The Stratton's have come a very long ways since their VVCG days, all to the good side. When they first started VVCG Steve asked me to test thier prototype proprietary cartridges for them as an old friend from their Bullberry days to help get them "known". With all the problems they were having with barrels they got a no thanks. While I did have Justin make custom furniture for me, and have them weld/reblue another custom Super Bower barrel I already had, they couldn't give me a barrel as VVCG. That was then, this is now and they are the best value in custom TC barrels now, and with a very reasonable lead time. Still turn out a few problem barrels now and then I've heard, but then who doesn't, just part of the business. On a budget they are the easy choice. If money doesn't matter, SSK is the best hands down. If lead time is not a problem, Bullberry still makes very nice barrels too. Almost all the many custom barrels I had were made by SSK, Bullberry, and Brown Precision. Had I been looking for another that was not just adding another JDJ/Super Bower near the end, I would have talked to MGM. FWIW