Best barrels in the World

[Klenchblaize]

Having owned a Krieger barrel I would be more concerned to find a maker offering the desired profile and finish. If I recall correctly Krieger fluted barrels start at quite a large diameter which is restrictive if building a sporter weight rifle.

PRS should be able to confirm this.

K

 

[hybridfiat]

"Money no object" Easy ,buy 5 Tobler, Kreiger, Lija or Shilen match barrels and have all 5 precision chambered and fitted by a benchrest experienced gunsmith. Then shoot one after the other and keep the most accurate.

 

[Whitebeard]

Totally agree in supporting the British barrel makers. I have to say that although my sons GB barrel took a bit to settle it is now showing stunning accuracy ( 0.4in) for a lightweight rifle in a useful stalking calibre (.308)

I would support them if they would sell me a barrel blank, like the old Border used to do, but as they wont they can go sing, the same goes for Geofrey Kolbes new reamer making business. **** em

Ian

 

[JTO]

Reminds me of a chap who went into the gunshop at Warden hill and, after looking at the rack of guns, asked John Newton which was the best one to buy. "Any of them, they're all better than you are". Was the reply.

 

[takbok]

I would support them if they would sell me a barrel blank, like the old Border used to do, but as they wont they can go sing, the same goes for Geofrey Kolbes new reamer making business. **** em

Ian

I echo your sentiments. Why bother with local when better service can be had elsewhere.

 

[Zeissman]

So to summarise, all of the barrel makers on this thread generally make very accurate barrels, (except after a Watneys party 7); some may have better service than others and a purchaser must be sure that the profile ordered will work for the rifle. Are there any other makes that should be considered?

The gunsmith I hope to use (top rifle maker) suggested Border/Sassen barrels, hence my extra quizzing on them as I know little about them. Hope that this thread will be of use to others considering a rebarrel in the future so please do add any other thoughts to it.

 

[Selous]

Have you asked GB barrels if they will supply you or just Sassen?

 

[Jon Smith]

I would support them if they would sell me a barrel blank, like the old Border used to do, but as they wont they can go sing, the same goes for Geofrey Kolbes new reamer making business. **** em

Ian

Kolbes reamer prices are a joke, I will continue to buy from the states.

 

[308tikka]

GB Barrels have supplied me with a custom blank to my exact specification and have just quoted me for a few more so perhaps this isnt a GB Barrels issue? Timelines are not as slow as several months wait for Krieger (the best barrels I have ever used from a selection of Border, Bartlein, Truflite and Pacnor).

Geoff Kolbe has only just started making reamers. Perhaps he prefers supplying gunsmiths personally known to him and whose opinion he trusts before supplying wider? Im quite sure he will be supplying reamers to UK gunsmiths once hes satisfied with quality control of his/employee output, which should reduce the price

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

Kolbes reamer prices are a joke, I will continue to buy from the states.

do you save money buying them from the US with all the shipping VAT and time etc?
£160-180 for BBT vs $160-180 for PTG

 

[308tikka]

do you save money buying them from the US with all the shipping VAT and time etc?
£160-180 for BBT vs $160-180 for PTG

yes, like any item from the US its generally a saving IF you luckily avoid import and customs duty. For commercial gunsmiths who will pass
on that cost differential over several satisfied customers, theres not much in it. Pacific have been the leaders for a while but if you want something special they may take a while.

Paying £1800 for a scope in well known uk retailers that Ive seen in Cabelas for $1100 is somewhat more than a joke. Dont blame Geoff, its our tax system and frankly, our very small
marketplace .....

 

[Roro]

I would support them if they would sell me a barrel blank, like the old Border used to do, but as they wont they can go sing, the same goes for Geofrey Kolbes new reamer making business. **** em

Ian

Did they give any reason why they wouldn't supply you with a barrel blank ?

 

[Miki]

<snip>
Paying £1800 for a scope in well known uk retailers that Ive seen in Cabelas for $1100 is somewhat more than a joke. Dont blame Geoff, its our tax system and frankly, our very small
marketplace .....

I agree wholeheatedly although there is an element of profiteering still in evidence.

 

[Whitebeard]

Have you asked GB barrels if they will supply you or just Sassen?

Both GB barrels and Sasson as well as Border ballistic technologies will only supply the trade.

Ian.

 

[308tikka]

Both GB barrels and Sasson as well as Border ballistic technologies will only supply the trade.

Ian.

just not true. I have received a blank from GB Barrels which I took to my preferred gunsmith. Ive had a quote recently for a few more. However I have asked for custom twists. I also asked nicely.

 

[Zeissman]

Both GB barrels and Sasson as well as Border ballistic technologies will only supply the trade.

Ian.

Are all three of these spin-offs from the original Border Barrels?

 

[User00033]

No one has mentioned TruFlite... I think... sorry I was struggling through this thread due to Watneys intrusions and laughing so much I might have missed something.

The two barrels I have replaced due to shot-out-ness were with TruFlites, and bugger me they were excellent barrels / service / advice / follow up. But I'm just a hoary old hunter so can't compare my experience to what the Bench Boys would want to see in an aftermarket barrel. I do know that they are becoming really quite popular with some of those at the sharp end of the game....

 

[User00033]

I agree wholeheatedly although there is an element of profiteering still in evidence.

Come to NZ mate, you ain't seen nothing yet. Profiteering? Rampant. Crooks, they are by and large (and by that statement I am well backed up by the well publicised amount of jail time served by the county's most prolific gun importer). However, without his noble sacrifice I suspect prices would actually be higher!

 

[Jon Smith]

do you save money buying them from the US with all the shipping VAT and time etc?
£160-180 for BBT vs $160-180 for PTG

Yes.

 

[Selous]

Both GB barrels and Sasson as well as Border ballistic technologies will only supply the trade.

Ian.

Oh, GB sent one to me last year! Might be something you said??