I have an Encore 44 mag with a 12" barrel. After reading some of the recent post I am wondering if I would like it better with a 10" barrel. I could get Mike Bellm to cut it for hardly nothing. What would I have to lose?

What would you be attempting to gain by shortening it 2 inches? I use 15" encore barrels all the time and don't find them cumbersome in the least.

Why stop there? I don't think there would be difference enough to warrant with 2" one way or the other, but an 8"er.......?

X2 for me.

I like the longer barrel so I know I'm getting complete powder burn, have more weight up front, and ultimately more accurate. At least for me anyway, but I'm no professional. I shoot a 14" encore on my 460 S&W and love it! Most accurate handgun I have.

Ultimately, I suppose it depends on what you are WANTING to do. If you really just want to, and that is your only reason, then go for it! As stated earlier, I'm no professional, but by shortening it to 10", I don't think there would be anything to lose or regret since that is still a pretty long barrell for a 44mag. Or for anything else for that matter.

Just me thinking out loud. After all, I have a 500JRH with a 5 1/2" barrel, so what do I know??!!

I grip the pistol with 2 hands when shooting. Don't use sticks or anything else for support. The gun is heavy. I could possibly get on target quicker. It might mess up the balance though. How much does 2' of barrel weigh?

I'd keep it at 12", but of course its your gun and up to you to decide. The weight difference in 2" is negligible. I'm going to GUESS 1-1 1/2 oz. max. The real weight is in the Encore as a gun vs. a much lighter Contender. You might try a Pachmayr "magnum" grip and forearm set, which will also lighten the weight a bit.

If thats the case, I'd take it to 7" myself. Still leaves plenty of barrell.

If you cut it back that far why not just trade it for a 6" revolver where you'll get 5 extra shots? To me the only reason to have an Encore in .44 Mag. is to take advantage of the extra barrel length to gain some velocity and have less muzzle rise. If you take that away, might as well get a revolver which is arguably easier to shoot offhand and handles better?

X2 with what Bob just wrote

Based on my recollection (i'll confirm later) i think you'll lose about 150fps. I dont have an encore, but i do have the contender and i find that i prefer the 10" barrels with the exception of the 30-30 and a few of my long range varmint barrels. For me the convenience starts to fade with those longer barrels. The 10" fits nicely in a bandolier style holster where as the 14" needs to be carried by a sling or in your hand. As i mentioned in an earlier thread the trajectory and bc of the 44 dont make for a long ranch combination so the loose of velocity may not matter. I'm not sure where you are hunting or what your chasing, but if your hunting cover or you are shooting 100yds or less i'd go with the shorter barrel. Better yet you can probably piece together a contender in 44 for around $400, just stay clear of the octagon barrels. A 44 is a true cannon out of that light barrel. Let us know what you decide.