I'm ordering a barrel from Van Horn in 7tcu and was wondering if any of you had experience shooting 16 to 17 inch contenders with pistol grip. I don't want to make a carbine out of it. My first feeling is 15 inch is long enough and I don't think I would get much vel gain over 15 inch. Thanks for any answers.

Should have added most use will be target shooting.

I will tell ya what i think in about a month!

Sadly, it isn't the gain (or lost) velocity difference that matters between a 15" and a 16 / 17 inch barel fitted to a T/C handgrip. It's the $200 Transfer tax you have to pay for a sawed off rifle,

Bbl greater than 16 inches, overall length less than 26 inches makes it an NFA class firearm� and BATF hates it when they are not registered� and the tax isn't paid.

Besides all your tax and law troubles , I own several barrels from 12" to 20" and all are bull configuration , my personal favourite length is 15!I consider it the best ballanced and with my 7-30 Waters Imp. and 7 TCU I wonder if another inch will make any difference in velocity at all , maybe 30fps , maybe ? Everything longer is too front heavy unless you always shoot from a sandbag rest .My 357 Herret (14") has a muzzle brake that is threaded on , it is almost 4" and I`ve tried it with and without it , with the brake I can`t shoot steady for more than 25-30 shots , after this my gripping hand just gets too weak from the weight ! I`d suggest you better stay with 15" , good shooting with the TCU , J�rgen

Thanks Mike and Jurgen for your comments. As Mike pointed out there isn't a problem with a 16 or 17 inch pistol barrel!! I do believe a 15 inch will be the way for me to go. Everyone have a great day.

i love my 16.5 inch barrel in .257tcu..
i like the way it handels,,,,much better than the super 14's,,
just my two cents...
buckweet

Good to see you posting I sent you email today. Tommy