QUESTION

I am looking at the savage Weather warrior rifle OR the varmint, in .243 most likely - maybe 7mm-08. My question - whats the accuracy gain, or advantage of the heavier barrel...this is something I never really understood.... if someone could please explain I would really appreciate it. I want a tack driver is what it amounts to but wondering if the extra 3-4 pounds of a 'varmint' rifle is wort the weight in accuracy.....

Thanks again guys !

weight is the obvious difference, target barrels have more steel, they do not heat up as fast, so they can shoot more rounds before they start to walk, not as important for song dogs as shooting all day in a gopher town. Also balance plays a role. The heavier varmit barrel is theoretically easier to hold steady because of the more weight forward. The extra weight is not fun to pack if you are going to be walking a long way to find those coyotes. I am sure someone will be able to give you a more scientific answer but for me the difference comes down to what I plan to be shooting at.

Here is a question for you in return, what are you going to do with the rifle? If you are shooting from a bench, or varmint hunting from a portable bench then the heavy barrel may be ok. If you are thiking about carrying it around through the woods then no, the extra weight isn't worth it. Savage rifles are tack drivers anyway. At least the ones I have are.

A heavier barrel is also stiffer. This results in less barrel "whip" when the rifle is fired.