Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

[SonicBoom]

I have the opportunity to purchase an AR10 Lothar Walther barrel straight from the factory with any length, threading, or contour that I want (also comes with barrel extension) all for $360. The barrel is made from their LW-50 stainless steel.

My question, is there a better value that I'll be able to find anywhere on the market and what is the general opinion of Lothar Walther barrels? Thanks in advance for your input...

 

[ORD]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

I have had excellent results with LW barrels in the past, including on AR-10s. I just sold a complete AR-10T(LW) upper with a 24" poly barrel last month that I never fired and I have another that was easily a sub-MOA shooter right out of the box.

They are as good as any other top quality barrel available on the market today including Rock, Bartlien, Shilen, Schneider, etc.

 

[scotharr]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

Lothar makes great barrels. Krieger, Broughton, and Rock Creek are "considered" top tier over the Lothar, but not sure you will notice the difference on an AR10

 

[kevin_j]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

I've been using LW50 in my SPR builds for a while now. If chambered correctly, they are great barrels. I've been able to some of them to print sub- 1/2 MOA at 100 yards in three shot groups. A good deal of shops don't like to use LW50 because it is a bit different in machining, but the durability enhancement of LW50 is worth the effort.

There are a number of other barrel makers out there, but the cost goes up. Outside of LW, I'm partial to Pac-Nor and Lilja, but the cost goes up a bit with the Lilja.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

A lot of 'smiths would rather not do any machining on LW-50 Stainless barrels; so get as much of it done as possible by L-W themselves, if you're looking at replacing a factory barrel with one that at least mounts up the same way. For my Savage configured custom barrels, L-W was the sole provider of my pair of swap-fit barrels. I think L-W is definitely an outstandingly excellent way to go.

Greg

 

[Pete Lincoln]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

<span style="font-style: italic">A lot of 'smiths would rather not do any machining on LW-50 Stainless barrels</span>
Well if your lathe has any wear in it, the LW50 will tell you about it.
they are excellent barrels and the company is excellent to deal with, I had Frank Walther round for a visit a couple of weeks ago to discuss my barrel requirements, the guys and gals at LW are great to deal with and make an excellent product.

yes the barrels are a little more difficult to machine than your average 416, ( I am actualy in the middle of chambering & throating a 6.5x47 on a LW right now and just stopped for a cuppa) but with the right speeds, proper cutting lubricant and sharp tooling there are no dramas.

I have not had a single rough or inaccurate barrel from LW in over 5 years of using thier barrels.
so its thumbs up from me for LW,.
rgds Pete

 

[Froggy1129]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

It is my understanding that my AI AE has a Lothar Walther. The two most accurate rifles I have owned are this AE and an AICS R700 with a Rock barrel built by APA (Patriot Arms). So, I would say Lothar is good to go based on my experience with it.

Just my .02

Justin

 

[magnumruger]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

LW is good, but I believe Shilen may have one up on them for your application. Just my opinion, thats all...

 

[smokshwn]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

Have a good amount of experience with LW barrels in 223 and I wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of the deal you have.

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

I've had very good results with Lothar-Walther with 50BMG.

 

[GhostFace]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

Like it was said before there are other who are considered top tier over LW but I would put my LW up with them, mine shoots that well. Also beciase the steel is harder they last a little longer too.

 

[van]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

I had the barrel shortened on my AR10T today.It has a L-W barrel. The riflesmith told me it was a tight barrel.He could not insert a 0.2992" pilot in the muzzle end of the barrel.

I don't know if thats a good or bad thing.

I do know it shot well before any changes were made.

van

 

[SonicBoom]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: magnumruger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">LW is good, but I believe Shilen may have one up on them for your application. Just my opinion, thats all... </div></div>

In what way would you consider Shilen to be any better if you don't mind my asking. Reason I ask is because I was considering them along with Lothar Walther for another rifle project I was working on.

 

[500grains]

Re: Lothar Walther Barrels? Can I do any better?

Supposedly LW barrel steel is not resulphurized during manufacturing, making it very difficult to machine, but making it very hard and long-lasting.