I have noticed that there is a noticeable group of people on this board who prefer a thin profile, or pencil barrel as opposed to a bull barrel or HBAR configuration.
I am from the "old school" and prefer a substantial barrel for a couple of reasons. First, I feel that a heavier barrel is inherently more accurate because barrel whip is more controlled in a thicker barrel configuration. Second, thicker barrels are less likely to be affected by heat and external stress, like that applied by the sling when shooting with one. Finally, I like the feel of a "substantial" weapon. I don't like my weapons to be light and plastic feeling. This is a personal preference and probably stems from my upbringing in which a "real man's rifle" had to weigh 9 or 10 pounds in its basic configuration.
So with all this said, why do some of you say that thin barrel profiles are making a comeback? What are the advantages of these thin barrels over an HBAR or bull barrel, other than weight?
I have built three rifles, 2 of which have heavy barrels and one has a thin profile match barrel (selected due to low price not by profile). A fourth project, DCM rifle is in the works and the barrel I have for it is an HBAR 1/7 20". I know that this thread will evoke a lot of personal preferences, but please explain your self.