If they have a selection ask them to pull them all out, my local brick and mortar pulled out 10 of em in 257 Roberts before I found one I liked.
And you could figure out the mountain ascent, I've got a .308 adirondack and a 338 federal montana that I chopped down to 16.75" and it weighs close to the same. They both kick but with some work they'll shoot MOA. Mountain ascent should buck a little less with more weight out front and overall weight being equal. I think the larger bores do ok with shorter barrels. I wouldn't shoot a creedmoor or .243 out of a barrel that short.
I wish the shop I bought mine in 257 Roberts had more of a selection. At the time I was satisfied with the wood on my rifle, but after seeing photos of others on this site and on the internet in general I realize now that mine is simply plain jane walnut - nothing fancy at all. But I love the way the rifle shoots and handles.
