I'm assuming this is a standard 22" barrel to begin with? A carbine model was available over the years with 19" barrels. I'm not sure what at what length the gas/piston port is in the barrel but would have to assume it's well inside of 16" so as long as you don't get around that port you should be fine.
I'd also ask if the recall was done on that gun, Winchester had a big bruhaha in 1990 with the firing pins on the 100 rifles and carbines.