http://www.riflebarrels.com/articles/ba ... rifles.htm

I would go with the 20". Not because its more accurate, but because its handy.

 

The LTR doesn't have a heavy barrel, it has a barrel that has heavy flutes. They don't seem to shoot poorly though.

Between the 700P and the LTR I think you could throw a dart because there isn't really a wrong answer.

 

Really try and find the rifles and hold them. It could save you some money down the road.

For me, I liked the ‘idea’ of the LTR stock- light and trim. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. I found the grip too narrow and the fore end too short to be comfortable in some positions. I bought and traded two take offs before I accepted it just wasn’t the stock for me. My rifle wears a 700P takeoff now. It’s heavier, but fits me better.

 

Re Barrel length

Hey there
From what i have read on here so far , the 20 " Barrel will be very good for you, and the longer ones ( 22 ,24, 26 ) will give you some more velocity which would help a little out on the longer ranges ( in stock barrels ), but as you are going to 500M then it shold not concern youo much.
I like the feel of the 20 " barrel, but as i plan to shoot out real far, i want the extra inches
Cheers Anthony

 

I looked at the same question and it really comes down to the barrel. The both have excellent barrels and you probably won't see much difference, if any, in how they shoot.

The longer 700P barrel will give you a bit better velocity* than the LTR, but the LTR is lighter and easier to schlep around in the field.

--------
*I don't recall the general rule is about FPS per inch, but it's probably wrong anyway. If you are going to load your own and are willing and able to spend the time, there are different powders and different loads that can be tuned to take advantage of the extra 6" of barrel. But for factory ammo in a rifle that's going to spend some time in the bush and won't be going beyond 500yds, the whole thing is pretty much a wash.

 

Based on your two primary purposes, Its easy, LTR. Mine shoots better than a factory rilfe should and in a deer stand you'll appriciate the short barrel. 500yds is a non-issue it'll shoot right with a 700p at that range.


Two primary purposes for the rifle:
- Hunting (mostly from a deer stand, but will also carry in the field to a lesser extent).
- Target Shooting (out to 500 yards).
** QUESTION - With this in mind, any thoughts on which would be more appropriate?

 

I'm not disagreeing with the above posts as they offer sound advice, but keep in mind it is not difficult to cut and crown a barrel.

I had mine chopped to 20 inches for around a 100$. This gives you a better crown than the factory and you get to choose your style as well. So if barrel is the only concern, that can solve the problem. Personally, I don’t see the weight difference between the two that big a deal once the P is chopped. Of course, ozs are lbs...

 

Between the 700P and the LTR I think you could throw a dart because there isn't really a wrong answer.

Ding, Ding, we have a winner.

 

I think its a subjective thing. do you want a lighter shorter rifle, or do you want a heavier longer rifle? both are very very similar and shoot really well. personally, i own a 700P and i love it. im very happy with my decision. a close friend has an LTR and he really loves his rifle too. i think it comes down to if you want the heavier longer rifle, or the lighter handier rifle. they are both a lot of fun to sit behind and drive...


paulus

 

the 700P will have a parkerized barrell. I like the idea of a previous post on the 26" and after shooting a bit, if the gun is overall too heavy, you can chop it down and recrown the bbl.

 

John,

The LTR is park'd too. Has a nice finish also. i agree too, about getting the longer barrel up front and if you want, cut and crown it later.

Paulus

 

I have a LTR and love it. The 700p is a long weapon and the 20 inch LTR is mighty handy in confined spaces. She's got a little more hit on your shoulder when you pull off a shot, but not by much over the 700p. Plus you get a lot of accuracy out of a small package with the LTR. The forearm on the LTR is a little on the short side, but you can always swap the stock out.