Okay, I've been toying with getting a Marlin .22 WMR for a while now.

I almost bought an older Marlin 882 SS model that is still for sale at a cheap price ($225 shipped with a crappy Simmons 3x9x40 scope) but haven't pulled the trigger on it.

Originally I was going to buy it just because it is a good deal, but after researching it to death and debating between the .22 WMR and the .17 HMR I am leaning toward buying the Marlin 982 VS - CF with the heavy barrel instead. I can buy one brand new here locally for $330 + tax and then I need to find a cheap scope to put on it.

So I have to decide if it is worth the $100 for the heavy barrel which is the biggest difference between the 2 models. The used one looks to be in great shape otherwise.

I would be regularly taking 125 yard shots with it. I would have it sighted in 2" high at 100 yards so that would put the .22 WMR dead on at 125. Intended targets are raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, crows, an occasional coyote and possibly a turkey (it's legal to shoot a turkey with a rifle here in Texas).

I have a 2 year old son that would likely grow into this becoming his first rifle to use on small game as well. My current arsenal includes a Ruger 10/22 in stainless, a Ruger Single Six with the .22LR and .22WMR cylinders, and a Browning A-Bolt in 7mm Rem Mag. At some point in the future I will either be buying a .223 or .243 or .270 for my son for his first deer rifle.

All my guns except the Single Six are synthetic stocks with stainless barrels.

So what are your thoughts? Is there going to be a noticeable difference in accuracy with the heavy barrel? Is it something that is more noticeable in the field than at the range?

Is it worth spending an extra $100 - $150 on it?

Thanks, Nathan