Which Manufacturers Make Good Barrels?

[CA Raider]

I've noticed quite a few rifle owners here complain that their rifle shoots well for 3-4 shots, then the groups fall apart. It's definitely an issue with the barrel heating up. But it seems like some (cheaper) manufacturers just don't take the time to stress-relieve the barrels for their rifles, or don't do enough heat treatments before they sell a commercial product. Of course - the more effort that's put into good manufacturing, the more the cost will go up.

But are there particular gun manufacturers who have a solid reputation for making high-quality barrels? I'm talking about commercial off-the-shelf rifles, and not custom parts.

thanks,
CA R

 

[Abel]

All of the major hunting rifle makers produce very good barrels. Not all hunting rifles need to be free floated. It varies rifle to rifle. That being said, most factory rifles can benefit from doing a glass bed job on the recoil lug area and the first 1.5" of barrel and opening up the barrel channel to relieve the pressure points. Of the major players in the hunting bolt action market, only Ruger's M77 has an intentionally non-floated barrel. It's a pretty tight fit. The M77 Hawkeye may very well shoot three shots into a 1-1.5" group at 100 yards without any modification and that is plenty accurate for 99% of hunters who shoot under 300 yards 100% of the time.

 

[adelbridge]

Howa/Weatherby Vanguards have a pressure point built into the end of stock. I am not sure poi walking is a result of heat treating.

 

[Jackal]

FN cold hammer forged FTW.