Thread: Bergara BA13 16.5" or 20" barrel?

Hi there - I'm looking at getting a Bergara Takedown BA13 in .308

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or comments on the two barrel lengths available in the 308 caliber version of the BA13?

Any advantages/disadvantages between the 2 barrel lengths?

The 16.5" doesn't have open sights.
The standard DPT overbarrel suppressor doesn't fit the 16.5" (unless you modify the fore-end), but they do a mini-centrefire version to suit so it's only an issue if you already have the standard version.

Go with the 20, they are much shorter than bolt action rifles in similar length.

As above, the open sights model has added benefits, you can increase the sight radius by moving the rear sight from the barrel to one of the rail holes.

Depends what you want to use it for. I have a BA13 with a 16.5" barrel (300BLK) and it's great for tight bush. Can duck under most obstacles with it on my shoulder. You may have seen, but they also do a stainless version in .308, nice gun.

I like my 16” with ASE muzzle forward can, still very compact.

costs nothing come time to suppress to shorten

the shorter barrel will be horrible without a suppressor, the longer fine (very loud and fireball out the end)
the short barrel without a suppressor will not point or swing very well

The 20" is a 1:12 twist which is far more sensible if you don't plan on shooting subsonics. It will still stabilise up to a 180 just fine.

You'll get higher velocities obviously. The barrel's a slightly thinner profile and the weight is no more. Still fits in a pack OK especially if you stick with open sights and don't have an optic hanging off the barrel.

Yes, I was going to mention the 16.5" barrel has a 1:8 twist, so good if you want to play with subsonics.

Greetings @Makara,
I have a B13 with the 20 inch, 12 inch twist barrel. It is fitted with a muzzle forward DPT suppressor and is still shorter than my M700 with the same length barrel and an over barrel suppressor. It seems to be my go to rifle at the moment.
Regards Grandpamac.