GM .50x7/8 barrel

[peterw]

Is the GM barrel .50 x 7/8" x 42" good for target rifle? What do you think?  Isn't it too light? I am going to shoot offhand at 50 and 100 meters.

[Swampwalker]

For offhand work, it may be a little light - but a straight 15/16" 42 inch long barrel in .50 cal may be pretty muzzle heavy (which some prefer).  If you already have the barrel, tape it to a mock-up stock cut from pine shelving and see how it feels.

[Glenn]

The barrel should be fine.  In the event you decide it isn't and you put it up for sale please let me know ASAP.  That particular barrel is EXACTLY what I need right now.  THANKS !!!   

[roundball]

Is the GM barrel .50 x 7/8" x 42" good for target rifle? What do you think?  Isn't it too light? I am going to shoot offhand at 50 and 100 meters.

I bought a used Dickert with a GM .45cal x 7/8" x 42" straight barrel.
Very accurate but weighed an absolute ton...VERY muzzle heavy.
I didn't like it and I'm a big strong fella at 6'4 x 215lbs.

Had Ed Rayl bore it out to a .50cal...only lightened it by 6-7 ounces but at least the muzzle doesn't seem like its magnetically attracted to the floor all the time...it's still a hefty barrel but at least I can manage it, hunt with it, etc...I'd be surprised if you found it too light but that's just me...not a bulls-eye shooter.

[B Shipman]

A .50 7/8' isn't heavy, it's muzzle heavy. Chop it to 39' and it's a balanced papeweight. But no target rifle. !5/16 th at least. Cut it back till you get the hang you want.

[peterw]

I need to change button rifled barrel (.45x7/8x40 1/2") in my rifle.  I have no problem with weight and balance of this barrel. I like long muzzle heavy rifles (but .50x15/16x42" is too much). Problem is lack of consistency.  I want barrel which can shoot 1 - 1 1/2" at 50 meters every time.

[bob in the woods]

Once you.ve had a .50 cal B weight swamped barrel,  .......well, I know I'll never go back to a straight oct.
From a 38 in for hunting, or a 42 ,44 or 46 in, you will find one that hangs like it's connected to a sky hook
   The balance is the secret. If I want more weight, I go to a C weight.

[peterw]

Balance - where should it be?
My SMR - 14" from trigger (LOP 14", weight 8.6, 40 1/2" barrel ) - hangs well
My 1757 Spanish Musket  - 12" from trigger (LOP 13", weight 9,7, 44" barrel) - hangs well
My GPR - 10" from trigger (LOP 14", weight 9.1, 32" barrel) - I have problem to hold it steady
The Wesson rifle (not mine) weight like GPR or heavier, 28" barrel - I can't  hold it steady

[northmn]

Balance and weight are both a concern.  Ideally a rifle will balance about where you hold it on the forestock or slightly forward.  I have a 1" 58 in 32 inches that I am finishing but have already shot that feels just great.  I also have a 54 with a tapered barrel 1" to 7/8 over 42 inches that feels pretty good.  I cut my 3/4 25 down to 36 inches and like it.  My 42" 13/16 straight 40 feels muzzle heavy.  To really get balance some have drilled out under the buttplate and installed a bit of lead.  Problem is that weight and balance are also an individual thing.  I never have liked real heavy rifles as they caused fatigue over a days shooting.  A 15/16 50 cut at about 34 inches is not all that bad for me.

DP

[bob in the woods]

Almost everyone I've had try a .50 cal B weight swamped barrel , 42 inch,  has ended up buying a rifle with that barrel.  If you want an example of a great rifle with that barrel, look on the Chamber's website at the York style gun.  Look at all their rifles , for that matter. They have examples of 38 in ,and 44 in as well.
I have a friend who had shoulder surgery and could not hold his rifle  up any longer. He could shoot my 38 in .5o cal Haines style with no trouble at all.

[David Rase]

I've been shooting my SW Virginia rifle with a 42" .50 caliber 7/8" barrel for about 5 years.  It is the only straight barreled rifle I have ever built that balanced as good as a tapered and flared rifle.  I do not notice any muzzle heaviness.  I would challenge you to pick it up, shoulder it and tell me it does not fell like it has a swamped barrel in it.
DMR 

[Long Ears]

I have the same style rifle as Dave Rase and I agree 100%. That rifle has won many offhand matches in our area and no one can believe the balance for a straight barrel. Bob

[bgf]

Too long a length of pull can make the lightest barrel seem unbearably muzzle heavy, also, at least in my experience.  Many people seem to exaggerate their needed pull length, perhaps making them seek lighter barrels.  7/8" .50 is pretty light, and 15/16" .50 shouldn't seem heavy if the rifle fits the shooter pretty well.

[B Shipman]

I agree with bgf entirely. Look at the originals.

[Dphariss]

Is the GM barrel .50 x 7/8" x 42" good for target rifle? What do you think?  Isn't it too light? I am going to shoot offhand at 50 and 100 meters.

Should work OK but everyone has their own ideas about how muzzle heavy a rifle needs to be. I like heavy offhand rifles. Others like lightweights.
I put together a 50 with a 7/8 a few years back and the owner really likes it but he has other rifles for matches.

Dan

[Swampwalker]

It sounds like Peter is changing a barrel out on an existing stock.  Peter, the GM barrels are very accurate, provided you find a load and patch the rifle likes.  That shouldn't be a problem.  You may want to trim the barrel to match your existing barrel, so your balance point stays consistent.  If you want a little more weight, you can always try a .45 cal in that same barrel contour.

[peterw]

Thanks for yours opinion. I decided to buy this GM .50.

[dannybb55]

I need to change button rifled barrel (.45x7/8x40 1/2") in my rifle.  I have no problem with weight and balance of this barrel. I like long muzzle heavy rifles (but .50x15/16x42" is too much). Problem is lack of consistency.  I want barrel which can shoot 1 - 1 1/2" at 50 meters every time.

What is a meter...............Sounds Napoleonic.