Barrel length for an Encore 44 Mag rifle

[AR10ShooterinNC]

Thoughts on barrel length for an Encore 44 Mag rifle. I'm torn between 16 inch or 20 inch.

 

[GymB]

I understand that the 44mag runs out of powder between 16 and 18” so unless you want the extra sight radius I’d go 16”

 

[BrettB]

What JimB said ^^^

 

[Jmoser]

With no action the Encore makes a very compact rifle. A 16" carbine will be very easy to handle and all you need in a .44

Watch the twist rate - the .44 lever guns all use slow twists that can only take 200-240gr max.
Better off with a faster twist if you can find one.

 

[AR10ShooterinNC]

I called and talked with MGM about a barrel for the 44Mag, they recommended the 20 inch. I went with the bull barrel option with a 1-20 twist, should be able to stabilize any bullet.

 

[Jmoser]

Good call - the 1-38 twist levers are severely limited in ammo choices. My 1894 could not stay on paper at 100 yd with 300 XTPs [and I mean a 18" x 18" sight in target.] It was marginal even with 240s.