Barrel Choice

[Steve Sudbeck]

I have ordered a new LRE thru Bill Goodman with lots of upgrade goodies. The only item I am torn about is the barrel configuration/ contour. My present barrel order is a 30” heavy full octagon but the heavy half is in a strong running. Would I be correct to select the heavy octagon for long bench strings, milder recoil (due to weight), tradition/ historical accuracy?; the heavy half for aesthetics, hunting and occasional bench sessions (with increased recoil)? I lean toward the aesthetics as I am not a competitor - I am an occasional bench (fun) shooter and a deer hunter. Any opine or other perspectives would be appreciated. Thank you.

[SFogler]

Half oct barrels were used on original Sharps target rifles as were full octagon. I haven't found a lot of difference between the two for "long strings" so you could think about the half oct since you already have a full oct. IMHO

[MSalyards]

Caliber?

[Dennis Armistead]

If you plan on using this rifle for long shooting strings than a heavy full round barrel is best. Heavy half is second best, full octagon would be last.
Dennis

[Steve Sudbeck]

45-70 (2 1/10).

[MikeT]

Steve,
Since you are not intending to compete, where you will be shooting many rounds in a prescribed amount of time,
go with what you 'like'. If you will hunt with the rifle, long barrels and weight are not fun to carry afield.

Keep on hav'n fun!
MikeT

[GrumpyBear]

I like the heavy halfs,which is what two of my Sharps have,30 inch barrels,the other is a full heavy octagon 32 inch barrel. All do well with extended strings,when I do my part.

[powderburner]

With what you say you are doing with it a 28 inch barrel will shoot as good and handle better than the long ones and is a lot handier in the field.
I don’t feel under gunned with a business rifle to 800 yds and I sure like dealing with them around a truck

[pacecars]

To me, if nothing else the 1/2 is prettier

[august west]

For 45-70 it doesn't really matter unless you're using heavy smokeless loads for some odd reason. The standard heavy octagon is as much weight as I would want to lug through the woods. I had a 10 pound Shiloh rebarrelled to a 16 pound in the 90's and couldn't enjoy it unless it was on a bench.

Look at the original Business and Hunter's rifles - these were designed to be general purpose utility hunting rifles and they're perfect for the job. And they look great, too. I think a regular weight half octagon - 28 or 30 inch - would be beautiful, light and handy, and if using good sights could shoot finer than you can hold.

[bobw]

Half oct barrels were used on original Sharps target rifles as were full octagon. I haven't found a lot of difference between the two for "long strings" so you could think about the half oct since you already have a full oct. IMHO

And they were all std weight barrels on the target originals to boot. Bobw

[bobw]

Half oct barrels were used on original Sharps target rifles as were full octagon. I haven't found a lot of difference between the two for "long strings" so you could think about the half oct since you already have a full oct. IMHO

And they were all std weight barrels on the target originals to boot. Bobw

[bobw]

Half oct barrels were used on original Sharps target rifles as were full octagon. I haven't found a lot of difference between the two for "long strings" so you could think about the half oct since you already have a full oct. IMHO

And they were all std weight barrels on the target originals to boot. Bobw

[Kurt]

Bob, take a deep breath and the hick-ups will go away

[Coltsmoke]

Dennis please explain why a heavy round barrel is better than a heavy octagon barrel.