Barrel Length?

[Cossack]

I'm considering purchasing a T/C 50 cal. muzzleloader barrel for either the G2 Contender or Encore frames. The Encore barrel is approximately 2" longer and therefore heavier. The Contender barrel seems to handle better and would make the gun lighter overall. How will that 2" affect performance (velocity) if I opt for the shorter barrel?
Any other feedback from real shooters is appreciated: so far I only have salesmen opinions and none of them shoot either...
but claim that longer is the way to go.

[JJ]

Well it depends. If you want to burn 130 to 150 grain magnum powder loads, don't waste money on anything with less than a 25 to 26 inch barrel. If you plan to stick with 80 to 110 grains of powder, the shorter barrels are just fine. Short barrels and heavy powder charges don't go well together. 2" of barrel won't make much difference in handling in the field really.

[Underclocked]

My G2 weighs about 2 lbs less than my Encore (both in .45 cal). That makes a difference!

I wouldn't consider going over 85 grains of powder with anything in that G2 for fear of losing part of my face. But...that G2 is my favorite rifle at the moment, light, quick, and accurate. Works very well on deer. My load last year was 65 grains (by actual weight) of T7 FFg under a 180 grain XTP in tan sabot. That would equate to ~80 grains of that powder by volume. Thinking of going to a 200 grain XTP this fall, but don't want to push my luck.

Can't help you on velocities but if you are planning on pushing heavy loads in a G2......hang on!!

[JJ]

Originally posted by Underclocked
My G2 weighs about 2 lbs less than my Encore (both in .45 cal). That makes a difference!

This is true, but it's more a matter of frame size in this case.
I agree the G2 is an awesome little gun! But, it is not a gun I would want to use if my plans included magnum powder loads.....I'll keep those loads strictly for the Encore!
In the end, just depends what you want, both guns are great.