Proof Research vs other CF barrels?

[Brandon_SPC]

For anyone that has compared CF barrels from on manufactur to the next, is proof worth justifying the money over other CF barrel, such as Preffered Barrel Blanks?

I got a PBB prefit/barrel nut steel barrel on my Howa mini and it's stupid how well it shoots factory ammo (see photos) but I've never owned a CF barrel and I'm not sure what route to go for a prefit and if getting a proof is worth the extra cost. The goal is a light weight hunting rifle. I already for my stock ordered, my optic ordered, I just need to order a barrel and an action.

 

[DroptineNW]

I’ve ran proof and bsf. Personally I liked both. The proof is more solid than the bsf so since it’s stiffer generally they should in theory shoot better….? My bsf barrels have been solid though. Overall I seem to like the proofs better and they overall shoot better to me consistently.

 

[83cj-7]

I have been amazed with the quality and accuracy of the two PBB Carbon pre-fit barrels that I have shot. I don’t see how they can be beat for the money.

 

[brazz04]

What are the price differences you’re seeing? I bought my proof prefit a few months ago for 900 to my door and it was there in a few days because it was in stock. The exact preferred barrel is 976 with tax and shipping and a “10-12 weeks or more” wait.

 

[justin davis]

Bartlien makes the best carbon barrel in my opinion

 

[Brandon_SPC]

What are the price differences you’re seeing? I bought my proof prefit a few months ago for 900 to my door and it was there in a few days because it was in stock. The exact preferred barrel is 976 with tax and shipping and a “10-12 weeks or more” wait.

$400 if I go through Straight Jacket Armory.

 

[Brandon_SPC]

Bartlien makes the best carbon barrel in my opinion

I was looking into those too but from what I read, you really arn't saving much with a Bartlien CF barrel over a fluted steel barrel of close to the same contour. Most of the most I've read stated they are some or if not the heaviest CF barrels out there. But please let me know if I am wrong.

 

[Judd]

I was looking into those too but from what I read, you really arn't saving much with a Bartlien CF barrel over a fluted steel barrel of close to the same contour. Most of the most I've read stated they are some or if not the heaviest CF barrels out there. But please let me know if I am wrong.

You're not wrong...but they are a great barrel and you can get a #4 profile that's lighter.

I've used Proof, Xcaliber, Carbon 6, Bart's and Hells Canyon...got a Helix 6 in the closet I'll eventually cut. All of them shot pretty well, I normally lean towards what I can get for a decent price.

 

[Oregonmuley]

I was looking into those too but from what I read, you really arn't saving much with a Bartlien CF barrel over a fluted steel barrel of close to the same contour. Most of the most I've read stated they are some or if not the heaviest CF barrels out there. But please let me know if I am wrong.

I bought 2 #4 contour CF wrapped Bartlein barrels when they first came out with them. Both are 7MM barrels finished just a bit under 23". They are heavier versus many other CF barrels because I believe the actual liner is thicker and not turned down as much as some others. But they are sure nice, not as "pretty" as the Proof carbon but my smith sure was happy working on them. They have shot most everything extremely well so no complaints.

Here is a picture of the chambered and crowned barrel, I wanted a rifle with a finish weight around 6lbs and both came in at 5 lbs 15ish ozs. So if you pick the right parts you can still get a really light weight build IMHO.


Finished rifle with a 20oz scope and Talley LWT rings/bases: