Is there ANY advantage to a thin barrel besides weight?

[Whiterabbit]

Hi guys,

I'm building a rifle and want to get your guys opinion about barrel diameter.

Internet "wisdom" covers all the common stuff. heat management, weight, etc.

But when it comes to really performing the compare/contrast with a thin barrel (all other factors held equal) the ONLY advantage people talk about with thin barrels is weight.

Let's take weight off the table. Let's say weight is not a factor. (but ALL other details are factors!)

is there any other advantage to a thinner barrel? any at all? is the only good thing about a thin barrel the lower weight? Is a thicker (heavier) barrel ALWAYS more advantageous in every way minus weight?

[The Paper Pimp]

I believe so

[jfifer]

Balance?

How about maneuverability? I know that does involve weight...

[Whiterabbit]

I discount those because I plan to shift weight in the buttstock and/or forestock to achieve proper balance. This is actually an advantage to a heavy barrel because it's easy for me to add weight to a buttstock. it is not easy for me to add weight to a forestock or a barrel.

[NorCalFocus]

Other than weight, no a bull barrel is better in every way.

So it comes down to are you using the gun for hunting or target shooting.

[CobraRed]

I guess everyone is forgetting scope clearence? Being able to choose low rings faciltitates a more natural cheeck weld, and with the low ring selection you're not really limited in your choice of scope as far as objective size goes. I know with my truck axles it's not an easy fit.


And overall versatility, it feels much more managable and less delicate when light - oddly enough.

[vintagearms]

Take a carbine class where your not sitting at a bench and at the end of the day, tell us which worked better. For defensive distances with a carbine (100yds and under) your not going to see any change in groups, but your body will thank you later.

[TMB 1]

Like jfifer and CobraRed say maneuverability and scope clearance.

[vincewarde]

One disadvantage to a thin barrel, that can be a problem even in a hunting rifle, is a change in point of impact as the barrel warms up and wraps a bit. This was (and is) a common problem with older Mini-14's. This can be overcome with cryogenic treatment of the barrel, but it isn't cheap....

[LBDamned]

Take a carbine class where your not sitting at a bench and at the end of the day, tell us which worked better. For defensive distances with a carbine (100yds and under) your not going to see any change in groups, but your body will thank you later.

Not a lot of runnin' & gunnin' with a bolt gun... I don't think your scenario is what the OP has in mind (considering the section he posted in).

[kel-tec-innovations]

Cools down faster? For hunting its usually 1-2 shots so there is not continuous firing where a bull barrel is needed.

[Whiterabbit]

I can totally get behind the scope ring height advantage of a pencil barrel.

So, maneuverability was cited as a concern. How then do we explain shotguns, where long barrels and fairly heavy weights win the day? Folks that say a gun "points like a fine shotgun" aren't talking about 18 inch models!

[jfifer]

Balance and recoil control. The shotgun points well because the weight is centered and balanced. Even weight distribution.

[TMB 1]

I guess if some one was to have their weapon shouldered it might not matter. I just think a lighter weapon is faster to get into action. That's what I meant by maneuverability.

[Cypriss32]

Go hunting with a heavy barrel and tell me how you feel. My goto is a 257 Roberts with tsx. It's got a skinny *** barrel on it. Then my 375 ruger 20" with sights. I don't shoot anything past 300 yards so it works for me. Light easy to carry and maneuver.