I want to get a 280 barrel for my encore.Was wondering what would be better a 24" or 26" barrel.Even with the longer barrel the encore is nice to handle. Also what weight barrel would be best?

280 can benefit from a longer tube. Get the long one. As you know you don't have action length to deal with.

I have a 26" .280,great shooter...

The 26” barrel all the way. With out the action length as rost mentioned the rifle will still be nice and short.