20" heavy barrel Rem 700 22-250???

[ELKBURGER]

Has anyone heard of an early production Remington 700 Varmint special with a factory 20" heavy barrel? I am considering a trade to acquire it but not sure if it was cut to that length by a previous owner or if it was a factory option. Everything I've seen has been 24" or 26".
Any info is appreciated.

[WapitiTalk1]

Really not sure of barrel length but my younger brother had had one for many years. One of the most accurate rifles I’ve ever seen.

[ELKBURGER]

I have heard great things about the calibers accuracy. That is why I would like one, however, with the short barrel, could accuracy be compromised, especially if it was not professionally done?

[JimmyHoffa]

The accuracy would probably still be fine at the shorter end of the range.  The velocity would likely be a little lower, reducing range.

[Blacktail Sniper]

I have heard great things about the calibers accuracy. That is why I would like one, however, with the short barrel, could accuracy be compromised, especially if it was not professionally done?

Yes, it could if the crown was not cut correctly.

What if any history does the current owner have or shared about it?

[JimmyHoffa]

For the original question, I do recall some varmint guns in the 700 in the early 90's that had the short heavy barrel.  I was thinking they were in .223, though.  May have been in .22-250 too.

[b23]

I don't think Remington has ever made a production model 700 chambered in 22-250 with a 20 inch barrel.

If what you are looking at is a true "varmint special" it would have come from the factory with a 24in bull barrel which is a fair bit larger in diameter than the regular varmint/sendero size barrels.

[jasnt]

I don't think Remington has ever made a production model 700 chambered in 22-250 with a 20 inch barrel.

If what you are looking at is a true "varmint special" it would have come from the factory with a 24in bull barrel which is a fair bit larger in diameter than the regular varmint/sendero size barrels.

Sounds like a great coyote gun

[yorketransport]

Any chance you can shoot a couple of test groups before buying it? Short barrels are just as accurate as their long barreled counterparts, all else being equal. You'd give up some velocity but gain portability. If it shoots well, grab it!

[mountainman]

Any chance you can shoot a couple of test groups before buying it? Short barrels are just as accurate as their long barreled counterparts, all else being equal. You'd give up some velocity but gain portability. If it shoots well, grab it!

Sometimes more accurate👍

[ELKBURGER]

Any chance you can shoot a couple of test groups before buying it? Short barrels are just as accurate as their long barreled counterparts, all else being equal. You'd give up some velocity but gain portability. If it shoots well, grab it!

Yes, we are going to try and get out this week to see how she groups. I can't find anything to support that this was a factory option.
I have seen what the crown on a 24" barrel looks like and this is NOT similar. I would think that the factory milling would be the same on all Remington barrels.
The current owner got it in a trade from its original owner and there was no discussion of it being shortened, only that it had 'a couple hundred rounds through it'.
I ran a bore snake through it, then inspected with a bore light and it had clean crisp lands and grooves.
It is currently topped with a Leoupold Vari X II 3x9x40. A good scope but not for varmints at 300 yards.
I appreciate all the comments and will follow up with an update of its performance.

[ELKBURGER]

A quick update.... I had a small window to get it out and shoot it and it put up a 1" 3 shot group from a less than optimal shooting rest at 100 yards. I didn't expect much more then that considering the circumstance. I'm sure I could tighten that up on a good bench.

All in all, I think it would make a decent addition to my coyote arsenal, now I just have to negotiate the terms. I appreciate the input and support.