Stainless Steel vs. Blued Steel Rifle Barrels: Pros, Cons & Barrel Weight for Benchrest Shooting

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