PAC-Nor CM or Shilen SS 17 cal blank

[Centex Bill]

Need your input.

I am need of a 17 cal 1 in 9 twist blank for a 17 fireball build on a CZ527. I have a chance to buy a select match CM PAC Nor or $275 shipped and get it now. If I buy a Shilen SS Select match it will be a 16 week wait and about $50 more.

In the big scheme of things is there a major difference. I am 69 years old and I doubt that I would shoot out either barrel.

Which way would you go?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[NorCalMikie]

It's a toss up between Pac Nor and Shilen. I have both and can't tell the difference. Both cost a bunch and had long wait times.
Consider a Green Mountain blank in CM or SS. You can probably have it in less than a weeks time and you can buy two for the price of one Pac Nor or Shilen.
I have them in both 20 and 17 caliber. They shoot bug holes and clean up real easy. Don't think I'll be popping for another Shilen or Pac Nor anytime soon.

 

[Tommie]

It's a toss up between Pac Nor and Shilen. I have both and can't tell the difference. Both cost a bunch and had long wait times.
Consider a Green Mountain blank in CM or SS. You can probably have it in less than a weeks time and you can buy two for the price of one Pac Nor or Shilen.
I have them in both 20 and 17 caliber. They shoot bug holes and clean up real easy. Don't think I'll be popping for another Shilen or Pac Nor anytime soon.

Gotta agree with Mike. Love my PacNor and it's slick as snot on a door knob. But premium barrel prices have gone into the wacky zone. I know several varminters who shoot .17 caliber Green Mountain barrels. Nobody has complained yet.

 

[thekriebles]

I'd purchase the PAC-Nor for the convenience of "now" and saving $50.

However, Mike and Tommie are correct on the Green Mountain barrel feedback mentioned. I too have a couple of buddies who love their 17 cal. and 20 cal. GM barrels for a fraction of the cost.

 

[TAJ45]

With your intended chambering what I am about to pass on may be a moot point.

A friend who was a BR competitor for years (says after wearing out three bbls, he was able to get a decent handle on the wind) schooled me on what to buy/not buy at my request after my 25 year shooting lay off. He said the Shilen bbls were about as good as most anything available but they were a little softer as a general rule, therefore more popular with many smiths. On a bit larger capacity case, he'd get about half the use out of one.

As I said, with a FB case, probably not a factor. So, if both have the same accuracy potential, absolutely nothing is to be gained by paying more and waiting...just a fyi.