Author Topic: Begera barrels? (Read 3547 times)

DennyRoark · « **on:** June 26, 2011, 08:33:52 AM »

Are they as good as they say?

Keith L · « **Reply #1 on:** June 27, 2011, 12:50:50 AM »

It all depends on who you ask.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #2 on:** June 27, 2011, 01:34:36 AM »

Who is "they?"

DennyRoark · « **Reply #3 on:** June 27, 2011, 06:59:18 AM »

"They" would be Bergara. I've read about hinge pin, crown and head space issues here and there on the net. Got a chance to pick up a .243 Win pretty cheap, but running out of time. It is an online auction, so I can't "try it out". Pics I was sent looks like new.

Thanks
Denny

Ladobe · « **Reply #4 on:** June 28, 2011, 07:15:56 AM »

"They" would be Dikar Sociedad Cooperativa Limitada.

If you press 1 for English, that translates to: No Thanks!

IMO - YMMV

Swampman · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2011, 08:43:51 AM »

I wouldn't buy one.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2011, 05:38:29 PM »

Quote from: DennyRoark on June 27, 2011, 06:59:18 AM

"They" would be Bergara. I've read about hinge pin, crown and head space issues here and there on the net. Got a chance to pick up a .243 Win pretty cheap, but running out of time. It is an online auction, so I can't "try it out". Pics I was sent looks like new.

Thanks
Denny

Some people like them. I haven't tried one and have no desire to. The ones I've seen on Gunbroker.com have been cheap and there is probably a reason for that.

yooper77 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2011, 07:14:30 AM »

Quote from: DennyRoark on June 27, 2011, 06:59:18 AM

"They" would be Bergara. I've read about hinge pin, crown and head space issues here and there on the net. Got a chance to pick up a .243 Win pretty cheap, but running out of time. It is an online auction, so I can't "try it out". Pics I was sent looks like new.

Thanks
Denny

Bergara barrels are made in Spain. I would pass on it if it was free including shipping. I once bought a NEW unfired T/C 243 Winchester factory barrel shipped for $165.00, so the deals are out there.

yooper77

gargs71 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 03, 2011, 01:32:49 AM »

Bergara is actually being sued by tc/smith&wesson for copywrite infringment

Grumulkin · « **Reply #9 on:** July 03, 2011, 03:23:38 AM »

Quote from: gargs71 on July 03, 2011, 01:32:49 AM

Bergara is actually being sued by tc/smith&wesson for copywrite infringment

Copyright infringement or patent infringement?

gargs71 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 03, 2011, 05:12:49 AM »

My bad patent you are correct might be a good sign that smith is going to keep the single shot line alive

nomosendero · « **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2011, 01:48:09 PM »

Quote from: gargs71 on July 03, 2011, 05:12:49 AM

My bad patent you are correct might be a good sign that smith is going to keep the single shot line alive

Have any info on that?

Ladobe · « **Reply #12 on:** July 10, 2011, 08:35:22 AM »

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/79474654/Thompson_Center-Arms-Company-et-al-v-Dikar-Sociedad-Cooperativa-Limitada-et-al

DennyRoark · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2011, 04:52:10 AM »

This thread did not really take off until after I purchased the barrel, so here is what I have found out after the first 15 rounds. IT IS A TOMATO STAKE! I give everthing about this barrel high marks except fit, which is the most important thing. With out a set of pin gages, I would guess the hinge pin hole is around .005" oversized (possibly metric) , allowing the barrel to wobble noticeably and excessively. Rounds 1,2, &3 were OK (I guess) and after that, it shot all over the place. The next 4 rounds held windage well, but showed a 5" random verticle string. The last 8 were all over. This barrel appeared brand new and was cleaned (with very little residue in it) before shooting. I put a brand new Bushnell Banner scope on it, so I mostly discount it as the problem. Needless to say, my first impression of the Bergara replacement barrels is, well, not so good. It is at best a 50 yard rifle. At those ranges, I prefer my old Hawken! I have never seen one of those expandable hinge pins and am not inclined to spend the money on one if it doesn't tighten up the hinge pin hole. I'm planning on putting a known good scope on it and trying it again after this heat wave goes away. Until then, I'll stick to my tack driving PH .223!

Keith L · « **Reply #14 on:** July 14, 2011, 04:45:54 PM »

I would contact the maker/importer. It should be better than that. I would think they will make it right. Let us know what happens.

sweetwyominghome · « **Reply #15 on:** July 14, 2011, 06:02:36 PM »

Definitely contact Bergara ASAP as something is amiss. I've had my hands on a number of their Encore barrels, and every one featured good lockup and sub-MOA accuracy, even those whose owners fed them nothing but factory fodder.

When I was wringing out the then-new Berger 7mm 140 grain VLD-Hunting bullets, I used a Bergara 7mm-08 barrel, and it averaged around 0.6 MOA for five 5-shot groups. That pretty much typifies my experiences with them.

Every company is capable of producing a lemon, however.

DennyRoark · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2011, 09:22:52 AM »

I really doubt Bergara will do anything as this is a "second hand" barrel. Anywho, before I go there, I want to make sure it is not the scope.

sweetwyominghome · « **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2011, 12:06:47 PM »

New or used, Bergara still warranties the barrel, so if you rule out the scope, they'll take care of it if a barrel issue is present.

As to the oversized hinge pins (not the expandable ones you mentioned), some swear by them and some swear at them. I won't get into that here as this subject brings out rage in a few posters and leads to nothing but wasted bandwidth. Nonetheless, after more than 30 years of using TCs, I can tell you that some barrels do indeed benefit from them, particularly if you are after repeatable POI and precision accuracy. All barrels, however, do not need them -- and, used properly, they pose no damage risk to either barrel or frame.

But if there wasn't a legitimate need for the pins to correct occasional sloppy fit of TC factory and some after-market barrels, they wouldn't remain a viable business option and would have faded into the sunset long ago.

If you send me your e-mail address in a PM, I will give you the name of the company offering the pins. I can't do so here because his name is banned/censored on this site.

DennyRoark · « **Reply #18 on:** July 21, 2011, 04:59:25 AM »

For some reason, my post yesterday didn't register, so here it is agian in a nut shell.....

(YESTERDAY) During a thorough cleaning with the barrel off, I noticed that the forend would "snap" off after screws were removed. I spent an hour sanding the barrel inletting until it fit slightly loose, comparable to the fit with the factory PH barrel and grip. I also broke my own rule and changed 2 things at once by installing a known good scope.

(TODAY) Went to the range this moring very early to try it out. Temps were in the low 80's @ 8AM. First three shot grouped at 1 1/2" @ 100, but about 8" to the right and about 2" high (should have bore sighted the scope first, I guess). After the adjustments, was close enough to shoot for groups. The first 3 after the adjustment was 1 1/4 and the same elevation (I had adjusted it for 2" down). Group number 3 climbed ARO an inch but held windage well and came in at 1 1/2. Group 4 climbed another 2" but came in at just over an inch. By this time, the barrel was pretty hot, so I quit for the day. All in all, I would say that forend sanding cut the verticle string considerably. If I can get this thing to shoot the first 3 in a good group at 100, I'll be happy. May consider pillar block bedding the forend, but there goes the money I saved on this barrel

! Am going to try some different ammo next, but will have to wait until this heat wavebreaks. Above 95 for the next several days yet!

mjbgalt · « **Reply #19 on:** August 04, 2011, 02:23:33 PM »

i bought a bergara in .243 and had to file down the extractor to get a round to chamber. then i shot it and the chamber has a bulge in it, causing my brass to be funky shaped.

i called and they said to send it in.

the upside is that the barrel shot 3/4 groups with my handloads. it also looks nice. so i am going to see how they handle this.

martineta · « **Reply #20 on:** August 04, 2011, 03:38:10 PM »

For the slight savings of a Begera, I think I will stick with the Thompson made barrels. If by chance you ever have an issue, Thompson takes care of it.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #21 on:** August 04, 2011, 04:06:56 PM »

that will remain to be seen...if they handle it well i may buy again. but i have had a lot of tc barrels with no issues

NOLA · « **Reply #22 on:** August 18, 2011, 01:30:15 PM »

Wish they would make barrels for the TCR
I just might try one then, otherwise staying TC only

nomosendero · « **Reply #23 on:** August 29, 2011, 06:03:44 PM »

Quote from: mjbgalt on August 04, 2011, 04:06:56 PM

that will remain to be seen...if they handle it well i may buy again. but i have had a lot of tc barrels with no issues

Where are the TC barrels made now, excluding the MZ barrels?

Swampman · « **Reply #24 on:** August 30, 2011, 02:33:29 AM »

They make their own.

yooper77 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 30, 2011, 08:29:08 AM »

Quote from: nomosendero on August 29, 2011, 06:03:44 PM

Quote from: mjbgalt on August 04, 2011, 04:06:56 PM
that will remain to be seen...if they handle it well i may buy again. but i have had a lot of tc barrels with no issues

Where are the TC barrels made now, excluding the MZ barrels?

http://www.tcarms.com/customerService/faq.php

2: Are all of Thompson/Center's firearms made in the U.S.A?
Yes, all of our firearms are made right in Springfield, Massachusetts.

yooper77

martineta · « **Reply #26 on:** August 30, 2011, 01:12:30 PM »

Quote from: yooper77 on August 30, 2011, 08:29:08 AM

Quote from: nomosendero on August 29, 2011, 06:03:44 PM
Quote from: mjbgalt on August 04, 2011, 04:06:56 PM
that will remain to be seen...if they handle it well i may buy again. but i have had a lot of tc barrels with no issues

Where are the TC barrels made now, excluding the MZ barrels?

http://www.tcarms.com/customerService/faq.php

2: Are all of Thompson/Center's firearms made in the U.S.A?
Yes, all of our firearms are made right in Springfield, Massachusetts.

yooper77

And prior to moving the factory, older barrels made in New Hampshire. Buy USA made Thompson barrels and never look back and grinning all the while.

nomosendero · « **Reply #27 on:** August 30, 2011, 04:09:34 PM »

Quote from: yooper77 on August 30, 2011, 08:29:08 AM

Quote from: nomosendero on August 29, 2011, 06:03:44 PM
Quote from: mjbgalt on August 04, 2011, 04:06:56 PM
that will remain to be seen...if they handle it well i may buy again. but i have had a lot of tc barrels with no issues

Where are the TC barrels made now, excluding the MZ barrels?

http://www.tcarms.com/customerService/faq.php

2: Are all of Thompson/Center's firearms made in the U.S.A?
Yes, all of our firearms are made right in Springfield, Massachusetts.

yooper77

That's one of the reasons I ask. They said firearms, as in receivers. It might be a good idea for them to say all their barrels are made here too.

It would help with the current rumors.

Two Bears · « **Reply #28 on:** September 23, 2011, 07:56:48 PM »

Does anyone know if they make encore pistol barrels yet?

wallacem · « **Reply #29 on:** September 25, 2011, 12:29:38 PM »

I have two Bergera bbls that I have never taken the time to shoot, and after reading this column I took both out today and gave them a wringing out. One is 45-70, the other .223. I had to mount a scope on the 223, so i looked in the pile and took a 3-9x40 Simmons and put it on, the 45-70 has a Simmons 1.5-4 already mounted on it. the 223 grouped 5 shots into .73" one group, .68" on the other group. the 45-70 shot .98" and 1.05" 5 shot groups. Both bbls locked up tight and I can't say anything bad about either. both was as good as any TC Bbl I have. I was shooting military ball in the 223, and very low powered loads in the 45-70. My only problem was, when I put the 45-70 bbl on, my forearm would not fit the bbl. the bbl was too big. I shot it without a forearm, but I now am looking for a forearm for that bbl. If anyone knows where I can find one please let me know. Thanks, Wallacem in Ga