Every once in a while a bad barrel is made, at least that is what I have heard. I have not experienced for myself though. If the barrel is bad I am sure Criterion will make it right, they are pretty well top notch. I have had great luck so far with their barrels holding a .120 to a .130 at 100 yards on 7mm08's. But then again I have some factory Savage and ER Shaw barrels that will run with the best of them.