I find it interesting that they are making a marketing feature of the floated barrel. If ever there was an air rifle that did not need one, it is Veteran. Mine has had an absolutely stable POI. Where barrel heat isn't an issue, as it is in CF rifles, and where the barrel is not in contact with a wood stock, a floated barrel isn't needed. And this is especially true in a rifle put together in such a robust manner as the Veteran. If there is a practical advantage to the new barrel design, is is one that I haven't seen mentioned, ease of disassembly. But I've only disassembled mine one time, and that was just to remove the barrel for cleaning. I'm sure the Vet II will continue the Taipan reputation for high quality, and that many folks will enjoy the "advantages" of the new design. For bullpup enthusiasts, either version is about the best the market has to offer at its price point. Just my opinion of course.