More Kudos for Criterion and Jim at NSS

I recently completed a budget FT/R build on an older Savage LA using a Criterion pre-fit from Jim at Northland. First, Jim was outstanding to deal with. When I called he answered the phone and very professionally said he was busy with a custom and asked if it was okay if he called me back. I said "sure" and, you know what? 15 minutes later HE DID! We had a nice discussion about what I was looking for and he gave me some good advice, opinions and recommendations. I got my 28" Bull 1:10 twist 308 barrel, a precision ground recoil lug and a new stainless barrel nut from Jim delivered in about 3 and a half weeks. I did the installation myself without any problems (no previous experience) and finished it off with a Rifle Basix SAV-2 trigger, Choate tactical stock with adjustable butt plate and cheek riser, and a Sightron 8-32x56 1/8MOA Target Dot scope.

Today was the first time I did and decent work with it at the range. I had put some Winchester 180gr factory loads through it a couple of weeks previous. Didn't get very exciting results with it but then I was really only after the brass (have you tried buying bulk virgin Winchester brass these days?). Today, however, we struck some sweet paydirt with some ladders of 8208XBR and AR-Comp. I usually load five rounds per rung but if I get three consistent shots without screwing it up with a flyer I call it good. NOTHING that I shot with either powder was bigger than 0.72".:cool: AR-Comp was the more consistent and tighter grouping with it's worst being 0.59" and its best a sweet little 0.23" cloverleaf at 41gr.

Jim was great. Barrel kicks arse. And I, well, I am a happy, happy man.

kendall

http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/...pseebc0db0.jpg
http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/...pscfaf4926.jpg
http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/...psa657bc40.jpg

Welcome to the forum! And congratulations on completing your first build. Sounds like she's a shooter. You are correct; Jim is great- he is a pillar of our Savage community, so to speak. Good luck with your future builds, as I'm sure there will be more!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by barrel-nut

Good luck with your future builds, as I'm sure there will be more!

---

Oh, yes. Walmart put their 10FCXP on sale for $350 this week and I picked one up. I've already got the crap stock in the trash, the barrel broken off and some work done smoothing up the action. 6mm something-or-other in the making.

I just got a Criterion for my Savage LRPV. I've never switched a barrel before, but Jim gave me all the advice, and sold me all the tools to make it easy. I highly recommend his action vice and barrel nut wrench. I bought a go and a no/go gage, and it all went really well. I went to the range last night to start the break-in process. Jim said 1 shot and clean for the first 10 rounds. Then, clean every 5 shots for the next 20 rounds. I got through the first 10 using the Montana Xtreme Copper Remover. I've never shot a match grade barrel before, and I was extremely impressed by how well the copper cleaned out. It's night and day when compared to factory barrels. I can't wait to finish the break-in process and start shooting groups.

I'm gonna go ahead and admit that I didn't break in my barrel. I guess I'm just not a believer. I don't see what some soft copper is going to do to the bore that hand lapping couldn't except, perhaps, in the throat area. I saw 1/4 MOA accuracy out of mine without all the fuss. It's hard to lust for better.

I agree he is a good guy to deal with, he spent some time with me on the phone about barrel break in and other things to get all my questions answered.
My project, Savage long action, 26" Criterion stainless barrel, 7mm08,
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/q...psc5474cee.jpg
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps74490d28.jpg
3 shots at 100 yards.

We enjoy working with Jim as well. He's a great source of knowledge when it comes to any topic relating to Savage or Remington builds. If any of you folks are interested in sharing your build photos, feel free to submit them to contact@criterionbarrels.com. We're in the process of putting together a gallery of submitted build and shot group photos received over the years. We'd like to see yours on there as well!

Welcome to the forum, Criterion Barrels! Your products are great