[kevin387]

How much of difference will there be in velocity, power, and noise especially with wadcutters(for the noise aspect)?

Also what would be your preference and why?

[sumpnz]

Well, longer barrels will be less noisy, but probably not by enough to really matter. You might get a little extra velocity with the longer tube, but that will depend heavilly on the load you're using. A .38spl light load might actually go faster from the 16" barrel, whereas a full house .357mag will certainly gain from the 20" barrel.

Try handeling one of each barrel length and see which points for you. You may find the 16" version to be handier, especially if you'll be carrying it through brush while hunting.

[rbernie]

16" - lighter by a wee bit, handier by a bunch. I've gotta figure that, other than sight radius, there's not any gain to be had from that extra 4".

[dakotasin]

a handgun cartridge in a rifle platform makes the most sense w/ a shorter barrel - i'd go 16".

w/ the 357, velocity won't be much different. longer barrels are quieter for the shooter, but it won't make that much difference.

[Burt Blade]

If you ever want to shoot Cowboy Action Shooting matches, get the 20" barrel. You will need to be able to load up to 10 rounds in the magazine.