7mm Remingtion Magnum: 24" or 26" factory barrel?

[philthygeezer]

I have an opportunity to get one or the other at the same price. 

Is there a practical difference that should sway me one way or the other eg. barrel contour, muzzle velocity, recoil, back-up iron sights, etc?

[philthygeezer]

Mulling it over a bit more, I think the 26" barrel might be the way to go for the following reasons:

1. The longer, heavier contour will soak up a bit more recoil.
2. The heavier contour will provide a steadier hold at longer range.
3. The 2" of extra barrel length will provide a bit more muzzle velocity, underscoring the point of the cartridge as a flat, long range shooter.
4. Iron sights are OK as a backup but a bit pointless for the intended function of the barrel.
5. The heavier contour would theoretically provide better accuracy at longer ranges through a stiffer barrel.
6. I can always drill and tap for BUIS later on if I need to.  Almost better off throwing a compact scope in the pack anyhow.

Do you agree?

[swampthing]

Heavy barrel all the way. My buddies 300mag w/ 3X9X40 shooting 180's surprisingly stable at the shot just a good shove, my 30-06 tapered 24" barrel shooting 180's is plain "surprising" wven with the fixed 4X and steel mounts "she comes right up on ya"
I pretty sure T/C doesn't even Offer ANY of the Mags in the tapered barrels anymore. But if a little bit of barrel jump and minus-100fps or so don't bother you... by all means.

[Silvertp]

Philthygeezer...

IMO the 7mm Rem Mag is one of the premier long range hunting firearms.  I personally would go with the 26" bbl. for the extra velocity.  I had a 26" Ruger #1 in 7 mm Mag and it was really a long range hit'em hard and put'em down firearm.   Im now shooting a 24" barreled Sako in 7mm Rem. Mag.  Its a great and accurate gun, but no easier to carry and handle than the longer barreled single shot.  Youve got the opportunity with the Encore to have the best of all worlds, long barrel for performance and still in an easy-to-handle-package.  This is one caliber I have always owned and hunted with since 1970.

If you decide on the 24" barrel then I think you should be looking at the .280.  Less power (slightly), less recoil, and no reason to be stretching the performance envelope. 

In truth, and in the field there wouldn't be a big difference, but if you go with the 7mm mag, go all the way!

Silvertp

[philthygeezer]

Thanks for erudite opinion.  I've ordered the 26" barrel.