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Would you

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Would you cut a green mountain barrel shorter to make it lighter. It's 15/16 across the flats 32 inches long, but with my back hard to hold up.
 
Would you cut a green mountain barrel shorter to make it lighter. It's 15/16 across the flats 32 inches long, but with my back hard to hold up.
I really don't think 2" is going to be significant weight loss for your issue. If I knew for sure it would accomplish overcoming a back issue, I would cut it. I personally would hate to hack off a chunk of barrel, with no results. I would be looking for a different gun. Good luck
 
I really want a 54 cal for hunting in a hawken. I was thinking that a 26 inch would balance out, with the 15/16 lighter barrel,and if didn't work out don't think it would hurt thr resale value.
 
I would never shorten a barrel. I would remove the but plate and drill some large holes and fill them with lead to counter balance the barrel weight Then replace the butt plate .I have done this for many guns for youth and women. The balance improves and the added weight helps to steady the rifle.
 
If you cut it, maybe don’t cut the full six inches off at first. Start with a 2 and work ur way back till it shoulders well.
I know a maker who routinely cuts barrels shorter and in a straight octagon barrel it can make a big difference when shortened.
 
I bought a TC Hawken from Gunbroker with a GM 54 barrel, 15/16" x 32". I didn't get it out to shoot it for a while and when I did, I noticed that the reflection on the flats looked a little funny. Upon closer examination I saw that the barrel had been bulged about 4" from the breech.. It may have been ok to shoot that way but because I had another complete gun in 54 GM,, and a good lathe, I decided to lop this one off and re-thread. To clear the bulge I ended up right at 24". Hardest part was busting the Breechplug loose. With a Williams Peep it shoots very well with PRB
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and the balance is a joy. Still heavy enough but very maneuverable in the tight stuff. Figured out to 1 1/8 lbs lighter
 
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Do you now or in the future plan to hunt with it or just target shoot?
If only target shooting I would get some / make some shooting sticks and leave it long.

Woody
 
Thanks for the info. What did you have to do to get the breech plug out.
They are very much like the TC's as in very tight. Add heat and much force, lol. That does ot come into play in your case as I had no choice as to which end I shortened from due to the bulge. You can shorten from the muzzle and re-crown much easier.
 
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