Now I'm no caster but for asthetics I'd want the barrel with a rod - has too much potential to look a bit dodgy.
Again, no expert but could the central barrel & extending muzzle all be one piece - maybe made from wood???? It would look good & if it could be inserted 3, 4, 5" into the stock it would also carry alot of the weight??
Dunno - like it though heh heh