I recently purchased a 2 groove barrel made by Benchmark to try, based on the stellar reputation they're building. Haven't used it yet, but was considering another for a project that needs to be done soon.

Sometimes I think too much. Got to thinking about the 2 groove, and how the reamer pilot fits in it.

With support only on 2 points, 180 degrees apart, what keeps the reamer centered on the axis 90 degrees to the two lands? I got to thinking it might take a long pilot to make it work.

Anybody with experience with 2 groove barrels have some insight? I've been meaning to call Dave Manson and get his take on it, but haven't had time.

dave

Why do you need a pilot? Are you having to chamber in the steady rest?
Butch

The only experience I have had with 2 vs. 4 groove barrels has been with '03 and '03A3 Springfields, both versions seem to shoot pretty much the same. I wonder if the arsenals changed reamers when they went from 4 to 2 grooves to speed up production. And yes, I know, this is not an answer to your question.

If the lands & grooves are close to the same width, then the wide lands will encompass almost 90 degreees each. This means that the sides of the lands will be almost exactly opposite one another at 4 points of the circle and IMO this will provide adequate support for the pilot with no problems. At least that's the way it has worked for me in the past with 03A3 barrels.

Please give us a report when/if you reach a conclusion about their quality and accuracy.
Regards, Joe