If anyone sees a 18'5" 7-08 on a deal let me know. I don't have a problem running that short of barrel with a 7-08 given it's a fairly efficient cartridge. That would motivate me to pay the tax and get a muffler.
Last I talked to Barrett they said there weren't many 7-08s out there now because their current barrels in 7mm just weren't shooting up to their standard. They said they were in the process of working it out. I really appreciated that kind of candor from a gun company. It tells me they're testing their stuff before releasing it. I guess some of the earlier ones were good but maybe they switched barrel suppliers and the new one doesn't have the 7s dialed in. I think they're running Green Mtn now.
