Has anyone used McGowen barrels? I need two .303 barrels .311 bore. for a project. I was wondering how the company was to work with.

one of the betteer second rate barrels out there, only eclipsed by ER Shaw.

I have two and would buy a third. I have complaints.

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one of the betteer second rate barrels out there, only eclipsed by ER Shaw.

What is it with McGowen that causes them to be considered second rate?

McGowen has rebarreled three of my rifles and I have a third on the way. I'm happy with the quality of their barrels and with the installation they did for me. Their customer service is good also. When one of the barrels they installed for me wasn't the contour I wanted, they recontoured it for me at no extra charge. Regardless of whether it was my or their fault for the miscommunication on the contour, they took care of it.

By the way, the gun shoots just as good after the recontour.

I had them screw one on a 77 action in 257 Ackley about 25 years ago and have been more than happy. I wanted a little bit of freebore in it and Harry talked me right out of it. Excellent advice

Thanks for the responses I will give them a try.

Krieger. There is no substitute...

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Originally posted by Rolland:
Has anyone used McGowen barrels? I need two .303 barrels .311 bore. for a project. I was wondering how the company was to work with.

I have used at least a couple dozen and all have been good barrels. Only one had a bore which was not as straight as it could have been and sunsequent to that one, I've not gotten another which was substandard. The barrels are properly stress relieved and do not warp when contoured. Internal finish is very good.
A 308 12 twist barrel I have on a prone rifle shoots under .5 moa. A fast twist 22/250 about 5/8 (this is the curved one).
If I am wanting to build a top level BR or "F" class rifle, I would go with one of the recognized makers of barrels for these purposes (Hart, Krieger, Lilga, Pac Nor, Shilen) but for a hunting rifle, I am quite pleased with the McGowan Barrels. Regards, Bill.

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Originally posted by homebrewer:
Krieger. There is no substitute...

Agreed--use them for competition rifles on down!!

Just had to send one back to Krieger. Never had to send a Lilja back. BUT, each is different and to each his own, but E.R. Shaw, no way.