firstshot, i'm also considering the 7600 carbine, matte/synthetic. according to Remington's website the carbine has an 18.5 inch barrel and only comes chambered in the 30-06. i wish itcame chambered in 308 just because i like short actions, but i won't let that stop me from getting one. yes you will lose some velocity with the 18.5" compared to the 22", it may be a big deal to you but to me it's not a big deal because i don't plan on useing it as a long range rifle due to the fact that i hunt in the south where shots are typicaly close. although, IMHO if the rifle shoots well then there should be enough velocity to shoot out to300 yards or so.