Bull or no bull

[Andrew Quigley]

Barrel that is.

 Thinking about putting together a Handi with a Choate varmit stock, harris bi-pod and 308 cal. Wondering if a bull barrel is really necessary for tight groups. Not a hunter really any more but might help a friend with some coyotes and wondered about the extra weight of the bigger barrel in the field.
 Saw another member's pictures of his rifle that had this stock and was painted a desert tan pattern.  Really like his but couldn't really see if it was a bull barrel or not.
Anyhow, like to hear some experience opinions, good or bad. Thanks

[mitchell]

bull barrel it isn't that much more , no more then a extra bottle of water

[quickdtoo]

I weighed a 22" stainless 30-06 barrel and a 22" blued 308 bull barrel, the bull weighed 9oz more IIRC, so like Mitch said, it aint' a lot of difference.

Tim

[dumgunny]

.....get a sporter weight barrel, let it cool down between shots, and carry the extra water. OR, get a Bull trim it down to 18" and carry 2 more bottles of water!
JMHO

[mitchell]

or you could just do it the right way and drink water before you leave the night before. get that bull barrel man you'll thank me for it later.

[DalesCarpentry]

I have always liked the bull barres over the standard contour barrels. Like it has been stated they don't that much more and I seem to get better groups out of them. When shooting from the bench it takes more time to heat up but on the other hand it takes more time to cool down also.   Dale

[burntmuch]

My most accurate handi was a standard contour 308.

[Mac11700]

Go with the bull barrel...they work great...and are usually very accurate with the right loads...Mine did great with Federal Match ammo...right at 1/2"...and with regular hunting ammo...under 1/2" 5 shot groups...

Mac

[Andrew Quigley]

Well it seems the bull barrel is the most popular and possibly the best way to go. What about forearm. Does Choate make a different one for bull barrel and sporter barrels or do I have to modify it?  Thanks for the info.

Andrew

[glwenzl]

while it is not much weight difference I like any extra weight on riffles that I do not intend to carry much just to help keep the scope on the target after pulling the trigger...

[DalesCarpentry]

No you will not have to do any mods to it.  Dale

[Andrew Quigley]

Thanks again!

Andrew

[PartsMan]

I wish I had gotten the standard 223 barrel,
but I would not sell my 22' heavy. (it's a shooter!)