It is NOT NOTED anywhere that it is a "HBAR, Heavy Barrel" so I don't believe passes the litmus test...JMO
BARREL: 16” HIGH QUALITY CHROME MOLY VANADIUM
BARREL CHAMBERED IN 5.56 NATO WITH A 1:8 RH
TWIST, MELONITE® TREATMENT APPLIED TO
CHAMBER, BORE AND EXTERNAL SURFACES
Read the reviews on the Saint and they aren't good. Lot's of problems but then any brand could have the same if the quality control is not strick. Chris