Damn, I tried NOT to comment in this thread, but, alas, couldn't shut my trap.
Rock, Lilja, Kreiger, all are fine fine products. I do not however, know any of the principals of these companies, although I have several of their barrels each. Anyone who has shot with me, knows I don't have no-shooting rifles, no safe queens that look good but don't hit.
But, I have met Mr Bartlien, and his comittment to his product and his people is without peer, in any industry, but more so in this one, where the difference between excellence and mediocre is measured in tenths of a thousandth of an inch.
The man is a gentleman, but not a pussy. He drinks cheap beer, and good whiskey. He can actually shoot pretty good, even if he isn't a champion in any aspect of the shooting sport. He knows things. He knows people that know things, and is smart enough to knwo the difference. Also, a stubborn lil bastard when arguing about things he is sure about.
I've had the pleasure of an evening around a fire with him and other good friends, with Kentucky's finest to improve our outlook.
Frank, Brian, haven't yet met you guys yet, but I can tell, from the way your boss talks about you, y'all are cut from the same mold. No BS, just the facts ma'am. What you do every day, speaks for itself.
The barrels speak for themselves too, in the short range BR world, likely the toughest pure "equipment race" shooting sport, Bartlien is the stuff that the current world champion shoots exclusively, and not because he gets them for free, he can get any barrel he wants for free. In a race for tiny improvements, Tracy and his team have lots of small things that add up.
Want a special twist? no problem.
Gain twist? no problem.
ANY gain twist, with Exact numbers? no problem.
Got an idea you wanna play with? no problem, he'll get it ginned up for you, even if he disagrees with your ideas.
The short lil SOB is always thinking, and I can appreciate that. As far as I can tell, that company is committed to this sport for the long run, and you've NEVER heard of someone bitching about Bartlien customer service. Yes the wait for a barrel can be long, but you wait a while even for a not as good stick these days. If you shoot fast 6mm,and don't have several on the shelf waiting to be installed, well..... blame yourself.
If I am buying new gun pipe, it is a Bartlein. I'd rather give my money to those guys, all things being equal. Since it's not equal, it's even easier.