Daniel Defense V5 for 3 Gun comps: LW vs Gov't barrel

[Gabes220]

I've just about got enough $ saved up to drop on a Daniel Defense rifle (the V5 to be exact) but and i'm torn between the two different versions that they offer: a LW version with a pencil barrel or a government profile barrel.

I'd mostly be using the gun to plink, some hunting, but I eventually want to become competitive in 3 gun competition.

Pros and cons of the heavier barrel vs the lightweight barrel for my purposes?

The weight savings is an obvious bonus with the LW barrel, but will i notice a significant change in accuracy/consistency/heating?

From what i have read and heard from competitors is that any weight that can be saved is a blessing, and the lighter weight barrel won't significantly sacrifice accuracy. Let me know your thoughts from your experience.

Gov't Barrel rifle: 6lb 10.6 oz
LW Barrel Rifle: 6lb 5 oz

 

[Robert]

While I do not shoot 3 gun I do shoot Tactical Rifle with an AR that has a Gov't profile barrel. I do not find it to be that heavy at all, and I have a quadrail float tube which is heavier than it needs to be. I really don't worry about weight till I get into the 9 or 10 lbs range. But then my knuckles do drag when I walk... If the differece is only 5.5oz I'd honestly not worry about it. Pick which ever you like both should work fine.

 

[Gabes220]

would there be any significant benefit from the heavier barrel tho over the lw barrel? Vice versa?

 

[Bovice]

The government profile barrel will take slightly longer to heat up than the lightweight pencil barrel. If they are both at the same temperature level, it will take the government profile barrel longer to cool down.

It really is splitting hairs though. If your goal is the ultimate in lightweight, get the lightweight barrel. It will not make any difference. I can't tell changes of weight in just those few ounces by the feel in my hands.