Barrel Contours

[LAH]

Is there a standard measurement for barrel contours like No. 1, No. 2 etc. or does it vary from one maker to another? Thanks guys.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

It varies somewhat. Just say for instance i want a krieger #17 or a shilen #3. The factory contours are usually universal like a #1 mountain rifle, #2 remington sporter,#3 magnum sporter, rem varmint etc

 

[Kurz]

When Shilen and Douglas were the two big names in barrels, contours were referred to by Shilen such and such or Douglas such and such. Now though with nearly a dozen good barrel makers available you need to print off their contour page and keep it by the computer and a copy in the shop. I started making a reference notebook a couple of decades ago and I continue to add to it with new information and categories. Saves time and trouble looking it up on the computer all the time.

 

[Stan Taylor]

When Shilen and Douglas were the two big names in barrels, contours were referred to by Shilen such and such or Douglas such and such. Now though with nearly a dozen good barrel makers available you need to print off their contour page and keep it by the computer and a copy in the shop. I started making a reference notebook a couple of decades ago and I continue to add to it with new information and categories. Saves time and trouble looking it up on the computer all the time.

That's the very reason that Douglas never has changed there original contours but at Douglas they have a variety of profiles such as Remington or Winchester or Ruger you name it that way you don't have to do bunch of stock work Douglas is up with the times on contours in order to keep folks from having to do major stock work.

 

[Prose]

Agreed that Douglas and shilen are well known contours. Many other makers are not as standardized IME

 

[Ned Ludd]

The majority of standard barrel contours are identical between manufacturers (see below), although the number/letter a given manufacturer designates for a specific contour may not be the same. So the real question is what constitutes a standard barrel contour versus a non-standard contour? Many barrel makers will cut just about any contour you request, but it will not be something that they either have in stock, or cut on a regular basis. Even with the standard contours, if you cannot find a dealer with barrels of that contour in stock, you may have to order direct from the manufacturer and wait several months for it to be finished. So availability is not what constitutes a standard contour, either. My impression has always been that what we call standard contours are ones that have been around for quite some time (many years), whether for hunting, specific types of competition, or military use, and have simply been accepted as being "standard" by the barrel manufacturers.

Some Bartlein Contours


Some comparable Krieger contours

 

[LAH]

Thanks guys. I grew up around Douglas & knew their contours. In fact my cousin retired from Douglas & was a good connection under the first 2 owners. Being simple as I am I thought all used the same numbering system.

 

[Stan Taylor]

Thanks guys. I grew up around Douglas & knew their contours. In fact my cousin retired from Douglas & was a good connection under the first 2 owners. Being simple as I am I thought all used the same numbering system.

Who was your cousin may have knew him.

 

[LAH]

Who was your cousin may have knew him.

Marvin Cochran.

 

[Stan Taylor]

Marvin Cochran.

Man I can tell you some stories about Marvin bless his sole sure miss him.

 

[LAH]

Stan he was one of the good guys. He helped make me the man I am today. I miss him & his wife Kat.