Could posters please list some additional companies that could supply stainless for the Encore. Fox Ridge is OK, but there might be a better buy for the $. Suggestions appreciated. Thanks in advance.............Captain

www.virginvalleyguns.com
www.eabco.com
www.sskindustries.com
www.mbmco.net
www.bullberry.com

[ 10-28-2003, 20:55: Message edited by: LoneEagle ]

Thanks Eagle ........... Captain

I have had personal experience with Bullberry Barrel Works of Hurricane, Utah. Fred Smith does a wonderful job and is a true craftsman. Stands behind his product 100%. Takes about 16 weeks to get a barrel but is well worth it. Barrels require no break in period.

Good luck and let us know what you choose.

7-30 Waters

I second the positive experience with Bullberry. I have 5 bullberry barrels:

Encore:

260 rem
6.5 x 284

the 260 is my wife's gun, so I don't shoot it. the 6.5x284 is mine, and I have shot .6" groups at 100 yards off the bench, and I'm sure I can do better (need to clean up my trigger, which is still a bit heavier than I like).

Contender:

22" 22 WMR
18" 17 HMR
12" 17 HMR

all will shoot dime-sized groups at 50 yards (since I'm squirrel hunting with these, I don't sight in farther out).

As for customer service, Fred is very good at standing behind his product. My 6.5x284 chamber was initially tighter than my reloading die would size, so I sent the die in an he opened the chamber up just a bit. Now it shoots like a dream - most accurate rifle I own!

Troy

I've gotten groups from 1/4 to 1/8" out of a
Tactical 20 SS barrel from Virgin Valley.

I've also heard a lot of good accuracy stories
about Bullberry barrels.

All I've heard about SSK is EXPENSIVE!

VVCG & Bullberry barrels are gonna cost more than
Fox Ridge barrels, but then, you'll probably like
the end result more, too.

(Got two different barrels at two different times
from VVCG with in just over a month from order
date.)