They are popular with some hunters for difficult terrain. More protection for the barrel when you're banging it against trees etc climbing down some ravine. Plus free floating is usually more important for target shooting where you warm up the barrel and the stock can push against it, leading to stringing. For a hunter the first shot, and maybe a quick second are all they do, so cold barrel performance is all they count on.
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I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.
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