Apache VS Bison?

[travistodd1]

Im looking to get my hands on a stainless 6.5 Creedmoor barrel. I'm not sure is Apache is available to make a barrel for me at this point (I am waiting for a response back).

That being said, working on a budget here, I have contacted Bison who offered to make me a Stainless barrel shipped to my door for $235. He uses Green Mountain blanks. 2-4 week lead time. I love the price and wait time but I don't know about Green Mountain.

I was looking at the Apache sight and he seems to have two options. One being X Caliber and out of my price range. The other line does not mention who makes the blanks. Any ideas what blanks he uses? Recommendations of one over another?

Thanks guys, you have been awesome at answering questions. Also....anyone happen to have a good deal on a nice barrel sitting around? Worth a shot...

[bc160]

I believe that apache also uses some green mountan blanks. He definately builds a top notch product with both of his barrel lines.
Gunshack has mcgowen creedmore's in stock for $299. I like the mcgowens i have as well.

[travistodd1]

That's a tad bit more than what I was hoping to spend at this point. That being said,Gunshack looks to be out of stock anyhow.

[stomp442]

Green Mountain is a decent barrel for a budget build but the extra $60 for a premium barrel like the Mcgowen is money well spent.

[travistodd1]

Well, after bouncing my head off the wall for loosing the ebay auction on an Apache barrel which was EXACTLY what I was after... I shot Jim at Apache an email asking if he would be willing to make me a barrel even though his website said he wasn't taking any orders. I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email back offering me the same exact barrel for my highest bid shipped out the next day...

Jim you are awesome!

[LoneWolf]

Jim's the man!

[Blackthorn]

Travistodd1,
Was it the 308 bull barrel? If so I was the one who ran it up to $225. I did win the varmint barrel though. Can't wait to put it on my new build

[travistodd1]

No, I was seriously watching that one however. I was after the stainless Creedmoor Bull Barrel.

[Blackthorn]

That was a nice barrel.... I've thought about it but stuck to the 308 as I am already equipped to feed it. I wish you luck in your search. I'll report back on the Apache barrel when I get some results... He just posted another varmint 308 on Ebay....

[clintsrv]

Green Mountain blanks are excellent barrels that I've had experience with. Jim has machined all but one.
The one he didn't shoots lites out too.

If Green Mountain had a cooler name they might get a little more respect. :cool:
Most don't even give them a chance.

[mrvideostore]

Hey Travis, Funny you mentioned that 6.5 Creedmoor. I was bidding on it too and lost out the last 30 sec. You think Jim might offer me the same deal you were able to get ? I did want to ask you long time shooters if that 1 to 9 twist was going to make a differents on how it shoots, from what I read the preferred twist on that caliber was a 1 to 8 twist would love to hear any advise you can give to be for my barrel section on my build. Thanks All

[LoneWolf]

I'd go 8twist to ensure you can stabalize the 140's. Otherwise 120's and down will probably preform better.

[travistodd1]

I strongly recommend getting a hold of Jim if you want a barrel. I had a member reach out to me and advise Jim makes barrels for his business and has a 15 day to your door turn around. I am a little concerned about the 1 in 9 twist but have read some people swear by the 1 in 8.5 over the 1 in 8. Its still going to be a while until the rifle is up and going. I still have lots of parts I am still searching for...

I will also say, Bison Gun Works had offered to make the same barrel for me for $235 shipped. He offered to cut to what ever contour I asked up to a full 1" Bull Barrel. I just couldn't really find any information and decided to spend a few extra dollars and order from Apache.

[LoneWolf]

I have not used BGW and won't make any comments towards them, but I have been shooting Jim's barrels for sometime now. Every barrel I've received has been easy to load for and extremely competitive for what I do.

I would say the reason I recommend the 8 twist is because if you ever get the opportunity to really stretch it out the extra stabalization provided will help out as it starts to reach that transonic point.

[travistodd1]

It can be a challenge for me to get out past 600 yards at times. Hopefully, I will get a spot set up a bit better soon. I have been thinking of joining the gun club near where I work but I don't get up there as often when not working.

[mikgarus]

I'm not the most patient guy. I ordered a 243 barrel from Apache 8 months ago and still waiting. Ordered a Shilen from Midway. Delivered in one week.
Ordered a 6.5 Grendel from Apache 2 months ago. Still waiting. Ordered same barrel from Bison. Delivered in 9 days.

[mrvideostore]

Thanks for the feedback LoneWolf will stick with 1 to 8 twist.

[DrThunder88]

I was in the same boat with Apache. I ordered my .243 in September and .338 Edge in February, and USPS says both should be arriving today. BUT both of those are X-caliber barrels. I ordered a .338 Federal standard barrel in November and got it maybe four weeks after.

[travistodd1]

My barrel arrived today and I couldn't be happier with the shipping time. Granted, I believe it was already in stock and ready to go, it still got here fast.

[bam_bam]

I have a bison 6.5 CM. I can't speak for the accuracy (waiting on mcmillan stock) but if it shoots as good as it looks it will be awesome. He was dead on with what he told me as far as lead time and was prompt in responding to all the emails I sent him.