T/C bull barrels

[qswdef]

I see T/C barrels advertised.  Some ads designate 'bull barrel' and some do not.  I know a bull barrel is heavie. generally.  What exactly is a T/C bull barrel?  Does a bull barrel require a different fore end?
Thank you

[Grumulkin]

Most people don't know what a bull barrel is when speaking of T/C Encores and Contenders.

Standard Contender barrels come in tapered and bull configurations.  The bull barrel has no taper.

Encore barrels come in tapered, heavy and bull configurations.  The heavy barrel has just a little taper while the bull has none.  The bull barrel takes a special forend.

Though I've had many heavy Encore barrels, I've never seen a factory Encore bull barrel.  As large in diameter as a heavy barrel is, I can't imagine that a larger diameter barrel would be of much advantage.

[johnnyb]

Yes it does require a "Bull Barrel" forend and on the ones I have they are rock solid steady but the offset is more weight to carry. My bull .308 barrel does alot to reduce felt recoil in my custom loads, and my bull .223 varmint barrel is like shooting a .22 rifle

[Richard P]

Early Contender 10'' barrels were octagonal. Then the 10'' round barrels were introduced and called bull barrels. While heavier, they are not true bull design which would have no taper. The 14'' barrels probably come closest to 'bull' design. 

[dapster]

Perhaps the following URL leading to a page depicting T/C barrel configurations will be of interest:
http://www.tcarms.com/customShop/barrels.php