McGowen Rifle Barrel

[shooter_john]

Hello Everyone... I know guys are always curious about new barrels/ barrel makers, and I recently tried a McGowen SS Select Match 30-06 barrel for a Savage action. The barrel is standard Savage Varmint contour, 26" 1-10" twist.
I installed it a few weeks ago and finally got it out to the range on Memorial Day,what better thing to do than shoot on Memorial Day right). It took about 6 shots to get a good zero, and then I settled in to shoot my first group, and I could not be happier with the results...

I shot this group from the prone w/ bipod and squeeze bag support, in the grass/ gravel behind the 100 yd walkway on our range at work.
The rifle is a Savage 116SS action, the McGowen barrel, B&C Duramaxx stock,bedded), Nikon BM 4.5-14x42 SFMD, and Harris bipod. The load information is written on the target obviously. I'll try and get pics of the rifle up as well.

 

[BoydAllen]

John,
Range at work? How did you get so lucky?
Boyd

 

[shooter_john]

I'm a Deputy Sheriff, and my department is blessed with a $3 million range facility. Those of us lucky enough to get in good with the Rangemaster and Training Coordinator get pretty broad access to the facilites as long as no training or outside agencies are on the range. 50 yard pistol range is fully automated with poppers, moving targets, and target stands, 200yd rifle range is also automated in the same fashion. I know, I'm very lucky.

 

[GerryM]

The ncgowen rifle barrel is a lucky find.
I don't believe they are made any more.
That.s a really great group . did you turn the brass and fire for it to the chamber?

 

[Stev]

McGowen was puchased in 2007 by expienced barrel makers. The shut down for a few months to rebuild all of the McGowen machines for tight specs. In early 2008 the started making barrels. They are reported to be very accurate. In fact, I bought one for my Savage Mod 12SS F-Class rifle that I hope to have finnished late this summer.

 

[GerryM]

Stev
That's good news about mcgowen. we can always use another good barrel maker. Are they making Stainless or crome moly barrels? Are they hand lapped? Etc. It sure sounds interesting.

 

[Louisiana Shooter]

Look right here:

http://www.mcgowenbarrel.com/

 

[GerryM]

It's a graet site but little information on the process.
Are they buttoned or cut rifling? Are they hand lapped and air gauged? They sound interesting. I'm glad to know some one is listening about half round halp octogon barrels and replacement for some of the older rifle barrels.

 

[KRP]

Button rifled and hand lapped. I've got one on a Savage and would definately buy another. I'm not a bench rest shooter though.

 

[GerryM]

If the process is good with good Qc and an air gauge they should be good. I wish them well. Maybe i'll try crome moly
for my varmint rig. Thanks for the information.