ORIGINAL: North Texan
I'm not a fan of heavy barrels, either. They add a lot of weight without adding much benefit. Just more weight to lug around, slower to shoulder, and harder to hold steady andshoot off-hand.
Texan, have you ever shouldered a T/C Encore? since they are generally 6-8 inches shorter than a regular bolt or semi rifle (because they lack the actual bolt/ semi action)...they are easier to maneuver and shoulder, even with the bull barrel. i will say the bull/heavy barrel does add weight to the rifle but it still weighs less than my Wby. .300 mag