PAC-NOR #4 contour

[Chris Shelton]

Anyone running a #4 pacnor barrel in 20 cal? How is the weight and what does the muzzle finish at? I ordered a 20 vartarg 23” barrel in #4 contour fluted and it is supposed to be done in march. I’m starting to worry that it may be a bit light and wondering if I should call them and bump it up to a #5 contour fluted. I’ll have to open the stock up quite a bit more, just want to make sure it has enough weight to not muzzle jump bad when shooting prairie dogs.

Just a side note, it will be used 90% of the time prairie dog hunting and most likely it will be my wife behind it. It is a Howa mini in a vertical grip carbon fiber stock. I didn’t really want that light of a stock, but I like the fit and finish over the B&C stock. And I know I could add some weight back by cancelling the flutes, but I want them mainly for looks for how the rifle will be cerakoted when it’s done…just a personal preference for me.

Any input is much appreciated!

 

[Mark M.]

Anyone running a #4 pacnor barrel in 20 cal? How is the weight and what does the muzzle finish at? I ordered a 20 vartarg 23” barrel in #4 contour fluted and it is supposed to be done in march. I’m starting to worry that it may be a bit light and wondering if I should call them and bump it up to a #5 contour fluted. I’ll have to open the stock up quite a bit more, just want to make sure it has enough weight to not muzzle jump bad when shooting prairie dogs.

Just a side note, it will be used 90% of the time prairie dog hunting and most likely it will be my wife behind it. It is a Howa mini in a vertical grip carbon fiber stock. I didn’t really want that light of a stock, but I like the fit and finish over the B&C stock. And I know I could add some weight back by cancelling the flutes, but I want them mainly for looks for how the rifle will be cerakoted when it’s done…just a personal preference for me.

Any input is much appreciated!

I have one on a T3 action in a 20 practical, the # 4 would be just about perfect, a nice medium, muzzel Dia. should be someplace between .650 and .7, most likely closer to .7 at 23" length, i just hope you ordered an 11 twist and not a 12.

 

[L.Sherm]

i just hope you ordered an 11 twist and not a 12.

Baffles me why barrel manufacturers still make a 12.

 

[Chris Shelton]

I have one on a T3 action in a 20 practical, the # 4 would be just about perfect, a nice medium, muzzel Dia. should be someplace between .650 and .7, most likely closer to .7 at 23" length, i just hope you ordered an 11 twist and not a 12.

Yessir! Went with an 11. I plan to shoot 32s out of this and 39/40 out of my 204. Went with the 11 just in case I want to put a 40 in it for that other 10% of the time where it may go coyote hunting.

After I posted this, I looked and the shilen heavy sporter I have on my 270 has almost identical dimensions if I’m correct. If so, the muzzle will finish at about .72”ish. Should have about the same heft too since it’s a 20 cal bore with flutes.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Baffles me why barrel manufacturers still make a 12.

Or rifle manufacturers that produce .20 cal rifles with the 12T. Defies logic and the accepted fact that the .20 cal 12T will not stabilize anything over 39gr weight properly, a la the 39gr SBK.

 

[Mark M.]

What a sweet shooter this is going to be

 

[jds holler]

My 20 has a #6 @ 24" - no flutes. It's pretty heavy. I'm thinking of lopping 4" from it.
That 20 cal bore is little, and even a #4 will be plenty stiff. I think you'll like it. jd

 

[Chris Shelton]

What a sweet shooter this is going to be

I sure hope so!

 

[Chris Shelton]

My 20 has a #6 @ 24" - no flutes. It's pretty heavy. I'm thinking of lopping 4" from it.
That 20 cal bore is little, and even a #4 will be plenty stiff. I think you'll like it. jd

I’m hoping so. I have a 17 Remington with a heavy sporter barrel from x-caliber. It is 24” that finishes somewhere around .685 at the muzzle. It’s not fluted and it’s pretty heavy with that little 17 cal hole in it. Accuracy isn’t an issue with it. I’m just hoping the VT has enough weight to ride a rest well enough.

 

[White Eagle]

not sure of the contour however can't say enough about Pac-Nor
Superb workmanship and I speak from experience
I have 2 barrels in 2 different cals. one is a 22 Creedmoor and the other is a 358 Win.
both on model 70 actions and are absolute tack drivers

 

[Tommie]

Especially with the light stock I’d lean in the heavier barrel direction. You obviously have first-hand knowledge with the muzzle flip issue. Even a Vartarg recoils. It’s all about watching the show through your scope.

And I agree with other’s opinion of Pac-Nor. Super slick bores.

 

[jw9424]

Hopefully you get it on time. I’m at 7 months and still waiting. 20vt also. I’ve read great things about these barrels.

 

[L.Sherm]

I run alot of Rem- Sendero/ Varment contures even that size of conture when the sun is beating down on you in a good rat patch they will get hot in a 20 cal I.E. 20VT or 20Prac

 

[Ackman]

Anyone running a #4 pacnor barrel in 20 cal? How is the weight and what does the muzzle finish at? I ordered a 20 vartarg 23” barrel in #4 contour fluted and it is supposed to be done in march. I’m starting to worry that it may be a bit light and wondering if I should call them and bump it up to a #5 contour fluted. I’ll have to open the stock up quite a bit more, just want to make sure it has enough weight to not muzzle jump bad when shooting prairie dogs.

Just a side note, it will be used 90% of the time prairie dog hunting and most likely it will be my wife behind it. It is a Howa mini in a vertical grip carbon fiber stock. I didn’t really want that light of a stock, but I like the fit and finish over the B&C stock. And I know I could add some weight back by cancelling the flutes, but I want them mainly for looks for how the rifle will be cerakoted when it’s done…just a personal preference for me.

Any input is much appreciated

That #4 should be about like a heavy sporter, a very nice contour in .20 cal. My Criterion 204 is a heavy sporter remage barrel on a Remington, the weight and balance is just perfect. But flutes, for looks? Cancel them. They're unnecessary unless it's for weight reduction, which you won't need with that barrel....which btw, will look real good as is. Messing with the barrel just for looks is silly.

 

[Chris Shelton]

Hopefully you get it on time. I’m at 7 months and still waiting. 20vt also. I’ve read great things about these barrels.

Well that’s disappointing! I have plenty of guns to take, but really wanted my wife on that one and my heavy 204. We shall see.

 

[Chris Shelton]

I run alot of Rem- Sendero/ Varment contures even that size of conture when the sun is beating down on you in a good rat patch they will get hot in a 20 cal I.E. 20VT or 20Prac

This year we will be in Colorado in real early just so hopefully heat won’t be a huge issue. Can’t guarantee that every year though.

 

[Chris Shelton]

That #4 should be about like a heavy sporter, a very nice contour in .20 cal. My Criterion 204 is a heavy sporter remage barrel on a Remington, the weight and balance is just perfect. But flutes, for looks? Cancel them. They're unnecessary unless it's for weight reduction, which you won't need with that barrel....which btw, will look real good as is. Messing with the barrel just for looks is silly.View attachment 1728979

To each their own. There is a story behind wanting them but won’t get into it. The flutes stay but may increase barrel size. Sharp lookin rifle by the way. I have a 17 Remington that looks pretty dang similar but in a savage action instead!