Barrels

[prairiefire]

So what is it that makes one barrel more desirable than another? The type of material, the maker or what? I see lots of anecdotal and perhaps some more scientific evaluations of barrels that espouse the quality of one over another - but exactly what is that propels one barrel to the head of the class?

 

[Supersubes]

Dimensional accuracy(bore/groove dimensions, straightness, twist rate) from end to end. The surface finish is very important too. Pretty diverse subject, and I’d imagine there are a many features or manufacturing techniques that one maker might prioritize differently than another maker. Rifing profiles being one big example.

I’ve always found barrel making to be a pretty mind boggling process, but super interesting. You can argue the details endlessly, but the proof is in the pudding. The makers with good reps are the ones that have their processes sorted out, and consistently produce winners.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Once one gets to the level of barrels that include bore lapping as part of their standard features, you are generally dealing with the premier makers. Who is best becomes a subjective question with subjective responses. Truth be told, at that level which is best may be a barrel by barrel question, and I honestly believe that there is probably no such thing as truly identical barrels.

I look at it all from the other end, and ask myself just how good a shot am I that I should be recommending one or another over the rest. For the most part, there has to be at least a dozen makers whose products shoot so well that for the life of me, I couldn't shoot them well enough to find any fault with them.

When we get to those shooters who can do that, we are talking about a pretty small group of folks.

Greg