I have a Savage 99 in .308 and a custom one in 450 Bushmaster both with 16" barrels and for thick brush hunting and quick shots at hogs out of a truck window, they work perfect for me. I have ear plugs and scope blast has never bothered me. I also used to have Ruger Scouts in .308 and 450 BM with 16" barrels but not as handy as the Savage 99's, especially for fast follow-up shots
