As I began searching for an 18" barrel for an spr-ish build, I came across Rainier' s select, match, and ultramatch barrels. From the specs provided, the match and ultramatch seemed to represent what I was looking for.
Sure I'd like a lilja, bartlein, or kreiger barrel, but the cost and wait time were relatively huge compared to the Ranier options.
So it grabbed my attention when I saw that Shilen blanks were used for the ultramatch line.
In reading the product specs, the lack of an accuracy guarantee jumped out at me. The match barrel costing more $100 less had one, but the ultramatch does not.
It leads to speculation as to "why"? Are the blanks used in the ultramatch line Shilen "culls" that wouldn't pass their standards? Are there manufacturing variances in the ultramatch line that prevent applying an accuracy guarantee? Or is the guarantee superfluous since Ranier knows they'll shoot knots at 100 yds and beyond?
The question has been asked and its never answered. Not pot stirring here. I'm genuinely interested in the ultramatch line, but I want to know what I'm getting for the $100+ premium.
I appreciate and all help.