Barrel Lug Welds on older barrels

[eodusa]

I recently picked up two used barrels for range fun.
Then i started reading more on T/C Contenders, and there was a brief article about the weld on the lugs not being adequately strong.
Root cause was: poor weld coverage / brittle weld.

Are the newer barrels much stronger or have better quality control than the older barrels?
Did i get a lemon buying a used barrel.  The bore is great, finish is excellent.  I just notice that the weld on the lugs is not as "thick" as the newer barrels i have.
 

[Ken ONeill]

Personally, I've never heard of the weld on a lug failing on a T/C barrel, and I've owned many of them in the last 30 years, as well as having been around Metallic Silhouette matches and numerous T/C shooters and hunters all of that time. I have full and absolute confidence also in any SSK barrel.
There are numerous after-market barrel manufacturers who have been around for various periods during that time. Some are great. Some are...not. I HAVE heard of, but never personally seen, failures on some of these.

[Keith L]

As many people as we have here on this forum I have never heard of anyone having a weld failure.  Like anything else made by man I am sure a problem could happen.  If you feel you have a reason to be concerned and it is a TC barrel call TC and speak with them.  My guess is that if they  are concerned then they will have you send them the barrel for inspection and replacement if defective.  If it is an aftermarket barrel contact the maker if they are still around.

[RonF]

I have been following T/C products since they were first marketed and have owned at least one Contender since shortly after that time.  I currently own several Contenders of various vintages, including a G2, a couple of Encores, a TCR and many barrels.  I havenever heard of a weld problem with a factory barrel.  I think you can use yours with confidence, but if you are concerned the advice to call T/C is certainly approprriate.

RonF

[Lone Star]

T/C factory barrels are electron beam welded.  Many aftermarket barrels are welded with an idiot stick.  Some of the latter did fail with alarming regularity - the infamous Ingram barrels come to mind.  Really, it all depends on the skill of the welder.  I have several Bullberry barrels that were arc welded, but they have held up for many years of service with large-diameter cases just fine.  Factory barrels do not have a reputation for losing the barrel tube downrange.... 


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[skb2706]

In the world of welding     thick does not equal good.

Any reputable barrel maker knows the liability they have to make certain the product they put out is safe. Not to mention the reputation. Post a picture of the weld in question but I am betting you are worrying about a non problem.

[Jim Stacy]

Lone Star is correct about the "electron beam" welds not failing. I've even had (have) a couple of Ingram barrels and have had no trouble at all with them.I have seen some really rusty Contender barrels ,and the weld seems to be the first point of attack,get cleaned up and shot quite a bunch with no problems at all. We always seem to need something to worry about , like cars making strange noises, but welds on a factory TC barrel is not one of them.If it breaks TC will fix or replace it. Their customer service is probably the best in the industry. Now having said that I am sure I will get examples of bad service but with my Contenders it has always been great.Jim

[oldandslow]

T/C factory barrels are electron beam welded.  Many aftermarket barrels are welded with an idiot stick.  Some of the latter did fail with alarming regularity - the infamous Ingram barrels come to mind.  Really, it all depends on the skill of the welder.  I have several Bullberry barrels that were arc welded, but they have held up for many years of service with large-diameter cases just fine.  Factory barrels do not have a reputation for losing the barrel tube downrange.... 


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Please enlighten me on the definition of "idiot stick" as I am not familiar with the term when used in reference to welding. When I was growing up on a farm it was the name for a hoe. I'm guessing you are referring to stick electrodes.

"Really, it all depends on the skill of the welder" is a true statement. Any of the various welding processes will be adequate if done correctly. I would suggest that the electron beam is used because it is the fastest and simplest due to their manufacturing process.

[Lone Star]

Please enlighten me on the definition of "idiot stick" as I am not familiar with the term when used in reference to welding...

The shop I worked in as a kid called arc welder electrodes idiot sticks, meaning that anyone could buy a cheap welder at a hardware store and run a bead....and the lack of skill sure showed in the work if an "idiot" ran one.   

T/C uses electron beam welding for improved manufacturing and a better cosmetic appearance of the finished product. 

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