldog1371]

I'd add, Not only will it not look great, but it definitely has the potential to mess up accuracy. You essentially have a thin barrel liner between each rib of the fluting at the muzzle. There is a reason that an inch or more is generally left untouched at the muzzle.

 

[tylsmith33]

I doubt any knowledgeable gunsmith would cut that barrel and thread it where the fluting is.

 

[palmtree191]

I'd add, Not only will it not look great, but it definitely has the potential to mess up accuracy. You essentially have a thin barrel liner between each rib of the fluting at the muzzle. There is a reason that an inch or more is generally left untouched at the muzzle.

Makes sense. I'll probably just plan to shoot this barrel until I'm ready to get a new one.

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

Would not matter to cut it down and then definitely get it threaded. The Flutes will blend into the Cap, Brake, or Suppressor on the end.
It will change the Harmonics of the Barrel so you will need to work up another load. If you are having a GS close to you to do it, you can see how it groups and then if not satisfied cut a little more off the barrel for the harmonics. We have shaved a thou off the barrel and it changed the groups that we wanted.
Good luck and how does the barrel shoot now? Are you doing just for length for carrying in the field? Taking 4" off will take some velocity away and possibility accuracy at LR. Sometimes you have to give up something to get something!
Personally, I look at a 22" as a SHORT Barrel in a Big Game Rifle (larger Caliber). Even our Varmint/Predator Barrels are 26" for open ground, BUT our COYOTE .223 AR Style are 20" Suppressed.
We also have a SBR 9.35" Suppressed with Close Range Optics in case we have to go into the bush after a not confirmed DRT animal.
Let us know how you make out!!

 

[Doom2]

Cutting the solid portion of the muzzle off will change how the muzzle expands as the bullet is nearing and passing the muzzle exit. In the rest of the barrel the raised ribs are supported on either side of the bullet and high pressure gas as the bullet moves down the barrel. It the support of the ribs is removed at the muzzle the ribs are no longer supported on one end and the barrel will expand unsealing the bullet and allowing more gas to outrun the bullet to the muzzle.

 

[LoneTraveler]

Cutting the barrel off through the ribs would make threading the barrel a must. Some sort of snug fitted sleeve/muzzle break would be needed to to protect the threads and add circular support to the muzzle area. May have to consider a 2 piece sleeve. Back section with shoulder for suppressor to seat against, One part removable, For thread protection.

 

[JuddL]

A lot of bad info above. It works, not just speaking theoretical, I've done it. If it's what you really want and don't mind the look, do it.

 

[V35BTC]

I did one on a Rem 700 VSSF 22-250. I put 1/2" threads, made an adapter to 5/8" and blended the flutes on the mill. A little bead blast and it looked nice and original.