McGowen barrel

[Dusty Stevens]

I was just wondering I have seen it other times here and now think maybe it a problem sometimes. Like one of them electrical issues on your car, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't and it takes 6 months to figure out.

 

[Comrade Terry]

I see what you did there....

 

[Hammer47]

Has anyone ever heard of anyone using one of these barrels? or have one of these? I am just curious on if these are decent barrels, i mean i know they arent top of the line barrels but for the money i am just asking?

Has anyone ever heard of anyone using one of these barrels? or have one of these? I am just curious on if these are decent barrels, i mean i know they arent top of the line barrels but for the money i am just asking?

Tried 2 of them and was not happy with either. Certainly would not consider them to be premium or even quality barrels.

 

[Spike A]

Man there sure is A LOT of up and downs on these, sure would like to see more consistency. Makes me slightly nervous to tell my friend one is available

 

[jimbo88mm]

McGowans website is a little confusing. I ordered one of their barrels a few months ago. Their website directed me to the Barrel Outlet. I'm guessing "the Barrel outlet" is cutting the chambers and length of McGowan barrels.

Anyway the build time for the barrel was 2 weeks but they had it ready in just a couple of days. I don't shoot competitively and the barrel is screwed on to an old savage action (stevens 200) but I don't have a problem hitting a 12 inch plate at 1000 yards repeatedly. On paper at 100 yards I can consistently get 3/4 moa groups. Maybe if I developed the load a little more I could tighten that up (e.g. play with seating depth).

 

[Mel Doyle]

I have been barreling rifles for 54 years,,Have done many hundreds,,Never used mcgowen barrels because they just dont win matches,,A customer demanded a mcgowen barrel..It was a 4 countour chromoly 14 twist for 22-250,,It would not stay in 2 inch at 100 yards,,A borescope showed rough chatter markes thru the bore,,,I sent it back,,,They replaced it,,The replacement with 55 gr bullet at 100 yards turned the bullet sideways ripping a slot in the target,,A third barrel customer same barrel barrel shoots inch and a half at best,,I had to warranty these jobs as these were good customers,,They switched to bartlin and boy are they happy campers,,,Any customer wanting a mcgowen barrel in this shop will be sent elswhere,,I have done well on the lower end barrels with wilson ,,They are 40 bux less and are twice the barrrel,,,Mel Doyles Gunshop

 

[mic2377]

I have a McGowen on my 6.5 Creedmoor large frame AR. It is a custom barrel, and honestly I would have had gotten one from someone else like Criterion if they had been making barrels chambered in this when I got it 5 years ago.

It shoots well enough by AR standards... The rifle is a consistent 3/4 MOA shooter with some groups a little better. Given it is a gas gun it is hard for me to comment if it meets BR standards though. The machine work was well done, the gas port was sized appropriately, and the rifle does run reliably.

 

[onelastshot]

I've got a McGowen on my 6mmAI; shoots sub MOA and has been a great groundhog gun. I've also got two 6.5-284 set ups using McGowen barrels. I got them for deer rifles for myself and my son. No complaints whatsoever.

 

[DickE]

I've used a lot of McGowen barrels, have not had issues with any of them. The group that is on my signature was shot with a McGowen. In a IBS sanctioned match, smallest group of the match, 1.232". Have never ordered one with a precut chamber, do it all myself.
I borescope every barrel I chamber, have Hawkeye and Lyman. Can't tell the difference between a McGowen, Hart, Bartlien or Kreiger.

 

[BW64]

Yep, I had a problem with a McGowen bbl. also. Rear of chamber was oversize allowing cases to expand too much. I returned the bbl., they shortened & re-chambered. ........... All was good and it shot exceptionally well with 52 grain Bergers........ They were going through Q.C. problems at the time but have since resolved their issues. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another but, I'd also take a hard look at Douglas premium at this price point. I have one of each and both perform very well (both .223 cal.)

Had the same problem with a 6.5 chamber from McGowen. Fired brass would not rechamber. Rear of chamber was .005 out of spec. Sent it back after a few "discussions" with them & they replaced it. The one I have now shoots well but I would never buy another. Very poor CS & attitude!!

BW

 

[L.Sherm]

There customer service sucks and so does there attitudes.

 

[rangertim]

Wilson might be a better choice for a cheaper Barrel !

 

[boltfluter]

With the price of components today, buying a mid level barrel makes absolutely no sense. Wasting a box of bullets for load development on a sub par barrel would buy you a top of the line barrel. Makes no sense to me!! The barrel, more than anything, will make or break a rifle as far as accuracy goes. Just my .02

Paul

 

[Dgd6mm]

I've never owned a McGowan.

 

[velocette]

I have a McGowan barrel on my Rem 722. Its a Remage in .222 Remington, 1 :12, 24", 0.92" at the muzzle.
It has a love affair with Berger 55 gr target (or varmint) bullets and Viht N133 giving me groups of less than 1/2" @ 200 yds when I do my job.
No complaints of problems with it.

 

[Mark W]

There customer service sucks and so does there attitudes.

Customer service is a big determining factor for who I do business with. Every company will turn out a dud on occasion. It’s how they deal with it that matters.

 

[L.Sherm]

Well when you call and call and call nobody returns your call, try and drop off a reamer and then get snide comments about why cant find the place.

 

[L.Sherm]

Hard to deal with something when they dont answer to phone or return calls.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

I like them for hunting rifles. I am a Bartlein guy by choice, but they can be months out on stuff. I got McGowan to make me a tapered octagon barrel with an integral milled tapered rib for my Wesson #1 Long Range action in .450-400-3 1/4 that shoots under an inch with factory ammunition and a 12X scope. Not many companies will even talk to you about a special one-of project like mine.

 

[Mike7.62]

I have an M40 clone built with a McGowan barrel, and it will keep 10 shots of Federal Match 168 gr SMK's under an inch at 100 and MOA out to 300 from prone or a bench. Haven't tried it on anything further out or with tailored handloads yet, but I would buy a McGowan barrel again based upon my experience.