GAP-10 Which barrel?

[filmgear]

Finalizing an order for a GAP-10 rifle today. I originally selected a 24" barrel simply going with the idea that longer will provide more accuracy, but for those of you GAP owners, is longer really better?

Thoughts are appreciated. My goal for the rifle is target only and I'd like to get as tight a group as possible 800-1000yds. No desire for bolt gun at the moment. Thanks in advance.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

Accuracy, not really, you may gain a little velocity with the extra 4" but it will be minimal. The best thing about the 308 is you can get away with running a 18-20" barrel and still get great results. I'd opt for a 20" in 308.

Kirk R

 

[-Nick-]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

I'm gonna disagree on this one Kirk. 4" is at minimum an extra 60-80fps which does make a difference when you start really stretching it out. Mine is a 22" barrel and I went that route because the difference in weight between 20 and 22 in nominal IMO and I figure for the coin you're dropping into it I might as well get the MAXIMUM potential out of it.

 

[poison123]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

A 16" GAP10 will drill at 800yards+ with no issues.

 

[filmgear]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

3 differing opinions. I was hoping for an overwhelming consensus.

Capt Kirk/Broker....I only shoot prone at that distance so I don't see weight being a concern. I just don't want to have the only GAP-10 with 24" barrel if everyone else has a 20" or 22". Yes, the idea was to get maximum potential out of it.

Poison... glad the GAP will do that. I can only imagine what it will do with a few inches more so I can get out to 1000yds.

I had not heard of a GAP-10 before joining this board, but since everyone raved about it, I had to order one. All opinions appreciated.

 

[Cpl. Jarreau]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

I have read that for every inch longer a barrel is the volicity goes up 20 to 30 fps per inch.

 

[R6Hybridd]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

I ordered mine with a 22" barrel.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A 16" GAP10 will drill at 800yards+ with no issues. </div></div>

This^. If you want to run a GAP-10 to 1000, then get a 260 in a 22 or 24 inch barrel. If you're looking for the rifle to actually be manageable and handy, then go 308 at 18" and don't look back. You'll be plenty fast and accurate to 800 and will still be able to make hits at 1000 as well. A 308 in a 24" gas gun... that sounds like a rifle that doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up.

Barrel length itself does not contribute to accuracy; it will give more velocity, but not necessarily accuracy. That's a function of a variety of factors (chamber, concentricity, crown, etc etc etc).

 

[filmgear]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ZLBubbaA....... 308 in a 24" gas gun... that sounds like a rifle that doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up.
</div></div>

That's exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. Still leaning towards at least a 20" though. Thoughts?

 

[Shoottothrill]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

I got the 20" on my Gap-10 .308, I don't have the rifle yet but suspect it will be here soon going on five months. Having said that for a rifle that will be shot from the bench or prone 99% of the time due to weight with bi-pod and optics added on why not go 22" and get the extra F.P.S.

P.S. I love the .308, but if I could re-order mine I would probable go 6.5 creedmore and a 24" barrel.

 

[R6Hybridd]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 78steeler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">P.S. I love the .308, but if I could re-order mine I would probable go 6.5 creedmore and a 24" barrel. </div></div>

Just do what I'm eventually going to do and have them build you another upper in the 6.5cm.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TriggerHappy44</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ZLBubbaA....... 308 in a 24" gas gun... that sounds like a rifle that doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up.
</div></div>

That's exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. Still leaning towards at least a 20" though. Thoughts? </div></div>

At the end of the day, two inches on a barrel either way won't make much difference. Be realistic about the kind of shooting you WILL do, not what you want to do. The more satisfied you are with the gun is directly correlated to how well you match its characteristics with its purpose and range.

Could my GAP-10 bang steel at 1000? Definitely. However, I've got specific rigs I use for 800 yards and out. But I don't have a gun that can go from 5 yards out to 800 yards as quickly or accurately as the GAP-10. That's the role it plays for me, and it plays that role brilliantly. GAP really does have a stellar product with that gun, the thing you've got to do is figure out what kind of shooting you want to do, and then make the specs appropriate for that shooting.

Thus, if you're sure you're going to be doing a lot of 1k shooting, I'd get a 6.5C or 260 Rem and not think twice, simply because they're better suited to longer range shooting. If you want an all-around steel banging gun and lots of ammo options, 308 is the rig you're looking for. You're going to get a sweet shooting rifle whatever you decide.

 

[Kiba]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

As others have said it depends on how you usually shoot and also your conditions.

While I ordered my GAP-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor, if I had ordered it in .308 with 1000Y shooting in mind I'd probably go 24"; it was -920' DA this morning when I was out shooting and a .308 needs all the velocity it can get in those conditions! If I was only shooting 800Y and in or shooting at higher elevations I'd probably do a 20" .308 barrel just to save some length & weight and the gun would get the job done just fine.

 

[dduck44]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

I asked the same question in March and went with a 20"

 

[quattrodoc]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

I have a 308 18" on order along with a 6.5 creedmoor cut at 21". Will be running suppressed mostly and did Noveskes on both.

 

[filmgear]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

Thanks guys for all the opinions. I've decided on the following after speaking with Chad Dixon and taking into consideration all the opinions offered. Chad will be upgrading my SR-25 to a Bartlein barrel.

While I'd like to shoot 1k yds, the reality is I will do most of my shooting at my local range which only has an 800yd range. Thus I will design it for that usage. When I want to go F-class 1000yds and further, It sounds like 6.5 Creedmore would be the way to, but by that time I'll get a custom bolt gun specifically for that.

I'm going to stick with .308 right now so I can learn all I can about that round and develop some good loads for my AR-10's.

As for the barrel, Chad mentioned a 20" Bartlein barrel would be sufficient for my SR-25, but nothing wrong with going 22" since it's purely a range gun. Since we decided on a 22" for the KAC, then I'll choose the same for the GAP.

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

Lot of opinions on this, my 6 creed sports a 23" bartline and with a 105 hornady at 3k , 1000 yd shots yield the near identical dope as 300 wm with a191.

Christmas morning I went 4/5 at 1007 yds on a target just a shade larger than an ipsc silhouette with my 18" bartline Gap10 308 and 118lr. Miss was a slight wind missed call on rd1. With a back yard full of family for witnesses. But that shot has been fired a metric crap ton of times and wasn't exactly blind and starting to become the kids party trick.

Get what makes you happy and strive to run it well 50 yards beyond its capabilities !

 

[-Nick-]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TriggerHappy44</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ZLBubbaA....... 308 in a 24" gas gun... that sounds like a rifle that doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up.
</div></div>

That's exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. Still leaning towards at least a 20" though. Thoughts? </div></div>

At the end of the day, two inches on a barrel either way won't make much difference. Be realistic about the kind of shooting you WILL do, not what you want to do. The more satisfied you are with the gun is directly correlated to how well you match its characteristics with its purpose and range.

Could my GAP-10 bang steel at 1000? Definitely. However, I've got specific rigs I use for 800 yards and out. But I don't have a gun that can go from 5 yards out to 800 yards as quickly or accurately as the GAP-10. That's the role it plays for me, and it plays that role brilliantly. GAP really does have a stellar product with that gun, the thing you've got to do is figure out what kind of shooting you want to do, and then make the specs appropriate for that shooting.

Thus, if you're sure you're going to be doing a lot of 1k shooting, I'd get a 6.5C or 260 Rem and not think twice, simply because they're better suited to longer range shooting. If you want an all-around steel banging gun and lots of ammo options, 308 is the rig you're looking for. You're going to get a sweet shooting rifle whatever you decide. </div></div>

Lol... so my rifle has an identity complex? And an extra 50-100fps doesn't make a difference?

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

I hear ya Broker, as I mentioned (and I agree) you sacrifice velocity when you run a shorter barrel, no way around it, what one needs to ask themselves is whats the best compromise. The last 3 GAP 308 gas guns I built in barrel lenghts 20-22-24", for the 308 I feel 20-22" is perfect. I currently have a POF 6.5 Creedmore and it wears a 24" barrel, differnt round and it has much more of a gain in velocity with a longer barrel.

Kirk R

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TriggerHappy44</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ZLBubbaA....... 308 in a 24" gas gun... that sounds like a rifle that doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up.
</div></div>

That's exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. Still leaning towards at least a 20" though. Thoughts? </div></div>

At the end of the day, two inches on a barrel either way won't make much difference. Be realistic about the kind of shooting you WILL do, not what you want to do. The more satisfied you are with the gun is directly correlated to how well you match its characteristics with its purpose and range.

Could my GAP-10 bang steel at 1000? Definitely. However, I've got specific rigs I use for 800 yards and out. But I don't have a gun that can go from 5 yards out to 800 yards as quickly or accurately as the GAP-10. That's the role it plays for me, and it plays that role brilliantly. GAP really does have a stellar product with that gun, the thing you've got to do is figure out what kind of shooting you want to do, and then make the specs appropriate for that shooting.

Thus, if you're sure you're going to be doing a lot of 1k shooting, I'd get a 6.5C or 260 Rem and not think twice, simply because they're better suited to longer range shooting. If you want an all-around steel banging gun and lots of ammo options, 308 is the rig you're looking for. You're going to get a sweet shooting rifle whatever you decide. </div></div>

Lol... so my rifle has an identity complex? And an extra 50-100fps doesn't make a difference? </div></div>

Disclaimer: I'm former military thus the practicality and portability of every rifle is an issue. I don't own a rifle I couldn't carry on a road march. When I get a rifle, it's always something that has a significant practical role beyond a range toy. For instance, I've used quite a few of my rigs hunting deer, simply because if the rifle isn't portable and practically useful, I don't want to own it.

A GAP-10 is not an FTR gun. If that's what the fella wants, then build that gun. But if he's looking for a semi-auto tack driver that he can enjoy some maneuverability with, there's no reason to go over 20" in a 308.

Unless you're shooting in a competition that demands a 308, why handicap yourself? An extra 100 fps is nice on a 308, but if added range is what you're looking for, go for a different caliber instead of hanging 3 more inches onto your barrel. The 6mm and 6.5mm both do 1000 yards with less drop and less recoil than the 308. Match the tool to the task.

 

[-Nick-]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Disclaimer: I'm former military thus the practicality and portability of every rifle is an issue. I don't own a rifle I couldn't carry on a road march. When I get a rifle, it's always something that has a significant practical role beyond a range toy. For instance, I've used quite a few of my rigs hunting deer, simply because if the rifle isn't portable and practically useful, I don't want to own it.

A GAP-10 is not an FTR gun. If that's what the fella wants, then build that gun. But if he's looking for a semi-auto tack driver that he can enjoy some maneuverability with, there's no reason to go over 20" in a 308.

Unless you're shooting in a competition that demands a 308, why handicap yourself? An extra 100 fps is nice on a 308, but if added range is what you're looking for, go for a different caliber instead of hanging 3 more inches onto your barrel. The 6mm and 6.5mm both do 1000 yards with less drop and less recoil than the 308. Match the tool to the task.
</div></div>

I'm not arguing the caliber issue as I completely 100% agree on suitability, but that's only if he's a reloader. If he's a shelf ammo guy then 308 is the best option for availability.

As for the "When I get a rifle, it's always something that has a significant practical role beyond a range toy." lol... I use mine exclusively for matches and hunting. It's also my distance rig. Why? Because I only own one rifle... That's right 1. And if I'm only going to own one I want it to be at it's maximum potential, so why limit it by going with a shorter barrel? When I spend $3K+ I also have this strange notion that I should get the most for my money within reason. They don't make barrels typically for semi-autos past 24" because beyond that you start getting nominal return on fps. I would gotten a 24" if I wasn't going to be throwing a can on the end and worrying about balance. And if it's too heavy for a road march then there's an easy solution... exercise. My rifle geared out w/ glass weighs slightly under 16lbs.

For a military guy I'm slightly surprised that you under-value a 308 so much. There's a reason a LOT of guys always have at least one 308 laying around. You really need to drop the notion that everyone around here can "Match the tool to the task" since in most cases that's an easy $15K+ philosophy that most aren't able to afford.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

I've obviously touched a nerve with old Broker. Well, once those panties get unbunched, realize I'm not mocking your manhood. Why so serious?

OP, get whatever length barrel floats your boat but buy the GAP-10 as it will be the best gas gun you own. Unlike Broker, I'd advocate a nice, lightweight rig for hunting. Even an off the shelf Tikka or Remington will fit the bill.

 

[WillAdams]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

The first (issued) military match rifle I fired had a 22" barrel (M14, M21) and later I got to shoot the M24 w/ 24 & 26 inch barrels. Since I only shoot 600 to 1,000 yds in comps now I want every advantage I can get. I'll take my 26" Brux barreled M700 w/McMillan HTG stock any day over a 20 or 22" at the ranges I shoot. IF I were shooting 3 gun comps ("Run N Gun" stuff) then I might go shorter but why give up the velocity ? ALL my rifles past & present are 308 WIN. Too old and it's too late too change.
BTW, for straight 1,000 yd F T/R matches I use a 30" Tubb T2K.
Humping those extra 4-6 inches may be a bitch but I KNOW what I got and I know what it will do & how far I can reach.
Just my $00.02

 

[-Nick-]

Re: GAP-10 Which barrel?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've obviously touched a nerve with old Broker. Well, once those panties get unbunched, realize I'm not mocking your manhood. Why so serious?

OP, get whatever length barrel floats your boat but buy the GAP-10 as it will be the best gas gun you own. Unlike Broker, I'd advocate a nice, lightweight rig for hunting. Even an off the shelf Tikka or Remington will fit the bill. </div></div>

I thought we were having a sensible discussion. Didn't realize if I disagreed with you I was now somehow taking offense of my manhood and wearing panties. I like how rather than coming back with any type of logical retort you've gone to insulting me. Idiot...