M24 barrel contour question

[R1200GS]

Hi Folks
A quick question
I'm fitting an m24 contour barrel to a 700 Remington and I wonder why the shank diameter of the M24 is .050" smaller than an MTU or a varmint contour ? Seems that the reduced shoulder contact area wouldn't help ridgity
Thanks

 

[Leeper]

Won't help it but won't hurt significantly either. As to why it is made that way, you would have to ask the manufacturer. As long as the contact area is sufficient to allow the barrel to be tightened on, rigidity is about as good as it can be with a flat mating surface.