Author Topic: begara barrel (Read 2326 times)

reloader4410 · « **on:** September 29, 2010, 04:15:44 AM »

Anyone out there know anything about the begara muzzleloading barrels by bellm? I see them on gunbroker & not alot of money on them yet? any help thanks.

reloader4410 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 29, 2010, 04:17:27 AM »

Sorry if i done something wrong in my post.

nomosendero · « **Reply #2 on:** September 29, 2010, 04:23:15 AM »

Like most, I hear good & bad. Midway has them with several reviews from actual users, may want to check it out.

Also, Google Bergara Barrels. You will see a bunch of stuff, again good & bad as with any Manufacturer.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2010, 02:35:09 AM »

There is one in particular that pushes Bergara barrels apparently because they're cheap and maybe because he had personal input with the company in Spain. Though some have bought Bergara barrels and like them, there have also been many reports of Bergara barrels not fitting on frames, soft locking lugs and even weld failure. Thompson/Center barrels occasionally have problems but I've never heard of a weld failure or of inadequate heat treatment or of barrels not fitting a frame. I had problems (an accuracy issue) in only 1 of the probably 30 plus Encore and Contender barrels I've owned and that barrel was satisfactorily repaired by T/C at no charge.

In short, the only advantage I see to Bergara barrels is that they're cheap. T/C, by the way, currently is offering a $50 rebate on Encore and Contender barrels.

nomosendero · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2010, 03:37:01 AM »

One out of 30 is a dang good ratio for any company. I wish I could say the same, the very first Encore barrel I bought was a dud. I have noticed on this forum that many have not enjoyed that ratio either, though I think Encores are good for the most part. The $50.00 rebate helps make the barrels competitive & I would take advantage of that & I personally would go for the TC when practical, but I have to laugh at the ProHunter MZ barrel price.

One the otherhand my Contender handgun fortunes has been very good, with every barrel I have tried so far being very accurate.

I too have seen heard of some of these Bergara problems which are indeed different issues than the TC problems, but TC problems are there alot, one only has to look at this forum to see hundreds of them.

Again, it is good for anyone interested in a Bergara to google Bergara Barrels & look at the info.

I plan on getting a Bergara 28" MZ barrel & I will report the results here, good or bad.

smong2000 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2010, 07:11:01 AM »

I had a Bergara SS .50 ML barrel for my Encore. The barrel had one of the best finished bores I've seen, mirror shiney. It shot just around an inch with the 1st load I tried in it. The only reason I sold it was because I don't like the Encore platform for ML, or rather that I prefer the Omega rifle. The new owner said he also really liked it. They were crazy cheap when I bought mine 4ish years ago ($150) but seem to have crept up these days. If I was going to ML hunt with an Encore I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

rickyp · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2010, 04:24:18 PM »

I have been wondering why we don't see more of these barrels listed for sale I dont think I have seen any on the forums

bphunter · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2010, 07:29:00 PM »

I personally own 4 Bergara barrels and 4 T/C barrels. While the T/C barrels seem accurate enough, I've had HORRIBLE copper fouling issues with every single T/C barrel I own, all due to rough finishing of the bore. T/C barrels are the only barrels I own that require 1-2 hours with an Outers Foul-Out II after every shooting session. Sweets' is a powerful copper remover, but no match for T/C barrels. Bergara barrels foul the least of any I have ever owned. If you care to take the time to look down the bore with a scope, the difference between T/C and Bergara will appal you. I'm not suggesting that T/C barrel are an inferior product, just that Bergara barrels are superior in one aspect: a mirror-like bore finish absent of any tool marks. T/C and Bergara both shoot around MOA or better, so for me it comes down to how much time am I willing to spend removing copper. Price has never been the issue for me, and I will buy a product that suits my needs first, and consider where it's made second. I hope a little healthy competition from Bergara will result in improvements in T/C quality. I really like the T/C Encore platform and hope they can stay competitive in the market.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #8 on:** October 01, 2010, 01:27:40 AM »

Quote from: rickyp on September 30, 2010, 04:24:18 PM

I have been wondering why we don't see more of these barrels listed for sale I dont think I have seen any on the forums

Maybe because not as many people have them? I've seen plenty for sale on gunbroker.com.

nomosendero · « **Reply #9 on:** October 01, 2010, 02:45:41 AM »

Quote from: bphunter on September 30, 2010, 07:29:00 PM

I personally own 4 Bergara barrels and 4 T/C barrels. While the T/C barrels seem accurate enough, I've had HORRIBLE copper fouling issues with every single T/C barrel I own, all due to rough finishing of the bore. T/C barrels are the only barrels I own that require 1-2 hours with an Outers Foul-Out II after every shooting session. Sweets' is a powerful copper remover, but no match for T/C barrels. Bergara barrels foul the least of any I have ever owned. If you care to take the time to look down the bore with a scope, the difference between T/C and Bergara will appal you. I'm not suggesting that T/C barrel are an inferior product, just that Bergara barrels are superior in one aspect: a mirror-like bore finish absent of any tool marks. T/C and Bergara both shoot around MOA or better, so for me it comes down to how much time am I willing to spend removing copper. Price has never been the issue for me, and I will buy a product that suits my needs first, and consider where it's made second. I hope a little healthy competition from Bergara will result in improvements in T/C quality. I really like the T/C Encore platform and hope they can stay competitive in the market.

Interesting indeed!

I agree about the competition & TC has no worries if they keep quality up & IF others do not & if TC continues to work on being competitive. TC was getting crazy with their prices before all of this & just imagine what the TC prices would be if there was no other source for the barrels. It helps those who only want TC made barrels also.

bphunter · « **Reply #10 on:** October 01, 2010, 02:22:20 PM »

Quote from: Grumulkin on October 01, 2010, 01:27:40 AM

Quote from: rickyp on September 30, 2010, 04:24:18 PM
I have been wondering why we don't see more of these barrels listed for sale I dont think I have seen any on the forums

Maybe because not as many people have them? I've seen plenty for sale on gunbroker.com.

Bergara is not a significant competitor or threat to T/C in terms of volume sales. T/C has a vastly superior selection of calibers and models, and I believe this is what most people love about their T/C's. You pay a few bucks - and presto! You are now shooting a new caliber you always wanted to try, but for a very minimal investment. If the reloading die manufacturers aren't already supporting T/C, maybe they should think about that!

jhart · « **Reply #11 on:** October 02, 2010, 06:39:06 AM »

I just ordered an Encore Bergara Barrel in one of my favorite calibers, 35 Whelen. It will be my first Bergara. What sold me was their website and Ed Shilen not the price. They have videos of the entire operation. Ed Shilen went to Bergara and changed a lot of the companies operations and quality control. They sound like a good barrel. But I have bought both Contender and Encore barrels from T/C only before this so I know how many of you feel. I will post how mine fits and shoots once I get it. Should be in by Wednesday cant wait!!!

www.bergarabarrels.com

rickyp · « **Reply #12 on:** October 02, 2010, 11:11:12 AM »

I am thinking about getting one in the s.c. 223

Keith L · « **Reply #13 on:** October 02, 2010, 12:55:22 PM »

If a marketing video sells you that their process is better then you deserve what you get. I have watched that video and do not see any magic in their process. It is fairly ordinary stuff. Hard to believe that methods like that, in a high labor cost country, can yield a better product for less money.

jhart · « **Reply #14 on:** October 02, 2010, 01:14:40 PM »

ok, so if its fairly ordinary what makes you not like it, besides that its not made in America. Trust me I like things made in America myself but I know that there is not much out there that is anymore. I am in the military and am very patriotic so I dont want to get into that, but I do want a better answer then they are not made in America. Is there something wrong with the proccess's they use? I have heard that their barrels are button rifled which is different then an original T/C. The Bergara barrels also appear to have very clean bore, lands and grooves. Also they are checked for straightness before they are drilled and after, then heat tempered.

nomosendero · « **Reply #15 on:** October 02, 2010, 01:24:12 PM »

Quote from: jhart on October 02, 2010, 06:39:06 AM

I just ordered an Encore Bergara Barrel in one of my favorite calibers, 35 Whelen. It will be my first Bergara. What sold me was their website and Ed Shilen not the price. They have videos of the entire operation. Ed Shilen went to Bergara and changed a lot of the companies operations and quality control. They sound like a good barrel. But I have bought both Contender and Encore barrels from T/C only before this so I know how many of you feel. I will post how mine fits and shoots once I get it. Should be in by Wednesday cant wait!!!

www.bergarabarrels.com

I am looking forward to your report, that's where the rubber meets the road!

I wouldn't mind trying a Whelen tube myself.

Keith L · « **Reply #16 on:** October 02, 2010, 09:36:03 PM »

Quote from: jhart on October 02, 2010, 01:14:40 PM

ok, so if its fairly ordinary what makes you not like it, besides that its not made in America. Trust me I like things made in America myself but I know that there is not much out there that is anymore. I am in the military and am very patriotic so I dont want to get into that, but I do want a better answer then they are not made in America. Is there something wrong with the proccess's they use? I have heard that their barrels are button rifled which is different then an original T/C. The Bergara barrels also appear to have very clean bore, lands and grooves. Also they are checked for straightness before they are drilled and after, then heat tempered.

Buy whatever you want. I really don't give a rip.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #17 on:** October 03, 2010, 04:31:41 PM »

I know the original poster asked about Bergarar Muzzleloader Barrels. My only experience has been with a 24" Stainless .30-06 Bergara Encore Barrel that I hunted with last year.

Mine copper fouled quite badly, but it was easy to clean up. Mine had a pecular habit of the first shot from a a cold barrel going quite high (higher than successive shots that is). Without fail the first shot from a cold barrel would go 1" to 2" higher every single time than the following shots. This was not a problem while hunting but made group shooting a bit tricky.

I tried 3 different forends with 3 different mounting systems and nothing seemed to change the outcome. The other issue I had was an enlarged hinge pin hole in my Bergara Barrel. It was quite oversized in that with the barrel locked up I could move the muzzle left or right 1" each direction. I replaced my hinge pin with an oversized one which eliminated to wobble and did nothing to help accuracy.

All in all I ended up shooting 3 Whitetails with the .30-06 Bergara Encore Barrel, one of which was really long range in my opinion.

I have been considering a .223 Stainless-Steel Bergara Encore Barrel largely due to the fact that they use a 1 in 10" Twist, but so far have not decided what I am going to end up with.

Larry

sweetwyominghome · « **Reply #18 on:** October 03, 2010, 04:40:26 PM »

Keith L wrote: "...you deserve what you get...Buy whatever you want. I really don't give a rip."

It's disturbing to see a moderator continually exhibit this type of attitude and bias towards certain products, especially considering his actual experience with said products couldn't fill a thimble.

I've had a good number of Bergara Encore centerfire barrels that I've sighted in for folks and am on my third personal 7mm-08 Bergara. And you know what? Not a one has exhibited anything but stellar workmanship and superb accuracy, including a couple which were fed nothing but cheap factory ammo. In fact, I've yet to see one that wouldn't do better than an inch at 100 yards. And most do significantly better than that...

Yes, TC makes good products, but they are far from the final word in the single shot world and have turned out some lemons as well, including a .280 that failed at the weld.

As for me, I still prefer MGM over any others, but there is nothing wrong with Bergara or factory TC tubes, either.

My advice is try them for yourself or speak with those who have real-world experience Bergaras.

Keith L · « **Reply #19 on:** October 04, 2010, 12:58:34 AM »

I do not moderate this forum, and I have as much right to my opinion as you do. And I truly do not care what the poster buys.

nomosendero · « **Reply #20 on:** October 04, 2010, 02:57:44 AM »

Good, looks like we are all happy now!

Keith L · « **Reply #21 on:** October 04, 2010, 02:05:01 PM »

I know that I am, but I never was unhappy.

nomosendero · « **Reply #22 on:** October 04, 2010, 03:32:01 PM »

bubba · « **Reply #23 on:** November 17, 2010, 01:42:32 PM »

I purchased a bergara 50 cal 28 inch barrel of this website. I have like it. With 80 grains of blackhorn 209, and a 150 grain lead bullet in a crush rib sabot, it is a tack driver. I can shoot 5 shot clover leaf groups at 100 yards. That being said, with 90 grain of black horn, and the same bullet, I can do the same with my new t/c impact. I am now the owner of a 45 caliber encore ml barrel, so I am putting the bergara barrel up for sale. I only need so many barrels. I would recommend one anytime. I also used to own a cva optima elite with a 50 cal ml barrel and a 270 rifle barrel. Both were great shooters. My nephew borrowed it, and still has it. That was 4 years ago. That is what uncles are for lol. I do not expect I will see it again. He loves it. Buy the bergara it is a good barrel for a good price.