Optimal barrel length depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for maximum velocity, leave it alone. if you are looking for handiness, then cut if off to 20", but be prepared for more muzzle blast. I would thing that 22 - 24" would be a good compromise between handiness and velocity in a 243. If you are getting into the flutes and that look bothers you, you may opt for a add on muzzle break, that has no holes in it, a sort of false muzzle. Many gunsmiths make their own muzzle brakes to add on, just have them make one with out the holes added. They make them blend into the barrel pretty well now so they do not look like a chunk of steel hanging on the end.
