barrels

[260Remshtr]

Yeah..... If only money were falling like sky like the rain drops we all could have the barrrels/rifles/guns of our dreams. I haven't heard anything bad about the saterns have you? I don't know much about them but heard bragging of them at Van Meter.

 

[cmillard]

i havent heard anything bad about them--they must be good if bill alexander (alexander arms) uses them exclusively

 

[260Remshtr]

True.

 

[Rustystud]

Barrels are expensive, and the better barrel makers have plenty of work. Why incurr the expense of advertising when you have more work/orders than you can fill in less than 10 weeks. Barrels are very personal, everyone wants something different. My customers make up an array of shootering disciplines. I now have most of my F- Class shooters now using Heavy Palma barrels 30-32". I have used many barrel makers barrels over the years. I have seen the rise and fall of many barrel makers as their shooters find winning and lossing barrels. The quality of raw materials, tooling, and workmanship flucuates over time. I have purchased barrels from most of the barrel makers and I have had customers send me barrels made by many other manufactures. Until about a year an half ago I ordered every barrel individually. I have now begun to buy the more common calibers 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, and 308 and twist in 5 barrel batches. I have begun to order 20-26" #2, #3, #4, and #5 sporter barrels two at a time. This has sped up some of my customers wait time. It also has caused me to have a large investment ($25,000+) in barrels. When a gunsmith buys barrels in volume there is a small discount. When a customer buys his barrel direct he is doing both himself and the gunsmith a disservice. Most gunsmiths can buy and sell barrels at a lessor expense then the customer buying direct. If the barrel does not meet expectations the gunsmith has more chances of getting a replacement barrel if it came from his inventory. The gunsmith also knows which barrel makers stand behind their barrels.
Hope this has added alittle insite from the other side of the counter.
Nat Lambeth