Author Topic: Bullberry or Virgin Valley? (Read 1049 times)

doninva · « **on:** September 22, 2003, 03:38:54 PM »

Using service, warranty, looks, accuracy, which would you pick for a custom muzzleloader and centerfire barrel for an encore? Don

JJFly · « **Reply #1 on:** September 22, 2003, 03:48:33 PM »

Don,

You can't and won't go wrong with either. They are among the very best in the business at what they do. I've purchased numerous barrels and wood stocks from both. I'll admit, VVCG's gets more of my business but there is no specific reason for it.

JJFly

contendernut · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2003, 03:35:17 AM »

Here is my preferences.

Service: Bullberry will be 3-6 month wait. If you don't mind waiting, this isn't a problem. A friend told me that they have picked it up a little, so it may not be that long. VVCG will be 8 weeks+. Only problem with VVCG is they will put other people in front of you after you order if they pay the rush fee. Another souce is Mike at MBM Co. I don't have a barrel from him but do have some of his other products.

Warranty: All three have accuracy warranties. I dislike VVCG's as it costs you $100. You send them the $$ and they do load development. If they find any load under an inch, they just send you barrel back. If not they send the $$ and a new barrel. Also VVCG's prices went up again according to there web site. IMO, there prices were too high before this last increase.

Looks: I have no preferences. SSK has the best looks of all makes I have looked at.

Accuracy: In all the barrels I have had between BB and VVCG, BB are the most consitently accurate. I have 4 BB barrels and all shoot right around .5". The most accurate barrel I've ever had came from VVCG but the majority of the VVCG barrels I've had shoot 1.25-1.5" for there best load.

For me, all future barrels will come from SSK, Mike at MBM or Bullberry if ordered new.

outlawsix · « **Reply #3 on:** September 23, 2003, 03:50:30 AM »

For me it's VVCG. I have 6 barrels now and next week I'm going out there to elk hunt and visit and have a feeling a 260 rem will be following me home. As far as accuracy goes the only barrel that won't do better that 1" is my 45-70. In all fairness. With this barrel I just wanted to fling some lead so I only tried 1 bullet a 405 gr hard cast bullet. It will do 1.5" so I'm happy. I believe that I could get sub 1" groups if I played with components a little. The good news is a least now we have choices. A few years ago it was either TC or SSK. Now there are 6 sources of barrels that I know of. So take your pick. But like stated earlier VVCG is my choice.

Graycg · « **Reply #4 on:** September 23, 2003, 04:18:50 AM »

I have 3 bullberry barrels and 3 VCG barrels, never bought any of them new, got all off the forums second hand. I love both brands and would strongly recommend either. I like the matte finish on the stainless VVCG barrels over the finish on the stainless Bullberrys but I find that Bullberry bluing is better than VVCGs if that helps. ALL shoot better than I can hold them and I don think you can go wrong with either brand.

regards,
Graycg

flintlock54 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 24, 2003, 02:55:24 AM »

You should consider Gary Reeder barrels. My Gary Reeder contender carbine 20" bull barrel in 7 GNR is the best barrel I own, finish and accuracy. The barrel will shoot one hole groups at 50 and 100 yards with no noticable bullet drop. I have all but sold off my other contender barrels because the 7 GNR is such a sweet cartridge to shoot and load for. Bullberry did make the custom wood for my carbine which is fantastic.

Ladobe · « **Reply #6 on:** September 24, 2003, 03:36:56 AM »

BBW? VVCG? Well, the boys at VVCG is an ex-crew from BBW. IOW, BBW taught them how to make TC barrels/wood. VVCG's been at it going on 7 years now - BBW some years past 20. BBW is a solid, stable company while VVCG is in a constant state of mush. So FWIW, BBW and SSK get all of my business.

:bye: