Author Topic: T/C Custom Shop Barrels (Read 1480 times)

scienceguy · « **on:** November 26, 2003, 07:09:18 AM »

I would appreciate some feedback on the quality of T/C custom shop barrels. I am interested in buying a .270 or 7-08 tapered barrel for my Encore. I have heard. like I am sure many of you have, all kinds of good/bad/ugly stories of T/C barrels. I would prefer hearing from guys who actually have bought custom shop barrels instead of the guys around the range repeating stories they have heard. What accuracy have you experienced? Have they been finicky in any way? What have been your experiences with both "stock" barrels and custom shop barrels? Any information you want to share after dealing with the T/C custom shop? Thanks!

longwinters · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2003, 10:19:45 AM »

I have a stock 7M-08 24". The 1st barrel I got was a real tack driver, after the 1st 4 shots. For the 1st four shots the bullet holes would climb 1" each shot. I sent it back and Thompson sent me a new barrel (total turn around time 1 1/2 weeks). This barrel shoots 3/4" moa from the get go.

long

grizzy57 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2003, 10:29:55 AM »

Scienceguy,
I have a 219 Zipper barrel for my Encore from Fox Ridge that is a great
shooting barrel!! It is 24" long, has a 11 degree crown,nothing fancy. IT will
shoot 53 grain Hollow points with 24 grains of 3031 powder. I also have a 7mm08, 223, and a 22 Hornet for the Encore and have not had a problem
with any of them..T/C is a good choice. Good luck.
grizzy57 :lol:

KN · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2003, 12:24:12 PM »

I have a couple of Custom Shop barrels and they are first rate jobs. But I question why you think you need one if it's offered as a factory barrel. I have plenty of those that are just as accurate. The only real need I see in a custom barrel is if it's just that, "Custom". Don't be scared off of factory barrels by reading about a few bad experiences, I'm sure the Custom shop has their share of rejects also. KN

Sean · « **Reply #4 on:** November 27, 2003, 03:15:54 AM »

I have bought 2 barrels from Fox Ridge and I won't buy another. The chambering jobs are pretty poor, the bluing is the worst and least durable I have ever seen, and you would definitely be money ahead to look at one of the true Custom Shops like EA Brown, MBM Co, Virgin Valley etc. Sean

doc-and · « **Reply #5 on:** November 27, 2003, 04:11:13 AM »

Happy Thanksgiving everybody

I have factory barrels in .223 Remington and 7-08 Winchester NO PROBLEMS. I also own a FoxRidge barrel in 6mm Remington, only because Thompson only offers .243 Winchester and I wanted the 6mm Remington. The only reason for a custom barrel is because you want something the TC doesn't offer. IMO

doc-and

Soon to be in Florida :-D

Duval · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2003, 05:20:15 AM »

I have 10 T/C custom shop barrels, pistol and rifle, for the Contender and Encore that I bought since 1996 until last month. All shoot great, the finish is great on all of them, and so is the craftmanship (i.e. no visible toolmarks, etc.). I did have initial problems with two of them - 1 would open upon firing and the other wouldn't allow the hammer to contact the firing pin. Both were sent back to Fox Ridge and repaired promptly and work great. I would not hesitate to buy from Fox Ridge. I also have never had a problem with any factory barrel.

Duval

jamie · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2003, 09:06:54 AM »

All I can add is that my 15" -06 barrel will shoot .5" with 165 Sierra GK and W760 when I do my part, and when I don't it shoots .75" to 1". If you go the custom route then get something different, matbe 6mm-06 AI?

Sean · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2003, 11:21:07 AM »

I should add that I have found loads for both of these barrels that will shoot sub-MOA groups consistently. It was just dissapointing to me to find out that I could not shoot any of the lighter shorter bullets accurately due to the extremely long throat of my .350 Rem Mag. In order to touch the lands my COAL is 3.160". That SAAMI Spec for that round is 2.800"! And then to be told there was nothing wrong with it when I sent it back. I won't buy from them again. Sean

scienceguy · « **Reply #9 on:** November 28, 2003, 03:11:35 PM »

Thanks guys!

I appreciate the input concerning T/C barrels, both stock and custom. Sounds like the best thing to do is get the stock barrel for the 270 and give it a try. Midsouth Shooters Supply has some pretty attractive prices.

scienceguy

doc-and · « **Reply #10 on:** November 28, 2003, 03:22:33 PM »

You might try Ed's TC's, he has a great supply of barrels for both the Encore and the Contender. And he might just save you a buck or two.
I've had good service from him and a great price.

www.edstc.com

doc-and

TnEncore · « **Reply #11 on:** November 28, 2003, 10:53:09 PM »

I have two barrels from the custom shop and never had a problem with the way they shoot or the finish.

Sean · « **Reply #12 on:** November 29, 2003, 03:48:25 AM »

Maybe I am just pickier than most. I guess when you have seen good bluing jobs the poor ones stick out. Their bluing just does not seem very durable to me. Sean

Graybeard · « **Reply #13 on:** November 29, 2003, 05:05:36 AM »

I've owned several Fox Ridge Custom Shop barrels in polished blue, matte blue and SS finishes. I have zero complaints about any of them. All were nicely finished and shot super well. Sub MOA from them was common. I'd sure not be afraid to buy another if it was a common caliber offered by TC I'd buy it. If you want a custom or wildcat chambering not offered by TC that is the major reason I see for a custom barrel.

GB

444encore · « **Reply #14 on:** December 06, 2003, 01:07:09 PM »

My experiance show's that custom shop barrels are a lot more accurate.
However ,stay away from the matte finish. Not very rust inhibitive.