XD45 7,124 Posted April 14, 2012 Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 (edited) Being the kind of guy that just can't leave well enough alone, I'm considering chopping the barrel of my Golani from 19" down to 16". Keeping in mind that this poll is more out of curiosity than a desire for help in making the decision, what do you's guys think? Long barrel = higher velocity - never a bad thing with the .22 bullet - but less handy. Short barrel = lower velocity but more handy. I'd also appreciate feedback from people with experience shortening barrels about cycling. This rifle cycles 100% with 5.56mm loads but won't reliably cycle some 223 loads. Would I need to open the gas port going from 19" to 16.25" (not including muzzle device)? Of course I haven't tried 223 in it since it was new, and it may have just been that it wasn't broken in yet... Bad photochop of a bad pic to get an idea what it would look like. I have shamelessly stolen this picture from OpRN on uzitalk. He did exactly what I'm thinking of doing... Edited April 15, 2012 by XD45 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shandlanos 1,470 Posted April 14, 2012 Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 Keep the extra barrel length. If it's already inconsistent with light loads, shortening the barrel will exacerbate that problem, and you will have to modify the gas system to get it running reliably. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fallschirmjager667 729 Posted April 14, 2012 Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 looks better longer Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dayofruin 425 Posted April 14, 2012 Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 I'd leave it alone. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrThunder88 912 Posted April 15, 2012 Report Share Posted April 15, 2012 It seems like .223 benefits from a longer barrel. Unless you really need to shorten the barrel to make it more compact (or because it's cool), I'd stick with the factory length. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
liberty -r- death 1,445 Posted April 15, 2012 Report Share Posted April 15, 2012 Keep it long. More accuracy and better velocity. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ben4345 123 Posted April 15, 2012 Report Share Posted April 15, 2012 Looks cool shorter, but it's more practical to have it the length. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jpanzer 1,265 Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 (edited) It was made in that barrel length for a reason. Keep it that way.... BTW... is that a Century Golani? Edited April 16, 2012 by Jpanzer 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
XD45 7,124 Posted April 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 It was made in that barrel length for a reason. Keep it that way.... BTW... is that a Century Golani? Using that logic nobody should ever modify any firearm... Yes its a golani. If it was a real Galil I wouldnt think of hacking it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jpanzer 1,265 Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 (edited) Well hell, if it's a Golani have at it. If you fuck it up it will be an improvement over Century's work. Fucking cut the stock off it while you're at it - make a damn pistol out of it.... And BTW, it's kinda gay to ask for opinions and then whine you you get one you didn't want to hear... Edited April 16, 2012 by Jpanzer Quote Link to post Share on other sites
corbin 621 Posted April 16, 2012 Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 (edited) Not sure if it matters to you, but shortening it more than the length of the muzzle device will do away with your ability to mount the bayonet on it. That's assuming you use the same flash hider. Personally, I'd leave it alone. As was mentioned, if it's not running some rounds now (try shooting them again before shortening), you'll definitely want to mod the gas assembly if you shorten things, unless you plan to run a suppressor. Good luck either way (and post pics if you mod it). Edited April 16, 2012 by Corbin Quote Link to post Share on other sites
XD45 7,124 Posted April 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2012 (edited) Well hell, if it's a Golani have at it. If you fuck it up it will be an improvement over Century's work. Fucking cut the stock off it while you're at it - make a damn pistol out of it.... And BTW, it's kinda gay to ask for opinions and then whine you you get one you didn't want to hear... First of all I made it clear that I don't plan to make my decision based on others opinions. I'm simply curious. Second, I sincerely apologize for my whining. I merely wished to point out the logical fallacy in your reply. We all modify our guns in some way. At least half of the actual gun-related posts on firearm forums are about modifications. Some of our most respected members make their livings performing modifications for other people. Oops, there I go whining again... Third, I don't give a fuck what answer I get. See First above. Fourth, I am fully aware that this is an internet gun forum and therefore populated by opinionated assholes (and I absolutely include myself in that category, but not you of course). Not sure if it matters to you, but shortening it more than the length of the muzzle device will do away with your ability to mount the bayonet on it. That's assuming you use the same flash hider. Yes I'm aware that I would lose the ability to mount a bayonet. Not a concern. Edited April 16, 2012 by XD45 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
XD45 7,124 Posted April 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 Well due to the potential of a soft receiver I'm sending the rifle to tenngalil to have him check it over. If the receiver isn't dangerously soft I'll have him tune it up and yes boys and girls, cut the barrel. lol But please feel free to continue voting. I know that insipid score can go higher... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pony_express1973 183 Posted April 18, 2012 Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 I have a Ar with a 16 inch barrel that is a tack driver 100 yards I cant miss at 200 there is a little diffrence but not a whole lot. When i get my next AR it will have the longer barrel for some variety. I'd keep it as is even thought you already decided Quote Link to post Share on other sites
master of the bush 17 Posted April 18, 2012 Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 Chop it, it's just an anemic .22 and there is no collector value in the US repros. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
XD45 7,124 Posted April 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 Chop it, it's just an anemic .22 and there is no collector value in the US repros. Pretty much sums it up. Although Im not letting anybody shoot me with anemic 556 bullets. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
garandman 11 Posted April 18, 2012 Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 Chop it, it's just an anemic .22 and there is no collector value in the US repros. Agree. Cut it, and while your at it, open up the gas port a few thousandths. Problem solved. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
XD45 7,124 Posted April 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2012 (edited) Chop it, it's just an anemic .22 and there is no collector value in the US repros. Agree. Cut it, and while your at it, open up the gas port a few thousandths. Problem solved. Since I'm sending to tenngalil anyway I'll let him determine if it needs opened up. Assuming the receiver isnt butter soft crap. If it is unsafe I'm going full asshole on century. I hear they have sometimes given replacements if a gunsmith certifies it unsafe. I paid $750. I'm not just selling it for parts without a fight. Edited April 19, 2012 by XD45 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrThunder88 912 Posted April 19, 2012 Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 Chop it, it's just an anemic .22 and there is no collector value in the US repros. Pretty much sums it up. Although Im not letting anybody shoot me with anemic 556 bullets. That's because you're not a real operator. Real operators' "Plan A" is to take multiple hits to their body armor from a 338LM! Seriously though, here's hoping for a sound prognosis and fully-functioning outcome. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shades_of_grey 1,092 Posted April 19, 2012 Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 Leave the barrel alone. That crappy little round needs the length to achieve a decent muzzle energy. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
XD45 7,124 Posted April 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2012 (edited) Leave the barrel alone. That crappy little round needs the length to achieve a decent muzzle energy. Looking at velocity vs barrel length with the 5.56 there isn't much difference between 16 and 18, especially with bullets of 62gr and heavier. I'll take the 30fps hit for the handier length. The rifle is on it's way to tenngalil now. And when I get it back... I'm taking my 21" FAL to have it chopped to 18" and add an original Steyr short flash hider. You can't stop me! Edited April 22, 2012 by XD45 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
XD45 7,124 Posted April 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2012 The good news is the receiver is good. The headspace is very tight and the feed ramp is too low but otherwise good. So we're gonna fix 'er up and chop that barrel! Add a complete refinish and GTG. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.