Gunsmithing McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
- Thread starter grouse
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Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
I recently got a 26" bull contour with a recessed crown for my Savage. After a few rounds to get on paper, I shot a 3-shot 0.34" group followed by a 5-shot 0.75" group. I'm very pleased.
I recently got a 26" bull contour with a recessed crown for my Savage. After a few rounds to get on paper, I shot a 3-shot 0.34" group followed by a 5-shot 0.75" group. I'm very pleased.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
I shot a 6 Dasher with a McGowen, very pleased. Not sure how long it will last, but out of the gate it was better than expected.
I shot a 6 Dasher with a McGowen, very pleased. Not sure how long it will last, but out of the gate it was better than expected.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
My criteria is that as long as the maker offers stainless that is what I am buying.
In my purely non-scientific opinion the S/S barrels just last longer.
My criteria is that as long as the maker offers stainless that is what I am buying.
In my purely non-scientific opinion the S/S barrels just last longer.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
Check build specs for my Mcgowen. For most manufactures I would not get a CM because they are not hand lapped. However with a mcgowen they hand lap all their CM barrels so this issue does not apply. I shoot .5 MOA all day with my rig and hold 2.75" groups at 500yards with no problem at all. Not many rigs can claim that. There is only one other barrel I would ever consider for close to the same price and that would be a Walter-Lothar barrel. If you're going with a common caliber then they are BY FAR a better barrel. But if a custom caliber or twist is what you want then McGowen is an awesome barrel.
http://www.lothar-walther.com/339.php
Good Luck and PM with any questions,
Merritt
Check build specs for my Mcgowen. For most manufactures I would not get a CM because they are not hand lapped. However with a mcgowen they hand lap all their CM barrels so this issue does not apply. I shoot .5 MOA all day with my rig and hold 2.75" groups at 500yards with no problem at all. Not many rigs can claim that. There is only one other barrel I would ever consider for close to the same price and that would be a Walter-Lothar barrel. If you're going with a common caliber then they are BY FAR a better barrel. But if a custom caliber or twist is what you want then McGowen is an awesome barrel.
http://www.lothar-walther.com/339.php
Good Luck and PM with any questions,
Merritt
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwroseberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check build specs for my Mcgowen. For most manufactures I would not get a CM because they are not hand lapped. However with a mcgowen they hand lap all their CM barrels so this issue does not apply. I shoot .5 MOA all day with my rig and hold 2.75" groups at 500yards with no problem at all. Not many rigs can claim that. There is only one other barrel I would ever consider for close to the same price and that would be a Walter-Lothar barrel. If you're going with a common caliber then they are BY FAR a better barrel. But if a custom caliber or twist is what you want then McGowen is an awesome barrel.
http://www.lothar-walther.com/339.php
Good Luck and PM with any questions,
Merritt </div></div>
Common caliber(308), but I need the profile a little lighter. Are the Lotar's that much better? Thanks
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwroseberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check build specs for my Mcgowen. For most manufactures I would not get a CM because they are not hand lapped. However with a mcgowen they hand lap all their CM barrels so this issue does not apply. I shoot .5 MOA all day with my rig and hold 2.75" groups at 500yards with no problem at all. Not many rigs can claim that. There is only one other barrel I would ever consider for close to the same price and that would be a Walter-Lothar barrel. If you're going with a common caliber then they are BY FAR a better barrel. But if a custom caliber or twist is what you want then McGowen is an awesome barrel.
http://www.lothar-walther.com/339.php
Good Luck and PM with any questions,
Merritt </div></div>
Common caliber(308), but I need the profile a little lighter. Are the Lotar's that much better? Thanks
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
I have heard good and bad about McGowen, the bad is usually that they were way behind schedule or 1 case of a poor finish on a CM barrel. But I would say the good out weighs the bad. There is also savage-barrels.com they use McGowen blanks. You can also get a Criterion(button rifled Krieger)in stainless for less than these other options.
I have heard good and bad about McGowen, the bad is usually that they were way behind schedule or 1 case of a poor finish on a CM barrel. But I would say the good out weighs the bad. There is also savage-barrels.com they use McGowen blanks. You can also get a Criterion(button rifled Krieger)in stainless for less than these other options.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
I have a couple of McGowens in stainless in 308 and 6.5creedmoor, both are junder .5 moa and clean easy. They used to offer better deals (sales at 10% and 15% off), and also a discount to first time buyers. Email them and see if they still do if you have not ordered from them before. They are timely and answer questions and emails promptly. Dan Wynne was who I dealt with both time and was a+ all the way.
Check their on sale page, they have some good buys on there sometimes. There are some 300 aac blackout barrels on there now and some good unchambered offereings.
I have a couple of McGowens in stainless in 308 and 6.5creedmoor, both are junder .5 moa and clean easy. They used to offer better deals (sales at 10% and 15% off), and also a discount to first time buyers. Email them and see if they still do if you have not ordered from them before. They are timely and answer questions and emails promptly. Dan Wynne was who I dealt with both time and was a+ all the way.
Check their on sale page, they have some good buys on there sometimes. There are some 300 aac blackout barrels on there now and some good unchambered offereings.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
I like them just fine. I just won a 500 meter bench rest match with one over the weekend. Mine is a pre fit for a large shank Savage in 6 x 47L.
I like them just fine. I just won a 500 meter bench rest match with one over the weekend. Mine is a pre fit for a large shank Savage in 6 x 47L.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
I have been running a McGowen now for right at 2 years. Definitely a .5 MOA or better barrel and does not seem picky about charges. It seems to shoot well with a variety of different weight charges.
I have been running a McGowen now for right at 2 years. Definitely a .5 MOA or better barrel and does not seem picky about charges. It seems to shoot well with a variety of different weight charges.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
What length are you considering? Sinman is hooking me up with a 20" 6x45 in stainless steel shipped for the price point of your chromemoly. He has a special price on a 20" or less barrel because of the cost of blanks or something.
What length are you considering? Sinman is hooking me up with a 20" 6x45 in stainless steel shipped for the price point of your chromemoly. He has a special price on a 20" or less barrel because of the cost of blanks or something.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
Their SS barrels with all the fees are not cheap at all.
Their SS barrels with all the fees are not cheap at all.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
Barrels aren't the part to be saving money on.
Use what the builders use who promise half MOA or better.
NOT saying they wont shoot well. But I look at price, and what the top guys use, and take both into consideration. You get what you pay for 90% of the time.
btw, a barrel with a mile of runout may still shoot well. Doesnt mean its a good barrel to use in LR shooting.
Barrels aren't the part to be saving money on.
Use what the builders use who promise half MOA or better.
NOT saying they wont shoot well. But I look at price, and what the top guys use, and take both into consideration. You get what you pay for 90% of the time.
btw, a barrel with a mile of runout may still shoot well. Doesnt mean its a good barrel to use in LR shooting.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
Unless someone states the test to determine the 1/2 MOA, that is just marketing.
A 10 shot group or an average of five consecutive five rounds groups is a better test - and even those are just entry-level tests. The M24 is tested with 50 shots (five 10 shot groups at 200 yards). That is an actual useful test.
As far as I know, no maker would dare give a real 1/2 MOA guarantee - only a fake one. Les Bear comes the closest, by shooting two five shot groups. Real high-end companies like AI avoid the entire game.
So really, I am turned off by 1/2 MOA claims - as I know the makers just mean a 3 shot group - which is virtually meaningless.
Unless someone states the test to determine the 1/2 MOA, that is just marketing.
A 10 shot group or an average of five consecutive five rounds groups is a better test - and even those are just entry-level tests. The M24 is tested with 50 shots (five 10 shot groups at 200 yards). That is an actual useful test.
As far as I know, no maker would dare give a real 1/2 MOA guarantee - only a fake one. Les Bear comes the closest, by shooting two five shot groups. Real high-end companies like AI avoid the entire game.
So really, I am turned off by 1/2 MOA claims - as I know the makers just mean a 3 shot group - which is virtually meaningless.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rsilvers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
So really, I am turned off by 1/2 MOA claims - as I know the makers just mean a 3 shot group - which is virtually meaningless. </div></div>
I disagree.
They dont just promise half inch for 3 shots. Maybe the shooter can only get a good 3 shot group. But the rifles are capable of true half inch.
When GAP shot a proof group for a rifle we bought off him, he had a 20 round group fired.
The M40A1ish I just sold I shot a 7 shot group as a proof target. Would have shot 10 but only had 7 left after break in.
Good smiths aren't trying to trick anyone. Their rifles do shoot half inch 90 out of 100 rounds. The shooter and the ammo are the inaccuracies.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rsilvers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
So really, I am turned off by 1/2 MOA claims - as I know the makers just mean a 3 shot group - which is virtually meaningless. </div></div>
I disagree.
They dont just promise half inch for 3 shots. Maybe the shooter can only get a good 3 shot group. But the rifles are capable of true half inch.
When GAP shot a proof group for a rifle we bought off him, he had a 20 round group fired.
The M40A1ish I just sold I shot a 7 shot group as a proof target. Would have shot 10 but only had 7 left after break in.
Good smiths aren't trying to trick anyone. Their rifles do shoot half inch 90 out of 100 rounds. The shooter and the ammo are the inaccuracies.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
Complete rifle manufacturers and smiths aside, I highly doubt a 1/2 MOA guarantee is available for any pre-fit, or a guarantee on accuracy whatsoever unless they assemble it. So back to Barrels, the options are endless. I do highly believe you get what you pay for, but I was in the same boat. I wanted a cheap prefit, I ordered a Criterion $250 for a stainless. One manufacturer I would highly recommend is Benchmark. There is some people on here that swear by them, and the quote I received was very good. Your other option is to get any blank you choose no matter how cheap or quality you want and have it sent to a smith to turn it into a prefit for you(if that manufacturer doesn't offer prefits). What caliber are you thinking and are you doing the swap yourself? What do you plan to do with the rifle?
Complete rifle manufacturers and smiths aside, I highly doubt a 1/2 MOA guarantee is available for any pre-fit, or a guarantee on accuracy whatsoever unless they assemble it. So back to Barrels, the options are endless. I do highly believe you get what you pay for, but I was in the same boat. I wanted a cheap prefit, I ordered a Criterion $250 for a stainless. One manufacturer I would highly recommend is Benchmark. There is some people on here that swear by them, and the quote I received was very good. Your other option is to get any blank you choose no matter how cheap or quality you want and have it sent to a smith to turn it into a prefit for you(if that manufacturer doesn't offer prefits). What caliber are you thinking and are you doing the swap yourself? What do you plan to do with the rifle?
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VjjR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Complete rifle manufacturers and smiths aside, I highly doubt a 1/2 MOA guarantee is available for any pre-fit, or a guarantee on accuracy whatsoever unless they assemble it. So back to Barrels, the options are endless. I do highly believe you get what you pay for, but I was in the same boat. I wanted a cheap prefit, I ordered a Criterion $250 for a stainless. One manufacturer I would highly recommend is Benchmark. There is some people on here that swear by them, and the quote I received was very good. Your other option is to get any blank you choose no matter how cheap or quality you want and have it sent to a smith to turn it into a prefit for you(if that manufacturer doesn't offer prefits). What caliber are you thinking and are you doing the swap yourself? What do you plan to do with the rifle? </div></div>
I;ll do the swap myself in 308. It will be a plinker and something to lug into the woods huntng. What did you think of the criterion barrel?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VjjR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Complete rifle manufacturers and smiths aside, I highly doubt a 1/2 MOA guarantee is available for any pre-fit, or a guarantee on accuracy whatsoever unless they assemble it. So back to Barrels, the options are endless. I do highly believe you get what you pay for, but I was in the same boat. I wanted a cheap prefit, I ordered a Criterion $250 for a stainless. One manufacturer I would highly recommend is Benchmark. There is some people on here that swear by them, and the quote I received was very good. Your other option is to get any blank you choose no matter how cheap or quality you want and have it sent to a smith to turn it into a prefit for you(if that manufacturer doesn't offer prefits). What caliber are you thinking and are you doing the swap yourself? What do you plan to do with the rifle? </div></div>
I;ll do the swap myself in 308. It will be a plinker and something to lug into the woods huntng. What did you think of the criterion barrel?
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
On Savage Shooters there is 14 or 15 pages of nothing but stellar reviews of Criterion barrels. They are highly recommended. NSS has some in stock, his stock on SS is not current, so it's best to call.
On Savage Shooters there is 14 or 15 pages of nothing but stellar reviews of Criterion barrels. They are highly recommended. NSS has some in stock, his stock on SS is not current, so it's best to call.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Johnny Lately</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On Savage Shooters there is 14 or 15 pages of nothing but stellar reviews of Criterion barrels. They are highly recommended. NSS has some in stock, his stock on SS is current, so it's best to call. </div></div>
+1 on Criterion. I have a 260 barrel that, at this point, is much more accurate than I am.
I'm likely to buy more, though I'm not sure if the next one will be an 8 twist 6mmBR/6XC/243 or 9 twist 22-250, or hell maybe another 260 tube...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Johnny Lately</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On Savage Shooters there is 14 or 15 pages of nothing but stellar reviews of Criterion barrels. They are highly recommended. NSS has some in stock, his stock on SS is current, so it's best to call. </div></div>
+1 on Criterion. I have a 260 barrel that, at this point, is much more accurate than I am.
I'm likely to buy more, though I'm not sure if the next one will be an 8 twist 6mmBR/6XC/243 or 9 twist 22-250, or hell maybe another 260 tube...
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Johnny Lately</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On Savage Shooters there is 14 or 15 pages of nothing but stellar reviews of Criterion barrels. They are highly recommended. NSS has some in stock, his stock on SS is current, so it's best to call. </div></div>
+1 on Criterion. I have a 260 barrel that, at this point, is much more accurate than I am.
I'm likely to buy more, though I'm not sure if the next one will be an 8 twist 6mmBR/6XC/243 or 9 twist 22-250, or hell maybe another 260 tube... </div></div>
Is Northlander the only guy selling them for savage? I tried to email him, but have gotten no response.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Johnny Lately</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On Savage Shooters there is 14 or 15 pages of nothing but stellar reviews of Criterion barrels. They are highly recommended. NSS has some in stock, his stock on SS is current, so it's best to call. </div></div>
+1 on Criterion. I have a 260 barrel that, at this point, is much more accurate than I am.
I'm likely to buy more, though I'm not sure if the next one will be an 8 twist 6mmBR/6XC/243 or 9 twist 22-250, or hell maybe another 260 tube... </div></div>
Is Northlander the only guy selling them for savage? I tried to email him, but have gotten no response.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
I do believe Jim is the only Savage-prefit Criterion retailer.
Jim doesn't respond reliably to email, but if you call him and leave a message he WILL return your call...though it may take a day or two. He does return messages in order they are received, and has called me as late as 8:30pm at night (apologized profusely for doing it, but I didn't care as it meant my order was placed).
With SSS never answering their phones/emails and sales of CBI barrels taking off, Jim has gotten swamped with business. Good for him, bad for those trying to get in touch...but unlike SSS he *will* get back to you.
I do believe Jim is the only Savage-prefit Criterion retailer.
Jim doesn't respond reliably to email, but if you call him and leave a message he WILL return your call...though it may take a day or two. He does return messages in order they are received, and has called me as late as 8:30pm at night (apologized profusely for doing it, but I didn't care as it meant my order was placed).
With SSS never answering their phones/emails and sales of CBI barrels taking off, Jim has gotten swamped with business. Good for him, bad for those trying to get in touch...but unlike SSS he *will* get back to you.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grouse</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Johnny Lately</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On Savage Shooters there is 14 or 15 pages of nothing but stellar reviews of Criterion barrels. They are highly recommended. NSS has some in stock, his stock on SS is current, so it's best to call. </div></div>
+1 on Criterion. I have a 260 barrel that, at this point, is much more accurate than I am.
I'm likely to buy more, though I'm not sure if the next one will be an 8 twist 6mmBR/6XC/243 or 9 twist 22-250, or hell maybe another 260 tube... </div></div>
Is Northlander the only guy selling them for savage? I tried to email him, but have gotten no response. </div></div>
+1,I called to order a Shilen and left a message, Jim called about 10 minutes later and was very informative and knowledgeable. He is also the exclusive distributor of Criterion barrels. I'm doing a .223 build next and will be using a Criterion after all the great things I've heard.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grouse</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Johnny Lately</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On Savage Shooters there is 14 or 15 pages of nothing but stellar reviews of Criterion barrels. They are highly recommended. NSS has some in stock, his stock on SS is current, so it's best to call. </div></div>
+1 on Criterion. I have a 260 barrel that, at this point, is much more accurate than I am.
I'm likely to buy more, though I'm not sure if the next one will be an 8 twist 6mmBR/6XC/243 or 9 twist 22-250, or hell maybe another 260 tube... </div></div>
Is Northlander the only guy selling them for savage? I tried to email him, but have gotten no response. </div></div>
+1,I called to order a Shilen and left a message, Jim called about 10 minutes later and was very informative and knowledgeable. He is also the exclusive distributor of Criterion barrels. I'm doing a .223 build next and will be using a Criterion after all the great things I've heard.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
Another vote that it is best to call Jim and leave a message. It may take a day or two, buy he will get back to you.
I got a 6BR Mcgowen from him and have been extremely happy with it's performance on my Stevens 200. And he carries some nice quality recoil lugs.
Another vote that it is best to call Jim and leave a message. It may take a day or two, buy he will get back to you.
I got a 6BR Mcgowen from him and have been extremely happy with it's performance on my Stevens 200. And he carries some nice quality recoil lugs.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
I had a dud McGowan that I had to send back. They messed it up during the chambering process. Chipped reamer I think. I bought a Criterion and never looked back. It shoots phenomenally.
I had a dud McGowan that I had to send back. They messed it up during the chambering process. Chipped reamer I think. I bought a Criterion and never looked back. It shoots phenomenally.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grouse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I;ll do the swap myself in 308. It will be a plinker and something to lug into the woods huntng. What did you think of the criterion barrel? </div></div>
I haven't received it yet... I'm on week 10 or 11 I don't remember. I ordered a fluted and threaded muzzle so its taking a little longer I guess.
Calling is the only way to get a hold of him, I talked to him on the phone several times before finally settling on the Criterion.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: grouse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I;ll do the swap myself in 308. It will be a plinker and something to lug into the woods huntng. What did you think of the criterion barrel? </div></div>
I haven't received it yet... I'm on week 10 or 11 I don't remember. I ordered a fluted and threaded muzzle so its taking a little longer I guess.
Calling is the only way to get a hold of him, I talked to him on the phone several times before finally settling on the Criterion.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
I ordered a criterion 7mm-08 Light Varmint and Jim said it was going to be 8-10 weeks. Jim a great guy to deal with.
I ordered a criterion 7mm-08 Light Varmint and Jim said it was going to be 8-10 weeks. Jim a great guy to deal with.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
Last week. I figured since deer season starts soon, it would be a good time to order. Busy hunting, and plus beat price increase.
Last week. I figured since deer season starts soon, it would be a good time to order. Busy hunting, and plus beat price increase.
Re: McGowan barrels quality & price point comparisons?
Yea I was trying to get mine done before deer season started so I could use it, but we'll see.
Yea I was trying to get mine done before deer season started so I could use it, but we'll see.
I cannot speak to the quality of the gunsmithing or how McGowen barrels perform, because I never received the correct barrel. There is one thing I can comment on ...
Dan Wynne, McGowen General Manager, (and the guy you will have to deal with) is one of the most unprofessional business people I have ever had the unfortunate opportunity to deal with. His customer service skills, communication skills, and attention to detail are unbelievably horrible!
My best advise to someone looking at McGowen Barrel is to "RUN" and never look back. I am serious, do not do business with McGowen Barrel. I am sharing because I do not want anyone to experience the 5-month ordeal that I just went through. There are plenty of other barrel makers out there that will "earn" your business.
Dan Wynne, McGowen General Manager, (and the guy you will have to deal with) is one of the most unprofessional business people I have ever had the unfortunate opportunity to deal with. His customer service skills, communication skills, and attention to detail are unbelievably horrible!
My best advise to someone looking at McGowen Barrel is to "RUN" and never look back. I am serious, do not do business with McGowen Barrel. I am sharing because I do not want anyone to experience the 5-month ordeal that I just went through. There are plenty of other barrel makers out there that will "earn" your business.
Just a heads-up, but this thread has been dead for 12 years...
But I will agree, that Dan is a real dickhole. I called them 1 time about getting a barrel made and having it fitted and headspaced to one of my 700 actions (I was going to have them blueprint it, as well), and after waiting on hold for like 15 minutes, he picked up the phone, and said, "If you're worried about prices, then I don't feel like fucking with it..." and hung up the phone.
Last time I checked, every consumer wants to know what something is going to cost them before agreeing to let you do work for them. Fuck that guy.
This clown made an account just to trash mgowen (not that we didnt already know they were garbage). Probally that other cat that got banned for writing a dissertation of nonsense.
damn. one day. and 6 identical posts talking shit on a shit barrel company.
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