Is it worth it?

[smoke]

Weight that "four" inch section of your barrel and see just how much weight you lost... I'll bet it wasn't much!

Bill

Probably not more than 8oz but i bet  it changed the balance quite a bit.

[hhughh]

Buck,
  Thanks for the question.

To all:
    Thanks for the input.

First, I intend to use it some for hunting.  I want to elk hunt "someday", and I don't like scoped, Bolt Action 30-06s, so to speak.  But for deer around here, I also intend to use it.

After posting this, I did a little comparing and research, and realized a 28" 76 is the same length and about a pound heavier than a Lyman Great Plains rifle, which I have and have packed hunting  many times.  The length of it has never posed me any problems. So I'm going to go with the 28" at least pre-gunsmith.  If it's too much after it arrives, I'll see about having someone hone the edge a little.

As to the one on sale, it does look like a great deal, but I'm actually going to make this purchase after the first of the year when Uncle Sam sends my money back............

Thanks again to all.

[FriscoCounty]

Although you've made your decision, I thought I might add my 2 cents worth of after thought (and maybe some controversy).  If shooting black powder, then the length of the barrel does matter.  That is why, on period rifles, you will see the use of half round barrels and half magazines as methods to save weight without unduly reducing barrel length. 

While we talk about BP being a explosive, it does take time for it to burn completely and "fully expand".  With BP the longer the barrel, up to a point dependent on the maximum charge, the higher the velocity.   That great spew of fire from BP muzzle represents unburned powder and lost velocity (yes, I know there are also charcoal embers as part of the spew). 


With smokeless powders, first - unless you are a wildcatter - your selection is limited to a short list selected by manufacturer or the reloading manual you are using.  Then within that you can select the powder with the appropriate burn rate to match the desired velocity, consistency/accuracy , and maximum pressure for a given barrel length.