Currently I only have 2 barrels for my Encore, a 209x50 and my T/C custom shop .250 Savage barrel. My custom shop barrel is in the heavy taper configuration 16 1/4" long. Now I need to replace my .223 rifle, so I am thinking about another Encore barrel. Anyway, my question revolves around the length I should get. I really like the feel and looks of my .250 barrel so am thinking about going that route again, but the again I think maybe I should go to 20".
What would you do? The main reason I ordered my other barrel 16 1/4" is so that I could shoot it as a handgun if I wanted to but it was still rifle legal. I also know a lot of people are real happy with their 16" .223 Contenders. Also, the velocity loss really doesn't concern me because I really don't have the opporunity for really long shots (beyond 250 or so) anyway. So What do you think? Thanks, Sean

Well.....if you are not worried about the velocity loss and can get the barrel in a full bull or a heavy taper, i would go the 16.25" route. It really makes a nice size rifle and the 223 will still perform well in that length.

Just my $.02

I agree, stick with the 15-16.25 length. If I was going to go longer than that I would go all the way to 26" and get a nice single shot rifle. I say that just because that's where my interests lie--I see an Encore rifle in my future strictly for target shooting. But if you want a 20" barrel, well then go for it. It's your call. We can make all sorts of arguments to go either way. Slim