If you need to work in extremely heavy cover. Mangrove swap or something? I dont know what, I dont see any reason not cut the barrel if actually needed. I would tend to think if 16" was needed then 44mag might be better. The hearing damage is bigtime more significant with bottleneck rounds in 16" barrel than pistol rounds. In more normal woods carry, the shorter barrel is always lighter and easier to carry. I am seeing more and more 16" rifles like the new 350 legend. Short works. I have a contender 30/30 pistol, it kills fine and that is 14". It almost carries one handed like a micro carbine.
The beauty of the contender is this is JUST A BARREL. Cut it, dont cut it, no big deal. You can buy more. Think about wearing game ears.
