What is your preferred barrel maker and smith for AI rifle barrels? It seems there appears to be a wide selection of them and I'm trying to chase down substantive reviews of each different variant. So far I've heard of Mile High, Gradous, Hawk Hill, and many others. I'm wondering if there's a prevailing favorite, and also what results people are getting from their current barrels.
Preferred AI Barrel Maker/Smith?
- Thread starter NateVA
- Start date
The Mile High and Accurate Ordnance barrels I've seen have been lasers.
In all truth, I've never seen a barrel hung off an AI that didn't shoot well.
In all truth, I've never seen a barrel hung off an AI that didn't shoot well.
Dave Tooley would be a good one to start with.
There are also quite a few vendors that stock ready to ship AI barrels.
There are also quite a few vendors that stock ready to ship AI barrels.
Most accurate, easy to load for barrel I’ve ever been around was a 6.5 Creedmoor Gradous Barrel out of my former AT. I have a mile high barrel in my AX that shoots really too but load work ups were far more involved.
Dave Tooley's been doing it longer than any of the rest of us mentioned and he does a fine job at it and he's a great guy.
That said, I feel we (PVA) make a pretty darn good barrel ourselves.
We are also making shoulderless AI prefits with a barrel nut that will accept the BarLoc setup for shouldered barrels so that folks can convert their old AIAE's for use with a quick change setup.
That said, I feel we (PVA) make a pretty darn good barrel ourselves.
We are also making shoulderless AI prefits with a barrel nut that will accept the BarLoc setup for shouldered barrels so that folks can convert their old AIAE's for use with a quick change setup.
Gradous. Not only because of the ease in load development, and the accuracy, but the fit and finish are unbelievable. Nearly impossible to see the line for the thread protector. The caliber marking lines up, not just facing the right way on the barrel but where you can see it through a notch in the hand guard. His work is outstanding.
I've had AI barrels from Tooley, Win Tac (AINA), Wade Stuteville, and PVA. All were within spec and all were tack drivers. Currently have a 6 Dasher barrel from Wade on my AT and a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel from PVA on my AX, both started with Bartlein blanks.
I think all the mentioned barrel spinners do an amazing job. With that being said I think my biggest issue with any is turnaround to me or getting in contact with my smith.
RedBeard gun works (361)704-6069 has been exceptional in answering all my questions, super fast turn around and phenomenal accuracy
RedBeard gun works (361)704-6069 has been exceptional in answering all my questions, super fast turn around and phenomenal accuracy
Red Beard's with amazing service and take care of their customers. Hawk hill and Proof. Accuracy is fantastic
