To summarize previous posts, I own a 15" 460 barrel for my encore. I'm eventually going to send it off for a brake and TSOB.

My next question...how short could I realistically chop this sucker down to and not lose too much performance? My ultimate goal for this barrel is a 100 yard scoped Texas gun, good for everything from whitetails to nilgai.

Maybe it's the revolver guy in me, but I like shorter barrels when possible. But...I don't want to lose so much performance in doing so that it becomes a glorified .45/.454.

Thanks everyone!

Randy

Do you like the current length? Big holes don't suffer as badly from barrel length loss as small bores. If 100 yards is your limit I think you could cut it back to 8" without worrying about it becoming a "glorified 45/454", but if you like the handling as is just have them cut it so it finishes at 15" with the brake. It will obviously be a bit lighter in the muzzle.

I would suspect it is more a function of shoot-ability/recoil/comfort and handling then performance. Zee recently built a 50 cal handgun with a short barrel. Perhaps he could comment. Most of the published 460 load data seems to be with an 8.4" barrel. I would think the lack of cylinder gap/closed breach and difference in barrel length measuring methods would probably all factor each other out.

If you really want to test it out, get a chronograph and start cutting the barrel down your self and then send it out to be finished and mount the brake.

I'd say 12" barrel, then add the brake...you'll have great performance and the barrel won't feel like a broom stick. Handgun rounds handle shorter barrels just fine, rifle rounds in pistols need at least 13" barrels (preferably 15") for adequate powder burn or you're just defeating the purpose.

In a Contender, a 10" barrel seems very short and handy. It turns the Contender into a dandy off-hand gun. The Encore may be different. The lack of a B/C gap makes it ballistically superior to a revolver at any reasonable length, so you have a lot of flexibility. I imagine you'd be pleased with a barrel/brake length of 10" and still have plenty of runway.

Thanks everyone! Pretty much the responses I expected. I was leaning towards a 5" hair cut, then adding the brake from there for a total of roughly 12". I just wanted to confirm my thinking. Should be one heckuva thumper in a small-ish package.

This is turning into a very expensive barrel. Oh the addiction is strong...

The mods will be well worth their costs my friend! You'll be really happy with it

I had a 14" barrel with a 2" brake made by MGM on a T/C Pro Hunter. Absolutely loved it. The 460 is an AWESOME cartridge in my opinion. Even better suited for a carbine, but still awesome in a revolver / single shot. Certainly one of my top three favorite guns I've ever had.