Author Topic: Custom barrels of yesteryears (Read 626 times)

buckenbass · « **on:** July 27, 2004, 04:46:08 AM »

Every thing gets better (tools , technique , processes, metal )

My question is custom barrels of 5,10,15 years ago How do they compare with factory barrels of today...?

And custom barrels of 5,10,15 years ago How do they compare with the custom barrels produced today?

Also how much better is factory barrels of today than years ago..?

skb2706 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2004, 11:05:17 AM »

Can't speak to how the first Bullberry barrel I saw shot but the weld on the lug looked like crap.............finish was nice and it had an accuracy guarantee. ...VVCG is a spin off company started by ex-Bullberry employees. SSK always had a great reputation...but I never owned one.
Conversely I really think the first TC factory barrels I had, shot and looked better than the more recent ones I have had....albeit a very small sampling.

onesonek · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2004, 01:59:23 PM »

While I believe everything is better then in the past. I also believe technology cannot replace the the human element

Graycg · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2004, 03:43:48 AM »

I have a custom Ingrham carbine barrel in 22LR, It was made in the late 70s and while it isn't the prettiest barrel in the inventory, it shoots better than anything costing A $1000 or less in the rimfire rifle category. I think a good barrel is a good barrel whether new or old, I think the advantage of the newer barrels is the newer machinery that makes precision less expensive to buy. I have to admit also, that some of the newer finishes other than deep bluing have gotten much nicer. As for deep bluing....that seems to have become a lost art among TC barrel folks.

regards,
graycg

JoeRobbins · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2004, 06:14:42 AM »

Graycg,

How did Ingrham mark the barrel you have? I have a barrel from an unknown maker and the only mark is on the bottom of the lug for the caliber. The mark is hand stamped. Deeply blued and a nice shooter for a "pencil" barrel. It's 22" and a .223.

Thanks,

Joe

Graycg · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2004, 02:56:03 PM »

Joe,
No markings other than the caliber on the lug. Lug is old style flat bottomed one. Target crown.

regards,
graycg

Paladin · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2004, 04:53:51 PM »

I have two barrels, a 357 mag and a 45 mag(?) that are marked with the cal. and also Ingram on the lug.

JoeRobbins · « **Reply #7 on:** July 29, 2004, 08:55:21 AM »

Graycg and Paladin,

Thanks for the replies. I think I may have found the ID of the barrel now. Same flat bottemed lug. Handstamp is on the bottom of the lug, not the side. Also, mine had a single lug cut, which lined up with the front of the super 14 forearm spacing. I had a smith cut an extra lug in the back and put a bullberry hanger bar on it to use with my BBerry woodsets. Dropped about a 1/2 inch off the groups.

This one has the 11" angle cut crown on it as well.

It makes a great little lightweight walking around carbine barrel.

Buckenbass, in reference to your original question, I also have the Bullberry 223 20" full bull and both of these barrels shoot about the same, however the pencil barrel in more "picky" about the ammo. The newer heavy barrel shoots most ammo consistantly, while the older pencil barrel will move POI up to 3-4 inches for different bullet weights and powder charges. The HB just dampens the harmonics better than the thinner barrel.

Joe

Flash · « **Reply #8 on:** August 06, 2004, 08:27:10 AM »

I bought a 223 Ingram barrel and although it looked like a piece of drain pipe, it shot as good as anyone could expect.