Best Proof AI Pre-fit barrel

[mwinter501]

Hello All,

I just recently acquired an AI AX308 and am looking for a 16.5" (ish) Proof barrel for it. I've seen that there's a number of vendors/smiths out there offering them, many of which are here on the Hide. Is there any clear front runner? Has anyone seen an appreciable difference between those purchased from Proof and those chambered by a reputable smith? I'd ideally prefer to purchase from a Hide vendor if possible, but there seems to be a number of them.


Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[diverdon]

I got mine from PRDriver. I don't have any complaints about the barrel. It was a proof chambered one. Though deliverer took longer than the GB thread indicated updates were provided when ever anyone asked for them.

 

[Fo0]

Has anyone have any feedback on the Carbon Fiber Barrels Patriot Valley Arms sell? It says they Are Proof Research
"Carbon fiber barrel threaded, chambered, & muzzle threaded" = $525.00
That is about $300 cheaper than a Proof Research Savage Small Shank Pre Fit of the same caliber and length.

I wonder if there is a wait time is through PVA as the other Proof Research pre-fits are in stock.

 

[D46Infinity]

I beleive that price is just the labor to work on a carbon fiber blank. You still neee to supply the blank or have PVA supply it.

 

[phlegm]

I have a Proof CF that was chambered by Mile High. It's flawless.

As I've said before, though: I have never seen an AI barrel that didn't shoot well.

 

[Precisiondada]

I got mine from PRDriver. I don't have any complaints about the barrel. It was a proof chambered one. Though deliverer took longer than the GB thread indicated updates were provided when ever anyone asked for them.

Can I ask what you thought of the Proof chamber work? What were the barrel specs? I’m considering a proof savage prefit in 6.5cm. The seem to end up being about the same as a PVA cut-rifled prefit so I’m not sure what route to go for my origin. I have no need for field switchable barrels

 

[diverdon]

I did not use gauges, I just shot it mostly with factory Hornady 140's. It shoots good.

 

[mwinter501]

Thanks, everyone, for your feedback. It seems like it's hard to go wrong. I don't see them listed any longer on Mile High's website. Anyone know of a particular hide dealer with shorter lead times?

 

[phlegm]

Thanks, everyone, for your feedback. It seems like it's hard to go wrong. I don't see them listed any longer on Mile High's website. Anyone know of a particular hide dealer with shorter lead times?

You would do well to call Mile High to see what they can offer.

If you just want to place an order, Accurate Ordnance seems to have them in stock at competitive prices.

 

[Juggerxxx]

I cannot recommend Eric at ES Tactical enough. He can get any blank you want and he does top notch work.
https://www.es-tactical.com/shop/Accuracy-International/ES-Tactical-ATAX-Barrels/Stainless-Steel.htm
Below is just one target from a proof barrel I got from him for my SRS