AusVarmint

Is it worth the extra $$$$ to get a HMR with a heavy barrel?

Some say that it makes the rifle more steady and others say it makes the rifle too heavy upfront. What do you reckon?

Bullcat

As in your other post both my CZ & Browning have varmint barrels as does the Savage .17hmr and they are not too heavy to carry around. I use a sling when just walking and carry it ready to shoot in hunting mode.

Regards

I have the heavy barreled CZ452 and it is fine to carry around. The barrel is shorter than the sporter so there is a bit of a tradeoff.

IMO it is the scope that will determine its suitability as a walk around.

Dr G

I say as far as accuracy goes no you don't need it .17 is a small hole.

Are you likely to be using bipods most of the time or shooting offhand or what? As that will matter.
In saying that the difference between the sporter and varmint in the 452's is minimal in regards to weight. As Dr G says it depends on how you are going to scope it.

I don't like skinny barrels - so I prefer the varmint barrel on mine.