I used to have a 7/08 Mountain Rifle with a 21 inch tube. I liked the way it handled. I bought it used, and the previous owner had sent it off for a port job. Made it louder than a 2.5 inch .357 magnum. I had it whacked off behind the port and hunted happily ever after with it.
My wife now hunts with an SPS youth in .243 with a 20 inch tube. I like it very well too, but I am thinking I could be ok with an extra inch of barrel with the same contour.
My present 7/08 is a stainless SPS, so to trim it back to 21, I am thinking would make it just about perfect.
Agreed on the enhancement of a good crown. It can't help but improve the situation to some degree.
