ive got a 338-06 barrel that 24'' long and i wana put it on a savage stiker. how short can it but cut before its to short for usfullness. ive seen data for 22'' before. thanks jason

Twenty-two inches is a perfect balance for any standard cased cartridge(non-magnum). It also having a large "bore to case-capacity" ratio, a 20 or 20.5 inch barrel lenglth would still be pretty efficient for ample velocity.

On a striker? That's a PISTOL... and you have to keep it under 16", or it "becomes" a carbine, and lots of paper work.

So,
15.8" from the bolt face to the end of the barrel (use a dowel to measure) is pretty safe, or stay around 14" like the striker is.

I have a striker in 708, and 14" , no brake, and loose ~200-250fps vs a 22" barrel on my wife's 708 mauser.

jeffe

if you look at the current t/c catollog it has a picture a a person with a animal they shoot holding a t/c encore handgun with one of there 24 inch barrels. jason

For the life of me I can't understand why anyone would want a hangun with a 24" barrel. I would image that a good speed holster would cost quite a bit of cash.

I have to disagree with Jeffe's assessment of the regulations. The Gun Control Act prohibits one from possessing a rifle (denoted by having a stock for being fired from the shoulder) with barrel shorter than 16 inches or total length less than 26 inches, but seems to be silent on the allowable barrel length for handguns. However, if you plan on going beyond 16 inch barrel length you may want to personally review the federal definitions of handguns and rifles and the regulations governing conversion of one to the other. You can visit any FFL and review their copy of the current Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide or pick one up at the nearest BATFE office.