The problem becomes important when you set up your rifles for the furthest shot possible and make them less good at making the normal range shots. Beyond that I would have to visit a tactical course about 40 miles away to be on a range that goes to 600 yards. Most only have access to 100 yard ranges for practice. But I would rather carry a light rifle equipped with a low powered scope/thick reticle like a post or German #4 and easily be able to take anything inside of 300 yards rather than carrying a heavy, long and overscoped rifle set up for shots I won't get anyway. Plus with a rifle set up like I would do it I have something usable at night also. That said for the unusual situation where shooting would surely be over 250 yards I have rifles appropriate for that too. Your better off having two rifles instead of making one do everything.

The beauty of setting up your rifles is you set them up to suit your taste. Short barrel carbine to me says quick handling easy carrying in tight quarters so I shorten up to bring the weapon to bear quick to rip and tear at close range. If I have the possibility of a 500 yard shot where bc is actually a factor, I will also be carrying a full length barrel, so I can shoot close to the cartridges potential. It's the same reason I wouldn't drive a 'vette with a four banger.

This doesnt make sense.

16" barrel does just fine at 500 yards, if loaded properly. I've ran mine out to 800, of course.