Custom Rifle Barrels

[Kurz]

Are people really shying away from full customs, or are these only a starting point for most shooters, that then go on to have customs built?

James, I think what we're seeing is the advent of another layer of users, that's all. The custom makers I know, myself included, have seen no difference in the amount of work in our shops, other than the usual fluctuations that occur over the course of a year.

But I think we are seeing a new layer of folks being drawn from the less experienced field and added to the overall numbers in that field, who have delayed getting into a full blown custom precision rifle because they feel that they can afford to invest less to see if they are really good enough to take a run at the top spots before investing in a custom. It's like having a group of 'semi-precision' shooters in between those with less experience and those who run with the middle of the pack in many of the various types of competitions. In fact, PRS is supporting a new class specifically aimed at lessening the cost of participation.

These are the folks who mass manufacturers have taken aim at in the last couple of years, not those with the expertise and budgets to shoot well, consistently. I doubt seriously if you would find any of the top shooters from PRS, F-Class or High Power/Across the Course fielding a Ruger, Tikka or Bergara straight out of the box. But that won't stop some shooters from buying one of these semi-precision rifles, shooting it for experience, then adding a new custom barrel in yet another step before being involved at the custom level. Savage started this trend years ago in a very smart move to gather these folks in, as a way of expanding their own markets.

Regards.

 

[dkhunt14]

I often wonder if most of the accuracy of these factory rifles is much better on the internet than in the real world. It seems like every gun writer that tests a $400 rifle is getting .5-.75" groups. I've spent time behind factory rifles that perform pretty well, but never have had them in the realm of any of the rifles that I've had built.

Maybe them gun writers are just better shots. LOL!!! Also, maybe they get sent a proven accurate rifle. I am sure a company wouldn't send there worst one. Matt

 

[Comrade Terry]

Also, maybe they get sent a proven accurate rifle.

^^^ This.

 

[msinc]

I have always had aftermarket barrels on my personal hunting rifles. I am a fond believer that the more confidence you have in whatever rifle you are shooting will help you to shoot better groups. When I shoot really good groups with my rifles I feel a lot more comfortable and confident when I go in the woods to hunt. Now, would I use a bone stock factory rifle to hunt with??? Certainly, why not??? But if I have my choice I am going to take one of my rifles with an aftermarket trigger, stock, barrel and the best scope I can afford. I am in a slightly different situation than most...I am a machinist by trade and own a very complete gunsmith shop so all that custom labor don't cost me anything but time.
I will say this...barrels, be them factory or custom are not the problem as much as bullets. If I don't have Bergers flying out the pipe I can pretty much figure I will not see what potential my rifle has for accuracy.
Do I still miss an animal on occasion??? Sure, I'll admit it. The hard part about that is missing a really nice buck at 75 yards with a rifle that shoots 1/2" groups because I sure cant blame the rifle!!!!

 

[msinc]

In the past few years, advances in machining and productivity have allowed factory to narrow the gap to customs. How close they can get with more advances is anybody's guess. Are they going to come up with a process to lap barrels equal to today's customs and single point the chambers dead nuts to the bore and tenon? Hold to customs' tolerances?
There's some pretty stiff competition in the rifle market and I see them getting better all the time. One thing I see is the ammo companies working in concert with the rifle manufacturers and producing ammo more precisely matched to their caliber twists.

This is true. One thing I have had the opportunity to take a look at not too long ago is factory barrels old vs. new. I have recently scoped some older barrels, including several fifties vintage pre-64 model 70's, a 1962 Remington 700, a 1973 700, two different 721's from the 50's and an October 2016 700. Every barrel shows tool marks where they did the final finish reaming prior to button rifling. I see these same type of radial marks in Shilen {not the "select match"} and Douglas barrels. I know that some are just the remnants of the tooling marks that were "ironed flat" when the button was pulled thru, but others are there more than just in shadow. I have also poured a couple lead laps in some older barrels and didn't find any tight or loose spots...I was surprised at the consistency.
Haven't looked at any Savages lately, but for the longest time they had some of the best looking factory barrels out there...no marks and they appeared to be lapped clean.
Today I believe one of the best factory barrels is Kimber...they bore the barrels and then use a Sunnen hone to finish the bore. The rifling is cut and although the lands look spectacular, the grooves are pretty rough. They do however shoot some very good groups.
Triggers are better too...I actually had a Remington 700 brand new adjust right down to 1 3/4 pounds. My Kimber also adjusted right on down like that and I only had to turn one screw.

 

[Milo 2.0]

I often wonder if most of the accuracy of these factory rifles is much better on the internet than in the real world. It seems like every gun writer that tests a $400 rifle is getting .5-.75" groups. I've spent time behind factory rifles that perform pretty well, but never have had them in the realm of any of the rifles that I've had built.

I had a Cooper rifle, (semi custom) factory rifle that shot as well as 90% of my custom built rifles, but the load development was extent.
This site has good info, but I take most things that I read with a grain of salt these days, especially in the tactical world (lack of better term), too many guys whoring themselves out for sponsors.

 

[jonbearman]

After owning over 200 rifles in my short life a friend sold me a Remington all done up and it sparked interest in a full blown custom so another friend sold me a custom with a panda and kreiger etc etc and now I don't even hardly shoot my other guns because they cannot reproduce the accuracy of a full blown custom so in closing the customs will remain an integral part of shooting for a very long time.