Shilen CM barrels
Recently had a Ruger#1 re-barreled w/ a Shilen Chrome-Moly: wanted to keep the traditional blued finish. Barrel arrived at the 'smiths, and before he began his machining, I was able to check out the bore with my "Hawkeye". Was disappointed to find reamer marks across the lands & grooves, something I've never seen in my stainless Shilen, Hart & Krieger barrels. It was returned. Later, was informed by Shilen that they do not lap their CM barrels. They air-gaged the bore, decided they could give it a light lapping ( for an additional $40), returned it, it was then free of all reamer marks. it's proving to be very accurate ( holds under moa), and is a joy to clean: minimum effort req'd. It's my understanding that not lapping a CM barrel is common, why? I have no idea, but if you order one, I'd specify that it be lapped. Just my experience.