Shoots1000: All of my 204 Ruger Varmint & predator Rifles have barrels 26" in length - and if I could I would add a couple of inches to them!
Especially afield, I find the added weight adds stability to the sight picture and reduces their modest recoil allowing for me to often spot my own hits (and misses).Where I Hunt LONG shots (400 yards-ish) are the norm.
I vote to leave that barrel of yours at 24".
Best of luck to you what ever you decide on.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
It's too long and heavy for the run + gun hunting I do in the woods and hills of NY.
If I shoot 200 yards, that's a long shot.
I need it lighter and shorter.
I was going to buy a shorter barrel, but this one has some mileage on it and I already went through my 2021 budget in 2020 !
Once I see how well the PTG crown cutter tool works, I'll see about chopping it off bit by bit, otherwise it's going to 18"s and I'm calling it a day.
