They did chamber the 280 in the NEF with a 26 inch barrel. I have one in the gun case. They might have just dropped it. I think they still have the barrels on the barrel accessory program. NOT SURE.

I just checked, they do still offer the 26 inch 280 barrel. It is 103.00. The one I have really shoots well. Its not a tack driver but it will shoot 1 1/2 inch groups @ 100 yards with just about any load. I paid 190.00 for it with a 4X Weaver scope.