I have shot 3,4,5,and 6 groove barrels, all with good results. Generally speaking, the less grooves, the wider the lands, but the total bearing surface will usually be close to the same. I have a 3 groove Lilja that I think wears a little better, but the wide lands normally don't like small bores. My 4 groove Krieger is the best shooting rifle that I have, and the 5r barrels are becoming very popular. Pick a good manufacturer and take your choice..........Rich