Quoted: Hmm, this info on the HBAR barrels is compelling. If i can get the same results with a lighter barrel why wouldn't i consider it? Ok then perhaps i need to look more closely at the HBAR then. It seems the WOA are ones to look at. |
Barrel thickness, in and of itself has nothing to do with accuracy. Neither does barrel length. Barrel thickness does help with barrel heat. The thicker the barrel, the longer it takes to heat up. A cool barrel will typically group better then a hot barrel. The other thing to consider is barrel stiffness. The stiffer the better but stiffness is a combo of profile and length. I would be willing to bet 16" 'HBAR' is just as stiff as a 20" 'Bull'
Also keep in mind that the shooter is more important to the equation then the barrel is. How good of a shot are you? Unless you are a "grand master" class shooter, I would be willing to bet you wouldn't see any real life difference between any of the quality SS match barrels out there, regardless of length or profile, within say 300yrds or so. There comes a point of diminished returns and unless you are really on top of your game, the differences between a $200-$300 match barrel and $400-$500 top of the line custom barrel will be lost on you.
Most people have found the HBAR is as heavy as you would really want to go for anything other then a dedicated bench gun. It will give you plenty of stiffness and heat resistance without being complete hell to carry or shoot off hand.
Quoted: There are tons of good barrels. I think WOA gets their barrels from Compass Lake. |
I think you mean John gets his blanks from CLE? I thnk it depends on how much you want to spend? I believe he will turn you one from just about any blank you want if you are willing to pay $$
I too recommend WOA as the best value in semi custom barrels. Call John and he can turn you just about whatever you want as well as bead blast it and dimple it for whatever gas block you plan to use and he will do all of that for a very reasonable price. Just tell him what you want and what you're willing to pay and he'll hook you up