kevinnevius
Member
Hi Jim - wishing you a Merry Christmas (in case I forget to do so!)
I don't like posting on a BR forum about this subject - there is always a lot of divisiveness regarding barrels. This is only my (very humble) opinion, please take it for what it's worth.
Early in my career I used nothing but Hart barrels - they were exceptional and consistently so. I used all 17 twist 6 groove (standard) barrels, with 2 degree leade chambers in them. They digested everything well, and were exceptional especially at 100 yards (generally, after lot testing). They all consistently ran large internally - about .2170 x .2220 (which I personally prefer and specify if I can). I used them to win two National Championships.
In every discipline (at the upper levels), all search for something exceptional, and its unrealistic to think every blank will give you what you need to win. It is true that some manufacturers are more consistent that others (seem to produce a higher number of "workable" barrels within a given sample), but all seem to cycle. News travels fast - I think when someone makes a good product, they find themselves swamped - quality inevitably suffers, and someone else cycles to the top.
In 2014, I ordered six blanks, and couldn't get them to perform. It was probably something I did (or didn't do), or one of a million variables that come into play when trying to evaluate barrel performance. They were good, but the margins are so small. Please don't take this as negative commentary about Hart barrels - I love them, and still use them, but I am on a fixed budget each season and that year forced me to look other places.
I ordered a few blanks this summer, and just finished evaluating them a few months ago. They (once again) are exceptional - I fitted two for evaluation, and both are capable of winning.
It seems to me, especially in the BR rimfire sports, that there is a tremendous amount of following the leader going on. There is nothing wrong with that, its foolish not to pay attention to the winning equipment list, but it does tend to skew perception (in most cases without a lot of proof or experience to back it up).
In short, Harts are great barrels. They are as competitive as any other manufacturer, and getting a great one is no more statistically challenging than getting a great Shilen, Lilja or anything else. They have to be meticulously fit, tested and tuned....and then matched to that perfect lot.
It's a wonder any of us get ANY barrel to shoot well!
All the very best,
kev
I don't like posting on a BR forum about this subject - there is always a lot of divisiveness regarding barrels. This is only my (very humble) opinion, please take it for what it's worth.
Early in my career I used nothing but Hart barrels - they were exceptional and consistently so. I used all 17 twist 6 groove (standard) barrels, with 2 degree leade chambers in them. They digested everything well, and were exceptional especially at 100 yards (generally, after lot testing). They all consistently ran large internally - about .2170 x .2220 (which I personally prefer and specify if I can). I used them to win two National Championships.
In every discipline (at the upper levels), all search for something exceptional, and its unrealistic to think every blank will give you what you need to win. It is true that some manufacturers are more consistent that others (seem to produce a higher number of "workable" barrels within a given sample), but all seem to cycle. News travels fast - I think when someone makes a good product, they find themselves swamped - quality inevitably suffers, and someone else cycles to the top.
In 2014, I ordered six blanks, and couldn't get them to perform. It was probably something I did (or didn't do), or one of a million variables that come into play when trying to evaluate barrel performance. They were good, but the margins are so small. Please don't take this as negative commentary about Hart barrels - I love them, and still use them, but I am on a fixed budget each season and that year forced me to look other places.
I ordered a few blanks this summer, and just finished evaluating them a few months ago. They (once again) are exceptional - I fitted two for evaluation, and both are capable of winning.
It seems to me, especially in the BR rimfire sports, that there is a tremendous amount of following the leader going on. There is nothing wrong with that, its foolish not to pay attention to the winning equipment list, but it does tend to skew perception (in most cases without a lot of proof or experience to back it up).
In short, Harts are great barrels. They are as competitive as any other manufacturer, and getting a great one is no more statistically challenging than getting a great Shilen, Lilja or anything else. They have to be meticulously fit, tested and tuned....and then matched to that perfect lot.
It's a wonder any of us get ANY barrel to shoot well!
All the very best,
kev
