Lightest barrel contour?

[J_Jacobson]

In the process of building a howa mini wildcat. I want this rifle to be as light as possible. The barrel will most likely end up at 18". Shank Dia: 1.06, taper down at 4.5" to 0.680" then down to .550" at the muzzle. I hadn't considered fluting, but noticed that some of the lightweight profiles on kimber rifles still have fluting so im considering this now. Ultimately, I'd like for the barrel to be 28oz. Would love to hear from people that have gone down a similar path.

 

[TxLite]

If the goal is to get it as light as possible, why not go down to 16”?

 

[Slick8]

Agreed, I'd trade 2 inches of barrel for diameter when it comes to weight reduction.

 

[J_Jacobson]

If the goal is to get it as light as possible, why not go down to 16”?

I could go to 16.5", but my state restrictions limit me to that as my minimum.