McGowen Rifle bbls

[DanSavage]

I have a 7 twist .223 button rifled heavy barrel from McGowen that shoots very good. Have won a few matches with it, definitely paid for itself. Only downfall is it has a rather short throat for trying to use heavy bullets

 

[David Milisock]

I have a 7 twist .223 button rifled heavy barrel from McGowen that shoots very good. Have won a few matches with it, definitely paid for itself. Only downfall is it has a rather short throat for trying to use heavy bullets

Herein lies the problem with custom barrels. If you shoot a wide range of bullet weights you have to make a compromise.

When I had McGowen build my rifle I sent 3 dummy rounds loaded with the heaviest weight I would use with the action to use when cutting the chamber.

 

[kyotekiller25]

Why take the chance? Just get a Bartlein, Brux, or Krieger and be done with it. When those barrels have the reputation they do, and used by the top shooters in the world, that should tell you everything you need to know.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Why take the chance? Just get a Bartlein, Brux, or Krieger and be done with it. When those barrels have the reputation they do, and used by the top shooters in the world, that should tell you everything you need to know.

This ^^^ ( You could probably, Add, Shilen & Rock Creek to, this List )
And, If wanting a very slightly "Second Tier" Barrel, you could add, a Criterion, "Rem-Age Style" Barrel that, You can install yourself with, Minimum Tool's and a Headspace Gauge. ( saves G-S fitting / Chambering, costs )
With "Tuned Loads" you can get into, the LOW 2's and 3's,. If, installed and rifle is, Bedded, correctly, etc.
They ARE, a Great replaceable Barrel that, is good for, Varmints, Big Game Hunting and Steel Plate Fun,. IMO
Key IS, to Match Bullets to Twist / Velocity and KNOW How to,.. "Tune" Loads ! ( For, Sub 1/2 MOA Accuracy )
Probably WON'T Win, a BR Match, tho

 

[LVLAaron]

Why take the chance? Just get a Bartlein, Brux, or Krieger and be done with it. When those barrels have the reputation they do, and used by the top shooters in the world, that should tell you everything you need to know.

Because not everyone wants to wait 14-18 months. And not every rifle needs a 500 dollar barrel. My 300 dollar 338 barrel is everything I could ask for.

 

[kyotekiller25]

I see a ton of those barrels in stock at several vendors. I buy most of mine through bug holes. The days of 14-18 months for a barrel is long gone. The longest it took me to get a Bartlein was a little over a year during the worst time possible (covid). The rest have been nothing more than a simple click away from buy it now.

 

[LVLAaron]

For "standard" stuff, you can usually find something in stock. If you want a 30 inch finish 6.8 twist 223 barrel, you're gonna wait. Or a 5 twist 338.