Well I have been lurking here for a while. This seems like a great site and I have gained some helpful information. I was wondering how the TC Custom shop barrels compare to other aftermarket barrel makers and factory barrels? I am wanting a new barrel and exploring my options.

Well I have some limited experience here. I have had several standard centerfire T/C barrels, and Two T/C Custom Shop Barrels. I don't personally have any other custom barrels but have friends who do. My Experience has been there is a big difference between the T/C Factory barrels and the T/C Custom Shop barrels. The T/C Custom barrels shoot better more often. I reguarly get .75 to 1.25 MOA with good Factory ammo in all my barrels. I have on the other hand seen VV barrels and BullBerry Barrels the would not shoot Factory ammo better that 1.5", but to be fair I have seen some .5" as well.
The T/C Custom barrels are made from the same Blanks as the Factory barrels, But they are made one at a time and all have the 11 degree target crown. As I have seen this makes all the difference in the world.
You can get lucky with the Standard Factory Barrels. I had a .280 the was MOA all day long with Factory Rem. 140gr ballistic tips. Then again I had a Factory .308win that was 2.5 MOA with any ammo I tried. Got rid of it quick.

My advice would be that if you plan to collect several barrels then at least try the T/C Custom Shop Barrels. If you are only going to buy one or so then you might not mind poping the extra $70 - $80 bucks.

While Mark makes some good points, I think that a lot depends on the chambering you intend to get. I am unable to discern a sufficient difference in quality between TC Factory, TC Custom Shop and other custom made barrels to justify getting a factory offered chambering in other than a standard factory barrel.

However, if you want to get a barrel chambered for something not offered by the factory, ANY custom shop will do based on your personal prejudices and the size (or depth) of your bank account. All are a little different, all will provide a quality product that will function to the limit of the system (Given that you make your choices of options correctly, Don't choose a TC Custom 1-10" .300 Whisper and expect it to shoot 240 gr. MKs!).

I have barrels from the Custom shop, Bullberry and Dave Van Horn and have shot and examined barrels by VVCG and SSK in addition to my factory standards.

I WOULD Agree with Hobie.
Yes a few of the factory barrels have off centered throats or some problem BUT that is NOT the norm. Most factory barrels shoot very well and the custom shop barrels are even better.I don't like getting into the arguement over CUSTOM vs TC. Some who thrash the TC product are just "MESSENGERS" for one custom shop or another.
YES a few have had a REAL problem with thier factory fodder but for every bad factory barrel you can find a BAD custom barrel to match it or even worse.
If you purchase a TC CUSTOM SHOP barrel you will be very happy with the Quality and Accuracy and the Warranty is Exceptional.
The Custom shop also offers many rounds not avalible in the standard factory barrel and pretty much any length and weight barrel you desire.
I do like my custom barrels But have many Custom shop and factory barrels that shoot as well.
And I have NEVER recieved an ATTITUDE from TC if corispondince is needed but have recieved some real ATTITUDES from a Custom Vendor or two.
I think some the Custom Vendors are just tired of the PICKY NATURE of the TC crowd in all fairness

Fireball