As I build this shorty in a bull config I am running across issues I have not considered before. 1 Bull barrel clearances and Link up I have been under the assumption that to eliminate play in the muzzle. I should support the muzzle as the barrel diameter is smaller than the slide? In conversation with Will Schuemann "barrel mfg" he indicated that the bull barrel is typically .008 smaller than the slide and that correct link up will force the muzzle to the top of the slide? I set up the barrel, cut the lower lugs and I am using a # 5 Wilson link. Everything seems to feel right. The slide stop test for lower lug stop is fine, but without the support of the plug the barrel has play. So I am going to leave the plug in unless there is somthing else I am missing? Also at Schuemann's web sight "www.schuemann.com" he has an exhaustive timing check process that seems overly complex? I have been using the same process that Blindhogg has on his web sight for several years and have had good luck with this. Should I reconsider?
No, sounds like you did everything right. As far as timing is considered what is important is that the barrel links down and is not being stopped by the link. If so the link will break in short order, that is easily tested by pulling slide halfway to rear and pushing on front of barrel with a table and seeing if link pin is loose, if so thats good. I think you will be fine. Its too bad the bull barrel is not tighter to your frame though, that is a shame, I just got a Schuemann bull barrel for a Officers size slide that I am working on and it is .009 oversize so I will fit it this weekend. I think if the guide rod plug snugs up the slop in the end of the barrel that is probably better than not having it. I am sure it will be fine and would not worry. One thing that I always do to see how barrel fits up to slide and slide stop is this. Put pistol together minus recoil spring and recoil spring plug, slowly work the action and see how the parts mesh together. Many times you will get bind when linking up because you cut the lower lugs with a .196 or .198 cutter and you are using a .200 slide stop but that is no problem and you can either lap that in with compound or take a dremel and cratex to get the last thousandths off the barrel's lower lugs. So leave the plug in and go shoot this thing and post a pic.
One note: slide inside dia. will vary with the largest I have found being Para Ord slides - the only bull barrel I have found that is large enough for a Para slide is: the Brown bull barrel.