For years I have hunted with my Encore pistol 44 mag with a 12" barrel. I am getting older and wanted to make some changes. Considered a revolver, but after contacting Mike Bellm he assured me that cutting my barrel to 7.5" wouldn't effect accuracy at short range. I hunt the swamps of NW Florida and rarely shoot over 50 yards. He said a lot of his customers go as short as 6.25, but I stayed with 7.5. Should get it back from him soon.

I have the 12" 44 as well. Since I have a Super Redhawk cut to 5" I am leaving it alone. I do have a 9" MGM 357 mag Encore barrel. It handles really nice. The 9" barrel is about half an inch longer than the Pachmayr forearm. Good luck with yours.