Quote Originally Posted by redman View Post
A varmint tapered 26" 243 barrel can easily be used for targets, deer, varmints, and coyotes. Will it be a couple of pounds heavier than you would like for hunting deer? Yes but unless you are really small and weak it's not a big deal. This is about the only downside I can think of and if you are really worried about it buy a 243 factory sporter contour for about $75 (here on the classifieds section) or a 260, 7mm-08, or 308 barrel for that matter which would give you a little more punch for deer anyway. When deer season rolls around switch the barrel in about 20 minutes and away you go!.
Stockysstocks said they would hopefully soon be carrying barrels with titanium sleeves that would be very light weight. I am going to see if this becomes a reality before I buy a barrel. This will help save weight.