Hello Bob_VT, Welcome to the forums here and the wonderful world of Handis.
I see another Handi-holic in the making, MHO is get a least 3or 3 frames not
just one frame, thence if something goes wrong with a action you still have
one that shoots, I can not tell much about bull barrels, other than Bulls makes the rifle muzzel
heavy. in some cases bull is a better shooter. The only Bulls I have are 204R & 223.
Take care safe shooting Marv.