I've got a new barrel coming that weighs about the same as a govt profile but has the most weight at the chamber then tapers out to a .625 gas block journal on down to a pencil sized muzzle. Noveske kinda had the same concept but didn't quite go this far. It's a Criterion CORE, 18" chrome lined and hand lapped, I'm anxious to get it in.
It would seem to make more sense to have the most meat on the barrel closer to the receiver. I like the idea of a barrel .750" to the front of the gas journal, then .625" or so to the muzzle.
I think the govt profile was designed kind of azz backwards, thinner under the handguards, and larger diameter forward. But then it has been my opinion that the A2 rifle was designed more for the square range, than for a battle rifle. So, I figure the govt profile was to add some muzzle stabilizing weight for offhand shooting, while still coming in under a maximum overall weight requirement.
