Hello everyone,
I am new to this forum and I’m looking for a new prefit barrel for my axis. I’m not a target shooter although I will be practicing frequently. I’m simply wanting a new more accurate barrel for hunting out to 500 yds. I’m not looking for big holes but sub 3/4 MOA tolerance is good enough for me. I’ve heard Shaw barrels have some fouling issues, and the criterion being the most expensive(I’m on a very tight budget) the shilen seems to be my best option. Just lookin g for some opinions on these three barrels, from someone with more experience than me.
First thing I'd do is call around and see what lead times are. Nothing worse than settling on something only to find out that it's going to take 6-months to a year for them to get you a barrel.
E.R. Shaw barrels are just fine for what you're wanting to do, as are Wilson barrels. They're better than a factory barrel, but not on the same level as a premium barrel like a Shilen, Brux, Bartlein, etc.
"Life' is tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid." ~ John Wayne
“Under certain circumstances, urgent circumstances, desperate circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer.” —Mark Twain
A different option to consider would be X-Caliber barrels, I've got 2 of them, they start out very reasonable on the cost side, but when you start adding on the options, they can get pricey. Both are very accurate as well, no complaints on these. I have 2 Wilson barrels, both very accurate, better than I can shoot or load for them, and the guy who chambers them is reasonable with lots of positive comments over on Accurate Shooter dot com. Urbanrifleman is the guy there.
Yeah, Brad will do you up a barrel at a decent price, and not having to wait long, If looking for a hunter.
Keeping my bad Karma intact since 1952
I have two ER Shaw barrels that I ordered. One is a 6.5x55 and the other is 7x57, both barrels shot very well, they are clover leafing at 100 yards. These barrels are factory contour, 22" SS.
The lead time for the first one was 8 weeks, the other took a bit longer at 10 weeks. I just checked their website and it says 8 weeks. Barrels were $360 and $305 (on sale).
I am building another Axis and looking at a barrels from Gun Shack and EArthur Brown CO, (Eabco) and Northland Shooters Supply.
Never had an X-Caliber barrel, they look very nice. I may go with them.
You didn’t say what caliber you’re looking for?
Depending on caliber the fastest option may be getting one from Northlander(Northland Shooting Supply). He carries Shilen and Criterion and has many in stock ready to ship. Shilens cost more than criterion.
If he doesn’t have it in stock he can order them. I just got a Shilen barrel in the mail that I ordered. Shilens timeframe was 10-12 weeks but I got mine in 9 weeks.
Criterion’s timeframe on the other hand was currently at 12-18 weeks.
cbi barells are great
At Northland Shooters Supply, Criterion pre-fit barrels start at $340 and Shilen barrels start at $330.
The Shilen Select Match barrel starts at $375.
I just got a Shilen Select Match barrel from NSS (416R SS 26-in bull barrel with 1:7 twist) that was in stock in the length I wanted .
I ordered it on Thursday afternoon and it was at my home on Monday and mounted on Tuesday. Can't beat that!
They were very helpful and informative during the order and told me the difference between the regular Shilen Match and the Shilen Select Match barrels. They also told me what I wanted was in stock and it would be shipped quickly. No BS just results. Really nice people to deal with.
My first report results is on this forum at:
Finally put a new barrel on my 12 FV .223 after 9,000 rounds
My opinion on Northland barrels. Pay for the Shilen. Pay for the select match.
I am sorry, I may have mispoke.
I agree. And if you call Jim at Northland he can guide you with everything you need and advice on how to proceed.
I have had them all. Get the Shilen SM. The Criterions shoot good too but the Shilens always shot the best. Shilen if you want a barrel that is better than you can shoot
I did both.Originally Posted by Robinhood
No complaints with my X-Caliber either. Lotta good barrel options out there.
Guess OP wasn't really interested in our opinions, hasn't logged in since starting this topic...
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks