With both Criterion and Shilen, the Varmint and Tactical would be the same contour. The most obvious difference I have seen is in the outer finish on the barrel. Due to the intended nature of a tactical barrel it will not be with a shiny finish. Savage offers the same contours on their Varmint and their FP (tactical) barrels. It is the dull black matte finish that makes the FP barrel a tactical.

Jim Briggs
NSS