New TR barrel.

[Watcher]

I'm thinking its time to put a new .308 barrel on my target rifle. Has anyone any experiences (good or bad) that might help me decide on a gunsmith/barrel. I'm also thinking of adding a ladder foresight so would welcome any advice in that area.

TIA

W

[GazMorris]

I'm thinking its time to put a new .308 barrel on my target rifle. Has anyone any experiences (good or bad) that might help me decide on a gunsmith/barrel. I'm also thinking of adding a ladder foresight so would welcome any advice in that area.

I've used Bartlein and Krieger barrels and found them both to be of excellent quality. My advice would be to get a 30" long 0.298"x0.3065" barrel with a 12", 12.5" or 13" twist. Some swear by 5-groove or ratchet rifling, but I've only ever used 4-groove conventional rifling and have no complaints.

As regards ladder foresights, there's a can of worms! I've used 18mm RPA ladders, 30mm RightSights and currently have a Gehmann 30mm monster on my target rifle; however this spans from £120 up to £450+ of your money depending on the accessories you add. If you want to use an Eagle Eye or if you have a habit of crossfiring, go larger rather than smaller and add weather shades.

Gaz

[Steve E]

I am just having a rifle re-barrelled by a well known Surrey gunsmith who does exceptional work.
As a standard go for a 1/13 30" or 32" Krieger or Bartlien barrel. As you are up north you may have a different set of gunsmiths to consider compared to us southerners. I was quoted by a northern gunsmith more than twice that of some of the best TR gunsmiths in the south.
HPS do very good work (they use Lothar Walther as standard). Be warned, if you want a Kreiger or Bartlien and your 'smith has not got a barrel in stock, you may be waiting for up to 10 months just to get a barrel.
As for ladder foresights my opinion is go for a 30mm RightSight or Riles.
I can recommend some 'smiths but only by PM.

[johngarnett]

I go along along with Steve E.

I have a Walther and a Bartlien barrel and both are top notch. I understand Walther are harder to machine and therefore may last a bit longer??

Re sights, I use a 30mm RightSight. I use filters, shades and lenses from Shooting Sight. (on the forum here). Again top notch.

If you wish to have further info, pm me. There's a lot more info to impart!!

JohnG :cornwall:

Steve E: Well done on the Grand Agg. Good job, very good job clapclap

[Gaz]

What's the experienced TR'ers thoughts on Border Barrels? I've been browsing Geoffrey Kolbe's articles on their website and he seems to know his stuff, but I don't know very much about the final product vis-a-vis Krieger and Bartlein.

[Hauptman]

I've heard two negatives.............one was overly tight, leading to pressure concerns..................the other sent back due to poor finish.
No idea what calibres/types.
Plus, there's apparently a long wait.
This latter persuaded me to go for a Bartlein which was turned round in under three weeks (by Mik), and with which I am mightily pleased.
It's accurate, and it doesn't get very dirty inside......

H/man

[Watcher]

Thanks guys. As always lots of good advice which I'll certainly take.

W

[ovenpaa]

I have always rated Border barrels very highly and have never had an issue with them, in fact I have another due to arrive this morning. Delivery is always a bit of a nightmare at 5-6 weeks however the last consignment of Pac-Nor barrels I received took a similar time to arrive.

I will certainly continue to buy them.

One thing I will say is barrel choice is invariably based on many factors. What worked well for you last time, what people are wining or doing well with and probably most importantly availability, what the rifle builder has in stock. Hopefully margins play a minor factor in what the builder suggests.

[The Cupcake Kid]

My opinion is that all the well-known barrel makers produce good products. As with all engineered components, there will be variances from batch to batch and the odd 'lemon' which might get through quality assurance procedures.

I agree completely with Ovenpaa's last paragraph in that it's often fashion or availability which plays the biggest part, especially if you can't wait several months to order from the factory.

The only way you could guarantee to get a 'perfect' barrel would be to do what a few rifle builders do and buy a large number of them to test fire so you could sort out the best from the worst. Most people don't have that kind of time and money and make an informed choice instead.