I'm almost ready to order a custom 15" SS Encore handgun barrel in 6.5-284 Win. from VVCG. I would be using this primarily for deer and varmint hunting.

This is my first custom purchase, so I don't want to miss anything. I realize that VVCG will be able to answer some of these questions (if I ever get through to a live person), but I hope to get some input from you as well. My questions are:
1. Should I expect the neck to be "tighter" than a factory barrel, or should I specify the neck?
2. I hope to have the throat made for the 129 gr. SSTs - will I need to specify the length?
3. What is the preferred barrel contour? (I am thinking about a heavy varmint-to-full bull contour)
4. I hope to put on the sporter style fiberglass forend in black to match black factory handgrips. I like the wood look, but their grip price seems a bit steep.
5. VVCG base, Warne rings, Burris 3-12 AO scope.
6. 1-9" twist.

If there is a link out there somewhere with some kind of checklist or sample order form for a barrel I would appreciate the info. I realize that I'm not buying a house here, but if you're going to do something, you might as well do it right the first time.

Thanks.

you might thinck about 16" in case you ever put a stock on it

EricT,

First off, relax a minute.

Then go to the VVCG web sight and go to their contact e-mail adress. Send them an e-mail with all your questions and most importantly ewhat you want from your handgun and how you want to use it.

They will bend over backwards to help you get your project rolling.

I will answer your questions as well as I can but this is a personal thing, you should decide with VV to get just what you want.

#1 If you want EXTREME accuracy and are willing to put the extra time into neck turning then go with a tight neck. I believe VV will not cut a neck requiring neck turning unless you state you want it that way.

If this is for hunting, then the standard VV neck will do just fine as it will be on the tight side of standard and much tighter then factory rifles yet still not requiring neck turning.

#2 If you want a chamber throated for a specific bullet and oal length, talk with VV and see first if they do this, then load some dummy rounds and sent to them to use as a gauge. In all honestly, this will mean very little as far as accuracy in a custom chamber.

#3 Again, how will you use the handgun. I walk several miles a day hunting with my handguns and a full bull barrel still gets heavy where as a near T/C factory contour is noticably lighter to pack.

Conversly, if you will be hunting from ambush sights waiting for your game then I would say the heavier the better, just like my XP-100 in 338 WSM with a Lilja 15" barrel that finished out at a solid 1" at the muzzle. Its heavy to pack but sits like a ton of lead for long range shooting.

Also the 6.5-284 is one of those middle rounds, some find its recoil severe, others find it mild, how do you handle recoil, this should be considered in barrel contour or in deciding if you have a brake installed.

#4 For a hunting set up synthetic is great, I prefer the feel of wood so I would choose a laminated wood stock both for feel and weight but synthetic woods well.

#5 If you are big game hunting that is alot of power in a scope, I have never used anything over a 2.5-7 for hunting big game out to 400 yards with a handgun and have never wanted more power. For varminting the 3-12 would be perfect but the field of view is a bit small for using top powers and there is really no need for the extra size and cost in a big game rig. Of course if you use the lower powers up to 7-8x, there is really nothing wrong with it either. Again what will you do the most, big game hunt or varmint hunt with this handgun?

The only base/ring set up I use on my single shot handguns are the Burris Double Dovetail bases and Burris Signature rings to match. Cost much less then custom bases and rings and are usually much stronger and recoil proof, this is not an opinion, this is fact.

#6 This should be a fine twist for bullets up to 129gr. If you want larger bullet go with a 1-8" in the .264" bore. Again depends on your needs and uses.

Get ahold of VV and Dave or Jeff will give you all the help needed.

Good Shooting and good luck with your new barrel!!

50

Yeah, call me. I'm the easiest to get a hold of. It can sometimes be hard to reach us when everybody is on the phone, but I'm almost always available. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

435-635-8941 extension 4

I have a 260 rem 14" heavy varmint SS barrel from VV. it is .925" at the muzzel. I do my hunting from a stand and the weight doesn't come into play. In all honesty I'm not sure if you will burn all the powder for the 6.5-284 in that short a barrel you may but not sure. You could always look at the 260 great round. As far as the rest of your questions go to their web site to the contact page and e-mail them with all your questions. As far as the forend you could get the lowest grade of walnut forend unfinished and then apply some crinckle spray paint to make it match your synthetic grip. What ever you do definately get the hangar bar it is miles ahead of the factory set up. They will bend over backwards to make you happy. There is only one problem just like the Lays potato chip no one can get just one. I'm waiting on barrel number 5 and planning my number 6 barrel as we speak. Take care.

yeah, call em up. they are most helpful on the phone. steve answered all my questions such as yours. they do it all the time, so they know what they're doing. i'm sure they undestand dummies like me. or, seemed to anyway wish i was rich, i'd order more from them. i really like my 13" 6br encore barrel. it's on the hunt for a coyote, no luck so far, but it did knock a little doe down this past deer season.

Gentlemen-

Thank you for your replies.

Just wanted you to know that not only did VV Jeff reply to this quickly, but VV Dave sent me an e-mail almost right after I posted the original message. I didn't mean to be sarcastic about getting through to them, I've just got cabin fever and am anxious to get this order in.

I'll still be taking any last minute thoughts, but I hope to order (the first one) this week - I'll post some pics after I get it together.

(special thanks to Fiftydriver for spending the time to share his experience)

I have a ss 6.5-284 built by vv in std. contour I love it I just told them what it was to be used for and went with thier recomendations I have never regreted any of it those boys know their stuff trust their judgement