I'm wanting to build a .338-06. I've got the M70 action, going with the PT&G one piece bottom metal, and have the McMillan edge inletted for the Montana 1999 and opened up for a #3 Shilen contour that I picked up used.

The reason I ask is I can buy a #3 contoured Shilen for about $100 less than others I've looked at Pac-Nor and McGowen plus there is no wait time on the barrel. The only other custom barrels I'v shot are Lilja which I have on my current .338-06 and .25-06 and a McGowen on my Savage .243. This Shilen is quite a bit less than the Lilja's I've been running.

I've found that it takes a few rounds to get the barrel to settle in but never found anything bad online about them.

I have always had good luck with Shilen and am using one in a current .375 H&H build.

I build a lot of rifles with Shilen barrels, never had a problem. I have used many other barrels, Lilja, Kreiger, Douglas, Montana and McGowen I haven't seen a difference....Tom

I've used Shilens on my 338-06, 375 Ruger, 25-06, and 500 JRH.
They've worked well for me and I'll keep using them.

I have shot several rifles with Shilen barrels.
Mostly 308's. They all shot great.

so, no reason not to use a shilen.. greaqt barrels, and made in texas

I have a 270, and a 243 with Shilen match grade tubes. Both of them shoot better than I can.

Ditto with my 400 H&H

I used Shilen for the first time on my last project. Besides shooting great it is the easiest cleaning barrel I have ever owned.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

quote:

Shilen Barrels any reason I shouldn't use one?

I have several....one in .25-06, one in .375 H&H, one in .270 Win and more.....none that I have a complaint about in any way!

quote:

Originally posted by taylorce1:
The reason I ask is I can buy a #3 contoured Shilen for about $100 less than others I've looked at Pac-Nor and McGowen plus there is no wait time on the barrel. The only other custom barrels I'v shot are Lilja which I have on my current .338-06 and .25-06 and a McGowen on my Savage .243. This Shilen is quite a bit less than the Lilja's I've been running.

Unless otherwise requested, I use Shilen barrels exclusively. I have installed literally hundreds of their barrels over the past 30 years, and of the ones I've installed, I have had only one that I can remember not shoot. And that one occurred over 20 years ago, and Shilen replaced it. To me, that says a lot!

quote:

Originally posted by taylorce1:
I've found that it takes a few rounds to get the barrel to settle in

You'll find that with most barrels.

Most people really like them. I had a friend however, who got two bad ones in a row several years ago (as shown by a borescope).

I tried to buy one several years ago, called them and explained what I wanted, a long (for the time) 6mm barrel, and was basically told two or three different times that I didn't want a long barrel, and while they could make one, they saw no reason I should order any barrel over 26". So I didn't and won't in the future. I can get all the attitude I need locally.