If You are running a timer on a timed stage you have to go in and change the settings on the timer then basically put it on a stick and hold it in front of the muzzle. I obviously can’t watch the shooter if I’m on glass spotting. If I am trying to count shots and spot it is very easy to miss scots unless I am watching the shooter. Since I couldn’t distinguish their rifle from all the background firing I don’t move on to the next target because I didn’t hear them fire and miss the next hit. They may fire and miss then move on to the next target. If I’m trying to look through the glass and call shots it can be difficult at times. When I am spotting or running a stage with a shot timer I hate seeing guys come up with surpessors.
I also shoot unsupressed for that same reason and a few others. I am currently having my match rifle rebarreled from a 20” to a 16” because I find it easier to use on barricades. Between 16 and 22 I think it really comes down to what you think looks good or if you are building a trainer for a CF rifle. I shot a 16” cz, an 18” RPR and a 20” Tikka using the same ammo and all the velocities were basically the same.
