Any opinions on Van Horn Contender Barrels?

[Dance]

Hi Everyone,
I was thinking of buying a Van Horn Contender Barrel and wanted to see if anyone had one and what they thought of the quality of them. I would just like some information before I buy as I haven't really heard of them as a barrel maker for contenders.  Thanks.

http://www.mygunroom.com/dvgunshop/

[contendernut]

VH barrels are pretty nice.  I've got one that I got a couple years ago an it looks good and shoots under MOA.  

I would not order one from Dave right now though.  He is having problems and I know of a few people who have had barrels on order for nearly a year and no barrel yet.  They have tried to get there money back but Dave would return there payment.  Also, from the word on the net over the past year or so, people haven't been getting what they order.

[C A Plater]

I have an Encore barrel in .405 from Van Horn and am satisifed with it.  It was part of a group purchase on the old tc-l list.   He did make a few mistakes in the order but fortunately for me they were very minor and the quality of the work was very good.  Others had more substancial complaints.  I had heard the service level has deteroirated since which I would say lacked organization back then.   If you talk to them, I would ask about that.  I personally don't mind waiting for a good product but want to be told up front what ball park it's in and updated if things get delayed.  I have plans for some new custom barrels but am not considering Van Horn for these.  My current project is a .500 S&W Encore barrel from OTT and am expecting it before the first of next year.  So if you're looking for an alternative supplier,  he is another.  

Courtney Plater

[Dalton]

I ordered three Van Horn barrels late last year.  They arrived on time and I was very impressed with the quality.  However two out of the three barrels I received were not at all what I had specified.  Wrong length, finish, etc...  Dave did fix the problem in a timely manner and I am pleased with what I eventually got.  Would I order from him again? No.  To me it is not worth the hassle.  I'll stick to Bullberry.

[Greyfox]

I sent two Contender barrels to Dave for rechambering late in the winter. One was rechambered from a faulty 225 Win chamber to a 225 Win AI (otherwise known as a 226 JDJ). The other barrel was a 223 that was redone as a 5.6x50AI. Both barrels were done in a reasonable amount of time, at a fair price and the work was first rate. I would add that both are very accurate barrels. I would not hesitate to do business with Dave again.....probably will.

Rick

[luredaddy]

Four weeks ago, I ordered a 45 Cal. Muzzleloader barrel for my Contender, I was tired of waiting for a G2.  I received the barrel today, it looks great, and I expect it to shoot as well as it looks.  I made my wants clear to David, and I could not be happier.  I will order from him again.

[Steve E]

Last year I ordered an Encore 14 inch 7mmTCU and in a few short weeks received it and was very impressed with the fit and finish. Accuracy is very good also. I lost interest in the 7mm TCU and have it in the barrel trading section. I would buy from him again.

                                             Steve E........