Author Topic: Custom or Tc barrel? Where would you buy your next barrel? (Read 853 times)

vhunter · « **on:** September 11, 2004, 02:14:56 PM »

I have had 3 Encore barrels 223, 270, and 375 H&H. The only barrel that I currently have is the 375 H&H which I really like but I had OK accuracy out of the 223/270 barrel (TC factory). I want to buy a varmint barrel for my encore and have decided on the .17 remington or the .204 Ruger only. I really like the .17 but the .204 reports sound good. Should I get the barrel from TC, foxridge, Auther Brown, Virgin Valley, SSK, or Bullberry? I know that each barrel maker makes quality barrels and some bad from time to time.

I guess who makes the best Encore barrels? THANKS!!!

Buffalogun · « **Reply #1 on:** September 11, 2004, 04:00:49 PM »

vhunter,

Quote

I know that each barrel maker makes quality barrels and some bad from time to time.

I think you've answered your own question!

Buffalogun

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2004, 05:21:55 PM »

Don't think I've ever heard anyone actually step forward and say they had a bad one from SSK. For sure I have had from VVCG but it seems they are no longer really in business and aren't taking orders. May or may not fill the ones already taken. That "just might" put a crimp in EA Brown's business as the folks at VVCG claim they made his barrels. He claims otherwise. Me I dunno. But if he is now scrambling for a new outfit to make them I guess it was the VVCG boys telling the truth. If he isn't I guess it was him. :roll:

The 223 barrels I've had from TC have been real losers. The 6 TCU barrels on the other hand some of the most accurate barrels I've ever owned. Not sure I'd trust them for an under 6MM barrel. Not sure just why but they don't seem to me at least to do as well on them.

I'd go with an SSK. Some say I'm biased. Yeah I guess I am. I like stuff made right.

onesonek · « **Reply #3 on:** September 12, 2004, 01:05:33 AM »

I have one barrel from Mike Sirois, On Target Technologies, Dover, NH.www.mbmco.net, with plans for another 1 or 2. As well a few others. I put this out for you as another option, he does good work.
Dave

22popnsplat · « **Reply #4 on:** September 12, 2004, 07:17:10 AM »

You dont mention weather you hand load ?I have factory encore barrels and both .223 and 22 hornet and both shoot consitant 5/8 Moa 5 shot groups and has produced 3/8 inch groups with my handloads.

Bullseye · « **Reply #5 on:** September 12, 2004, 05:24:54 PM »

I would go with T/C for a standard chambering or Foxridge for a non standard. From my experience with 15-20 factory and 1 foxridge barrel the only one I had that would not shoot great is a 30-30. I have heard many complaints about he factory 223 and put off buying any for a long time. I know have two, a 14" and 23" and they both easily shoot sub MOA without much load tinkering.

Now I am a shoot and hunter and not a competition shooter, so MOA on the calibers that should be and 1 1/2-2 MOA on what is considered less accurate calibers is good for me. Because of that I cannot justify the added cost for the customer makers like SSK, Bullberry, etc.

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2004, 07:00:32 AM »

I'd go with T/C if they had the chambering I wanted. I won't buy from SSK again. The barrel was OK, the dies were bad. The service was poor. Make that VERY poor.

Moe · « **Reply #7 on:** September 14, 2004, 12:45:51 PM »

I've had several Bullberry's, but I just can't stand the wait. Its a long time from BB. One barrel he had on the shelf. I just called and told them what I was interested in and he had one. It arrived a few days later.

C A Plater · « **Reply #8 on:** September 14, 2004, 03:31:07 PM »

I've had experience with four custom barrel makers. Bullberry, OTT, VanHorn and Virgin Valey. Virgin Valley is suspending operations so they are not a player for now. Of the three still in business, Bullberry and OTT will get more orders from me.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 15, 2004, 09:20:57 AM »

Im sure not an expert on the subject on custom barrels, I have had some good and some not so good and some that was sure enough bad T/C barrels but they always made them good without a lot of fuss. I'm enclined to use SSK barrels, Every one i have had was accurate and well made. I have a 6.5 JDJ that is an absolute tack driver. I do belive you can get a lemon once in awhile from any of the makers. Just hasn't happened to me with SSK. Good luck.........Joe..........

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 16, 2004, 12:55:41 AM »

I would go with T/C for standard chamberings myself. JMHO.