Short barrels do fine with 75-77 grain bullets in the terminal ballistics department. I would never use ball for self defense if I had a choice at all.
Pat
so does this mean you'd be looking for a 1:7 twist on a 14.5?
I've shot larues, adm, wilson. Never had a problem with eye releif. That's just me. I'd take the risk and buy it. Returning it would be an option if it didn't work out. Would like to see pics when you have it together.