The 18" 45/70 with muzzle break is the kahatdin carbine style barrel. I haven't heard anyone complaining about them. You may need a new forearm for it. I just had a regular contour 24" blued 45/70 barrel cut down the 18" and french grayed, a stainless type finish. I am very pleased with the handling of the 18" 45/70. I put a williams peep site on it and it makes for a great fast handling carbine. You can't go wrong with the encore systems.