[gerard488]

Just shortened my .303 barrel from 26 inches to 20 inches, Should I expect harder recoil?

 

[myfriendis410]

I would think so along with more muzzle blast.

 

[Guest]

No barrel length has nothing to do with recoil. It might go up because you took some weight off the gun but barrel length doesn't have anything to do with recoil.

 

[JLA]

Free recoil remains unchanged, felt recoil will go up because you removed weight from the gun. You can expect reduced velocity and much more muzzle blast and flash.

 

[nmckenzie]

Just shortened my .303 barrel from 26 inches to 20 inches, Should I expect harder recoil?

If the recoil didn't bother you at 26" it's not going to be unmanageable at 20". I would, however, recommend some serious ear protection and sunglasses, because the muzzle blast/flash are going to be up there on the WOW! scale.