I notice on Lanche's wife's fine modified 308 with a plated NECG front sight (I think)... the sights bit of weight helps to compensate for the balance lost chopping off 2" of barrel. I'd also offer that Lanche's wife's size enters into the barrel length equation (IIRC she's not especially tall/fairly pettite).
Actually this is my rifle I decided to trick out for a short range option in dense woods or my summer backpack carry bear protection. My wifes .308 still just wears a standard VX-2 3-9 and she has killed quick a bit with it including a 9.5' brown bear this spring.
