Pro hunter barrel choices

[capnbo]

I am researching the best barrel and components for a TC pro hunter in 35 whelen.
Cabella's offers a 24" SS by Bergara,249.00,compared to TC 28" fluted barrel,350.00. Any
advice on the best barrel for this caliber would be appreciated. Also looks like
receiver, buttplate, and forend prices run about the same everywhere I checked.
Any suggestions where to buy these would also be appreciated. Thanks for the help.
This site is a great resource!

[kynardsj]

Check out www.edstc.com

He is going to have about the best prices on TC and some other barrels.

[yooper77]

Bergara barrels are made in Spain. I have never owned one and never will regardless of the cost.

I have only owned Thompson Center barrels made in U.S.A. and can be found very inexpensive new or used. If you buy from retail stores you are paying retail prices unless they are on sale. I have never paid over $185 for a new factory barrel.

I suggest looking on this forum classifieds, gunbroker.com or other websites.

35 Whelen would be excellent in a T/C Factory tapered 24” barrel.

If you want a custom barrel with a custom price look at http://sskindustries.com/encore.htm

yooper77

[Grumulkin]

I might buy a Bergara barrel but only if the price was MUCH lower than I've ever seen them go for and only for the purpose of selling it to someone who thought they were good.

Before I paid $350 for a T/C Pro Hunter barrel, I would spend the extra money and get one made by a custom barrel maker.  My choice would probably be Match Grade Machine as they do fantastic work.  I did check on getting a handgun barrel made by SSK Industries several years ago.  I was going to spring for it until I found I could not get a barrel contour that fit standard T/C forends but that could have changed by now.

[capnbo]

Thanks for the advice. I did not know Bergara was made
in Spain. Will buy a USA product for sure.

[capnbo]

Talked to TC service rep today and he told me they have a production run starting up for the 35 whelen 28" SS fluted barrels that will be available mid Feb retailing for 259.00.