Alexander Arms Overwatch Barrel Length Suggestions.....24 or 19.5, Shilen or factory?

[IRONFINS]

I am in the market to buy an Alexander Arms Over watch 6.5 Grendel. I will upgrade to the Monolithic upper, and Shilen barrel (I think). My question is what barrel length should I do. I will use it hunting deer and coyotes. Where I hunt is a power-line on a large farm. My longest shot is 600 yards, followed up by multiple lanes that range from 300 yards to 425 yards. It is not uncommon to see coyotes paired up while I am deer hunting. I have chose the Grendel for its semi auto quick follow up shot so I can shoot both coyotes, not just the one. Any how, my question is should I go with the Shilen barrel? Should I get the 24 inch barrel or the 19.5 inch barrel. I assumed 24 inch barrel, but I have had three long range shooters I know in my area say the Grendel was designed to fully burn all the powder in a 19.5 inch barrel, so a 24 inch barrel could create drag and not really benefit me in accuracy. I am hunting out of a really nice box blind that I ride my ATV within 20 yards of and park. So weight is not a factor. Looking for accuracy. If the 24 doesn't really help at all, then the 19.5 would be handy for portability moving around in the blind. But accuracy is my first concern. Sorry for being long winded, thanks for the help in advance.

[Drifter]

All else being equal, the 24" primary advantage over 19.5" will be strictly velocity. For hunting at 600 yards or less, I suggest the better portability (length and weight) of the 19.5" barrel. You could go even shorter, but 19.5" seems appropriate for your particular circumstances. Personally, I would opt for the Shilen upgrade for that particular upper.

[IRONFINS]

Thanks, that is the way I am leaning. I know it will be mainly for hunting, but I do NOT wish to lose any accuracy by going shorter. I have a nice solid 2x4 shelf to rest on built into the windows, so weight is not an issue. I found on AA's website it looks like there is about a 50 fps velocity difference, plus or minus 7 fps between the 19.5 and 24 when shooting 123 Sceners or the 129 Hornady which are the two loads readily available in my AO. 50 fps really doesn't seem like a big difference, but grouping at 600 yards may matter, I don't know. I plan on learning to reload in the near future.

[Drifter]

Barrel length will affect velocity, but not necessarily accuracy. Actually, shorter barrels can be stiffer, resulting in better accuracy. But no doubt longer heavier weapons tend to be more forgiving and easier to shoot, though not friendly to carry much in the field. I've shot 18" to 20" Grendel barrels quite a bit at 600 yards, and it's not a problem for either. I still think 19.5" will be the best choice for your application.

[ricsmall]

I agree, the 19.5 sounds right for you. If you think you may want the 24", you might go ahead and get it, as you can have it lopped off later, but again, I think the shorter barrel will do you fine.

[BjornF16]

Shilen!

While my former 19.5 AA Entry (ER Shaw, or "factory" as you posted) was good, they will be hit or miss for accuracy (they are not "match" grade). ccrock has the benefit of my former Entry now and has reported excellent results.

When I get another upper to go along with my 18" Satern Spartan, it will be a Shilen.

If you were to have only one upper in Grendel, get the 19.5".

[IRONFINS]

I am hearing that the Monolithic upper upgrade is a waste and just adds weight to the 19.5 barrel. I am also hearing the barrels now are coming from Spain.....could they be better than Shilen? Thanks for your recommendations.

[Variable]

I am hearing that the Monolithic upper upgrade is a waste and just adds weight to the 19.5 barrel. I am also hearing the barrels now are coming from Spain.....could they be better than Shilen? Thanks for your recommendations.

If you aren't wanting picatinny rail on your forend... Then the monolithic will weigh more than a slick tube without rails. You could look at their G10 forend as an option if you want light weight with the option of adding rail sections where you want them. I like monolithics, but they won't suit everyone.

Barrels from spain??? I dunno! I never heard that one.

[bwaites]

Well, if it's Bergara, Ed Shilen taught them how to build them!

I've always wondered where Shilen and a few of the other top guys get there steel....maybe from Bergara?

http://www.bergarausa.com/

Watch the Midway USA video!

[ricsmall]

I know templar is getting some barrels from bergara, which is in spain. They have a very good barrel, and bwaites is right, Ed shilen showed them the ropes! Anyway, last I talked to Bob at Temp. he was saying that Bill told him they were good barrels, maybe someone else can confirm or deny.