Optimum Barrel Length for 22LR

As a general rule many think a rifle chambered in 22LR with a 16½" - 18½" barrel is considered optimum for standard over the counter ammo. Everything in life is a trade off. As the bullet travels down the barrel it loses energy to friction, however, the more length in the barrel the greater the stability relating to accuracy, but finally, a significant loss of energy results in an undesirable trajectory.

Some shooters say that anything over 16½" is pointless, and even detrimental. This isn't always necessarily true. In match shooting you will see shooters using special subsonic cartridges in rifles with barrel lengths of 26". There's definitely a point to which additional barrel length is nothing but detrimental, however, a lot depends on ammunition and application.

My Ruger 10/22 has an 18½" barrel and it is considered a carbine. I've found it to be more accurate with open signs than some of my older more expensive rifles in 22LR with various barrel lengths. The energy lost to friction between 16½ to 26" is inconsequential as it relates to most shooters in ordinary application. It has more to do with the quality of the rifle and ammunition.

The drop on 22LR is rather ridiculous so I've never had much use for putting a scope on these rifles other than to experiment with ballistics while cutting down the walking distance between where I am shooting from and my target.