Question. I have a pen pal friend from across the state. I have seen his in home machining of AR parts and can do some amazing in home things with Savage rifles. He told me tonight to send him my barrel when I get it for shortening, threading and recrown. My immediate thought was: why and how much should I shorten it? Also, is there actually a functional brake for .223 bolt guns? My quarry is the elusive 200 yrd saltine cracker.