Krieger vs Bartlein

I would lean Bartlein depending on the specs I'm looking for and here is why. Bartlein makes smaller contours. I think #5 is the smallest that Krieger will do a 30 cal and #6 is the smallest that they will flute. Krieger charges $30 extra for the 5R that comes standard on Bartlein. Also if memory serves me correctly Bartlein doesn't charge as much for fluting. Bartlein does the gain twist.

If you want CM go Krieger. I f you want just an unfluted 4 groove M40 barrel then it doesn't matter.

Swampbuck, Thanks for all the compliments!

We do c.m. barrels as well also.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
 
.001? I thought bore runout was measured in the ten thousandths?
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Your thinking of different things. Bore run out is one and is different from bore and groove size uniformity over the length of the barrel is another as well as bore and groove size for tolerance is yet another.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
 
Your thinking of different things. Bore run out is one and is different from bore and groove size uniformity over the length of the barrel is another as well as bore and groove size for tolerance is yet another.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels

Ah, ok. Yeah, i think I'm thinking of when the barrel gets indicated for cutting the tenon/chambering. Well, i got a 30" .338 5r Bartlein headed my way as i type. Looking forward to building on it!

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Can someone tell me who much and what the difference is between a barrel maker's barrel and the ones that go on off the shelf rifles. Is there really a night and day difference and if so, why?

--Dan


Yes, it's a noticeable difference. The finish on the custom makers is much better, which you will see clearly when you go to clean it. The tolerances are tight and specific, allowing a properly chambered rifle with an appropriate twist rate. I don't think there is much difference between reputable custom makers, though. I've had several - all good. Too many people are doing very well in benchrest with a ton of different makers for it to matter much.
 
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.
 
There are too many other factors that people just don't consider when choosing a custom barrel. Most choose one company's based on one rifle/barrel, which is not enough. Different contour, fluting, bedding, chassis, caliber, harmonics, etc...etc. also contribute.
 
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.

THIS!!!! and he has good taste in cars
 
Any reason to choose one over the other for a build ? I mean two identically speced barrels ? Same rifleing, twist rate, etc.

Man you created an avalanche with your question! Congratulations!!!
Use this thread in your favour. Call/e-mail both companies, tell them about this and buy a barrel from each of them. Tell your Gunsmith to fit both barrels (same caliber) for you. Go shoot at least 800 shots (each, same conditions) and come back with honest range report ( challenging, isn't it?). It will be expensive and time consuming, this why i will contribute $20 if do it (just need your paypal). Do you have guts to do it????

Competition is good! Always have winners and better products!
 
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591 - yes, Frank did a 6BR 8t and a couple of 6.5 8t, all 4 groove. Also had a 5R 6.5. Those latter all 260s. The BR shot 1/4" all day for first 3 shots on a Stiller in varmint weight 24" round w/14x MK4, both 66gr and Amax. The 260s - my last shot < .5" at 200 yds, 3 shots - 130 Berger hunting w/8x scope.

My next Bartlein will be 4 groove again.
 
591 - yes, Frank did a 6BR 8t and a couple of 6.5 8t, all 4 groove. Also had a 5R 6.5. Those latter all 260s. The BR shot 1/4" all day for first 3 shots on a Stiller in varmint weight 24" round w/14x MK4, both 66gr and Amax. The 260s - my last shot < .5" at 200 yds, 3 shots - 130 Berger hunting w/8x scope.

My next Bartlein will be 4 groove again.

Thanks! I got Bartlein 4 groove 8 twist being chambered up for my new build. It's heavy fluted and will be Melonited. I'm nervous cause there is so much stigma around several of those things so we will see how it does in about a month.
 
I've got a Kreiger Heavy varmet 26" 8.5 5r twist chambered in 7mm Rem mag Tactical by Tom Sarver at TVP. The thing is an absoute hammer. Cold turkey I shot the intimidator with Tom yesterday and only needed the 3rd round to get onto target two times. For those of you that have shot that coarse you will know how difficult that is.
 
Pusher, I don't know that it will outshoot a 5g, but I don't think it will fare any worse ;) My guess is they'll both shoot right along side each other, I just always admired the Swede Mausers, which had cut rifled 4g and they SHOOT great.....keep us posted.
 
I bought a Bartlein barrel from a supplier. I had a couple of questions and called Bartlein. Frank answered my call and gave me a lot of time with very complete answers to my questions on fluting (OK up to 0.075 inch on my barrel) and fire lapping (doesn't recommend it; voids the warranty). And cleaning.

Thank you, Frank.
 
I have a couple Kriegers and just took delivery on a 700 rebarreled by Crescent Customs with a Bartlein. I am looking forward to wringing out the new stick.

On another topic, I ordered a Bartlein from Frank Green and company a couple months ago. I spec'd a 1-10 twist .30 cal in a Douglas #7 contour. The gentleman I spoke to on the phone was courteous and knowledgeable. He said I would have my barrel sometime in February, but it arrived a couple weeks ago.

No testimony to the superiority of Bartlein barrels, but Frank and Bartlein barrels are excellent to deal with.
 
I am no where near lowlights experience... nor many of the other members here... but here is my .02... I had a Krieger on the EBR when I was on army happy time... it was a good rifle/ barrel..... that being said ive shot some other members rifles.....

On my personal boom stick you will find a bartlein rem heavy varmint.... when I had it build I looked around for a month or so... why did I end up at bartlein??? because of the customer service and what my gunsmith backed up with claims on here... when I think of the top 3 barrel makers... Krieger isn't one in my opinion... bartlein, rock creek, brux.....

Also if you think about it who is on this thread responding to your thread>? I see Frank on here... you also have Lowlight on here... (sorry I just don't have time to go through all the posts on here and mention all of the heavy hitters).

pull your head out of your 5th point of contact...... your asking questions here because you don't know the answer... people are taking time to share their time and tales, listen man

as I tell my joes- "its better to be thought a fool than to speak, and remove all doubt"
 
ON my personal rifles, I've shot Rock, Broughtons, Liljas, Kriegers and Bartlein and they all shoot! Have a Brux ready to chamber next, sure that will , too...
IMHO, the fact that Mr. Frank Green avails himself on the Hide is incentive for me to patronize his company. In the past, I've PM'ed him with questions about a specific build and his response was prompt, courteous and professional. That's the kind of gentleman I prefer to do business with...
 
ON my personal rifles, I've shot Rock, Broughtons, Liljas, Kriegers and Bartlein and they all shoot! Have a Brux ready to chamber next, sure that will , too...
IMHO, the fact that Mr. Frank Green avails himself on the Hide is incentive for me to patronize his company. In the past, I've PM'ed him with questions about a specific build and his response was prompt, courteous and professional. That's the kind of gentleman I prefer to do business with...


^^^^ I had the same with him, one of the reasons I went with his barrel
 
Well I lied, did not get a 4g Bart, instead, the distributor had a 5R in LP, 6.5 8t, so I will be running a 5R this next build, and it should shoot fine like my first Bart - and others in between. Figured why not go with a Bart if they had on in stock in the config I wanted, not had a bad one yet.