WWW.trackofthewolf.com for the drop in barrels. I have a .54 Hawken that has the one in 48 barrel and I am planning on ordering a .50 slower twist to shoot round balls in competition. They have both size barrels available to match your rifle. My .54 has the larger hex barrel but they make a .50 in the oversize hex blank to match. I think I would go this route if I were you. The shorter barrel will affect your overall pergformance but I have shot elk with short barrel muzzleloaders and they died. You will just have to keep your shots withing range. Since CO does not allow scopes the ranges you will be able to make a good sight picture are going to be 100 yards or less especially with older eyes. Personally I like the longer barrels but I think you could do well with the shorter one. Also there is a front sling mount made that attaches to the ram rod holding ring (not sure about the source but the previous poster says he has one).