So, does a octagon barrel make any diffrence?

[MICoyote]

I've been looking at the Henry Big Boy Steel and Brass and was wondering does a octagon barrel do anything than look different?

Is it more accurate like a bull barrel?

I've heard some talk about dissipating heat better, but really, how fast can you really reload & shoot a tube feed?

Thanks!

[Mistered]

Is it more accurate like a bull barrel?

Theoretically it should be, heavier with a flat surface giving a 'square' sight plane. I prefer octagon over round.

[Mgderf]

You might be surprised.
Yes, the heavier barrel will be a little more accurate, to a point, but it doesn't really dissipate heat better.
The heavier barrel is stiffer, and more mass, thus less prone to warping from excess heat.

This is good, to a point.
It will also hold heat longer than a thinner barrel.
If you heat up a heavier barrel to the same temperature as a thin one, the heavier barrel will take longer to cool.

[JEBar]

for me its a matter of personal preference .... octagons are usually heavier than round ... just how that can affect the rifle's balance varies .... I like the looks of the octagon but that alone isn't a factor that guides my purchase

[PT7]

After doing various web searches to try and compare these two barrel types, JEBar's answer somewhat often cropped up within the discussions: "...it's a matter of personal preference." There weren't many "heated" debates at all, most chats were run-of-the-mill (almost a little "bore-ing"). So personal preference might be the best guide.

for me its a matter of personal preference .... octagons are usually heavier than round ... just how that can affect the rifle's balance varies .... I like the looks of the octagon but that alone isn't a factor that guides my purchase

[Mistered]

I like the looks of the octagon but that alone isn't a factor that guides my purchase

Mine either - if the BBS had been available when I bought my BBB I MIGHT have gone for the steel - hard to say - I really like the looks of my BBB.

[BigAl52]

I would go handle both and see which one feels better. I know if you are weight sensitive you will like the steel better as its lighter for plinking. I have both and Im not as good as I once was so my shoulders welcome the break after running thru a couple of tubes of 357 loads. I have a steel in 41 mag and I can tell the difference when I shoot it. Now if the carbines had been available when I bought mine I might have all carbines. I really like how the shorter barrel handles. Al

[North Country Gal]

All else equal, short and stiff makes for a more accurate barrel via more consistent harmonics, shot after shot. Ask a competition bench rest shooter. Of course, all else is seldom equal when comparing barrels. A 20" octagon, though, certainly will be a stiffer barrel than a slim 20" round barrel. I wouldn't make a buying decision, though, based on something so fuzzy. In the real world, it really is a matter of personal preference based on the balance and handling of the gun and, heaven knows, I certainly have light skinny barrel guns that outshoot some of my heavy barrel guns. Heavy doesn't automatically guarantee better accuracy.

[RanchRoper]

If I run out of ammo that 24" octagon pipe is not a bad weapon....

[Les]

So, does a octagon barrel make any diffrence?

To efficiency? Probably not.

To looks? Definitely! If I was given a choice of two rifles, both the same apart from the barrel, I'd go with the octagonal every time.