Barrel material
Question
Hi Sid: I'd like to know what the pros and cons are with stainless versus blued
steel rifle barrels. Also lightweight barrels versus heavy 'bull' barrels in either
material. I don't hunt rather I'm a bench rest target shooter at the local range.
Thanks for any info............ Glenn
Answer
Hi Glenn,
The short version is for target shooting purposes go with a S/S bull barrel if that is an option.
Ok now the the longer version......... Rifle barrels made from S/S will last longer as related to throat erosion. The S/S barrels are also much more resistant to erosion caused by heat and are thought to foul less. All of these features of S/S are in general, consistent with what you would more than likely be looking for in a target rifle/barrel.
As for a bull barrel vs a standard; In general the bull barrel will produce more accurate groups at longer ranges due to less muzzle rise and a better dissipation of heat.
Of course the most widely known and accepted advantage is the S/S barrels reputation of being much more weather resistant. I doubt however that for your purposes this last advantage will weigh much in your decision.
Also mind that a quality S/S barrel will generally cost you about 1.5 times more than a blued barrel.
I hope this helps you decide and if you need any additional information just let me know. Thanks for the question Glenn.
Sid Lark
firearms andsafety corases
Choke for Mossberg model 183