The Accurate Reloading Forums
Halfmoon Rifle Barrels
13 December 2010, 06:09
DavidCHalfmoon Rifle Barrels
Anyone shooting a Halfmoon Rifle Barrel from Jim Baiar...???
I am interested to know what you experiences are as far as accuracy goes as well as ease of cleaning etc.
I'd also like to hear about his delivery times.
Best,
Dave
13 December 2010, 21:16
ScrollcutterSorry. I don't know anything about his delivery times. The barrels, however, are top flight.
Roger Kehr
Kehr Engraving Company
(360)456-0831
13 December 2010, 21:29
BaxterBGeorge Hoenig uses them on his Rotary guns so I'd have confidence in the overall experience knowing a little of how George works and his expectations.
13 December 2010, 22:21
22WRFTom Burgess spoke highly of them, and installed many.
13 December 2010, 22:26
Dago RedIt's been a few years but I bought one uncontoured to be delivered to a gunsmith, if I remember right delivery time was good, the twist rate I requested was no problem and the price was good as well. I have not gotten it finished so can't say how it shoots. from talking to gunsmiths the opinion seems to be mixed, I'll summarize:
pro: very hard
con: very hard
Red
14 December 2010, 00:02
22WRFIIRC he claims to use a slightly different steel than most barrel makers use.
14 December 2010, 00:09
Dago RedTom told me that NASA used his barrels for doing some sort of testing of things, because the steel he uses last so long and holds up better than others.
Red
14 December 2010, 03:14
ScrollcutterJim made the barrels for Jet Propulsion Lab. It was for the gas guns they were using to test for micro meteor impact studies on the shuttle tiles. Now they use it for studing impacts to earth. I can't remember the speed exactly, but somewhere in the 20,000+ fps realm.
Roger Kehr
Kehr Engraving Company
(360)456-0831
14 December 2010, 22:32
tiggertateUnless something has changed recently his barrels only come as uncontoured blanks. He prefers to stay away from the contouring/installation process. If you wish, he has a list of people he will recommend to you to do the rest whose work he trusts.
"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
15 December 2010, 03:02
StokesI just recycled a barrel shipping tube, one that I got from D'Arcy Echols. Under D'Arcy's shipping label to me, was a shipping label from Half Moon to him.
In my mind, I'd think that's a sign of a quality product.
15 December 2010, 22:55
tiggertateHalfmoon also does the bluing for D'Arcy (or anyone else). He won't do the polish; just run your parts through his tank. He is supposed to be quite the artist at it.
"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
17 December 2010, 18:18
DavidCI believe the steel Jim uses in Nickle Chrome Moly 4340....?
I remeber him telling me the barrels he build for NASA lasted between 9-10 shot while other barrel makers lasted only 3-4.
Intersting to learn that all his blanks need to be contured. I had not heard that before....
Anyone running one of his barrels now? I'd love to hear how they shoot!!!
Best,
Dave
17 December 2010, 19:48
butchlambertI called him a few days ago and the answering machine came on. I left a message and have not had my call returned.
Butch
17 December 2010, 20:08
ScrollcutterI wouldn't worry to much about that, considering the time of year...he may be visiting relatives
Roger Kehr
Kehr Engraving Company
(360)456-0831
17 December 2010, 20:15
22WRFWhen you finally do get him on the phone he is a very gracious and helpful man.
I once called him to ask about rust bluing and he spent a lot of time with me explaining the process and his Gun Goddess Rust Bluing Solution. Also took the time to explain some things about the way he makes barrels, and also about his line of bolt handles. Very nice man.
17 December 2010, 20:32
tiggertatequote:
Originally posted by DavidC:
I believe the steel Jim uses in Nickle Chrome Moly 4340....?
I remeber him telling me the barrels he build for NASA lasted between 9-10 shot while other barrel makers lasted only 3-4.
Intersting to learn that all his blanks need to be contured. I had not heard that before....
Anyone running one of his barrels now? I'd love to hear how they shoot!!!
Best,
Dave
memory ain't what it used to be...it may be that he has contours but won't do anything else.
"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
17 December 2010, 20:42
Dago Redhe also makes carding wheels for rust bluing. He is a very nice guy and generous with his time from the couple phone calls I've had with him.
Red
21 December 2010, 04:06
DavidCFor those looking to contact him....I just spoke to Mr. Baiar this evening.
I placed an order for 2 barrels and hopefully will have them by the end of January or the begining for February.
As others have mentioned he is very easy to deal and glad to answer questions.
Lastly, he will contour the barrel for an extra charge.
Best Regards,
Dave