I can't decide which barrel to get. The Douglas, Krieger or the Bartlein? Is it worth the extra money to upgrade to the Bartlein or Krieger?
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Create a channel Learn moreThat is some solid shooting!This is a Compass Lake 18" Krieger intermediate gas, fluted wylde chamber. Only thing I did different was run 9/16 threads versus 1/2 inch threads, I prefer to have a bit more meat at the end of my barrel.
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Just ordered a Vltor MUR to use or send to Compass Lake to build on. What is the consensus on the Rainier Arms UM mod 2 SPR barrels?
CLE has had my Vltor upper receiver since January. Waiting for them get in a new batch of Bartleins to spin one up for me and install it. My specs are 17.9 inch, 1:7.7, intermediate gas, and CLE chamber.
I was looking at the WOA SPR barrels and they have them in stock for $275. How do they compare to the CLE Kreiger barrels?
Will CLE pin or dimple the gas block for you?
Just my .02, but I've had every brand of barrel CLE has to offer and I can't tell the difference between Bartlein or Kreiger when it comes to small frame builds, but what I can say is that I've had two Bartlein Duds and zero issues with every Kreiger barrel I've had large or small... Just something to think about if you don't feel like waiting any longer for that Bartlein.
Jake
Well shit. Now you got me thinking.
When I called and spoke with CLE (consistent with your comments, they were great on the phone) prior to ordering the barrel, Theresa put me on the phone with one of the techs to go over my build. One of the things I asked was: "Kreiger v.s Bartlein, which would you recommend for this SPR build?" The answer was "Either. The Barleins shoot pretty good." So, I took the understated nature of the comment as an endorsement of the Bartlein.
Theresa tells me the Bartleins should be in any day now. I'll give it another week. If they are not in, perhaps I'll switch to a Kreiger.
I do appreciate the input though. Thank you, Jake.
No worries Brother ?
Believe it or not, this experience is echoed in the benchrest world by quite a few shooters I've talked to. Not trying to shit on Bartlein at all, their stuff is state of the art and they make great barrels, but atleast a very successful BR gunsmith I've talked to says he thinks atleast sometimes the steel Bartlein uses might not be quite as good as Krieger's, and he believes a huge reason for a barrels accuracy is the steel quality. So I suppose take that for what its worth..Just my .02, but I've had every brand of barrel CLE has to offer and I can't tell the difference between Bartlein or Kreiger when it comes to small frame builds, but what I can say is that I've had two Bartlein Duds and zero issues with every Kreiger barrel I've had large or small... Just something to think about if you don't feel like waiting any longer for that Bartlein.
Jake
Get the Compass Lake Krieger 18" Barrel with intermediate gas, 1.7.7 Twist, CLE Match Chamber or the Wylde chamber they both shoot lights out. You will not regret your purchase at all.
Believe it or not, this experience is echoed in the benchrest world by quite a few shooters I've talked to. Not trying to shit on Bartlein at all, their stuff is state of the art and they make great barrels, but atleast a very successful BR gunsmith I've talked to says he thinks atleast sometimes the steel Bartlein uses might not be quite as good as Krieger's, and he believes a huge reason for a barrels accuracy is the steel quality.
I am not at all opposed to quality or expensive gear. That being said, there is a reason the Navy went with Douglas and it was not price. After extensive testing, the Douglas barrels clearly had higher velocity, longer accuracy life and peak accuracy was as good or better than the others. If you are only shooting for targets the velocity makes little difference. If you are hunting with it, the difference shows.
I had a M24 clone that would shoot 5 shot groups into a quarter sized circle at 200yds almost every time! It had a Rock Creek barrel. I'm a believer. Next barrel I put into a bolt gun will be another Rock Creek.i just put an upper together with a Rock Creek barrel, just to see what I will see..............haven't shot it yet but I'm hoping for good things, maybe not quite Kreiger level, but hopefully close.
MM
That is excellent shooting and an excellent barrel. That level of performance has become the norm today in a heavy match rifle.I had a M24 clone that would shoot 5 shot groups into a quarter sized circle at 200yds almost every time! It had a Rock Creek barrel. I'm a believer. Next barrel I put into a bolt gun will be another Rock Creek.
Do it.Good information on this post. Now I’m wanting a Kreiger mk12 /spr barrel from CLE.