I've been a lurker on here for some time and have been searching for the answer to this question recently. Lots of topics on the "Hybrid/Island" barrel but nothing on exactly what I'm looking for. Keep in mind when I say "Hybrid" barrel, I am referring to the "Island/Sight Tracker" kind of barrel. I have absolutely no experience with these barrels so please educate me if there is a difference in the names I've just listed.
I have an SVI with a bull barrel but I am interested in the ones mentioned above and just weighing my options here.
1) When it comes to SVI's hybrid barrel, how much weight does this add to the front of the gun? Does it cancel out since the slide is missing a good chunk of metal where the rib sits flushed on the slide?
2) Is this barrel really only useful on a competition gun? In other words, is it something you would want on a single stack for self defense/concealed?
3) Should this even be considered for a 9mm?
This forum has been very helpful for me for some time. So I appreciate the replies. Thanks!