What are the different characteristics of these three 16" barrels. Gorvernment profile, HBAR, & Super Light. What are the goods & bads of each, & what are the wieght differences? Which one would be the best all around barrel for target shooting, plinking, & hunting?

Government:
Mid weight
good barrel life


HBAR
Heavy
Heavy
Heavy
Best barrel life


superlight
Light-very light
shortest barrel life
IMHO the best choice for defensive applications in a civilian setting.


Mostly its about weight. There might be a real difference in barrel life, but by the time you notice it youve spent many times the cost of a new barrel on ammunition. I like superlight barrels. Very handy. If more accuracy and range is necessary, a mid weight barrel is a good compromise while retaining portaibility.

the thinner the barrel... the quicker it will heat up as well.

Lots of excellent information compiled here by Forest and other members of Maryland AR15 Shooters: groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/techdata.msnw, check the Weights link at the bottom there, and their AR FAQs contain all manner of product reviews for stocks, furniture and etc....

Mike