Proof Reaserch Carbon barells

[sneakypete]

Does anyone have any experience with these guns? We just returned from the Wild Sheep show in Reno and my son is interested, but we don't know anything about Carbon barells or Proof Reaserch rifles. I thought Christensen was building rifles with these barells. What would be the benefit to having a gun like this ? Other than a very light weight gun. I also hear they have very little kick to them? Thanks in advance. I hope CC, or Tim weigh in on this one!

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have never heard of Proof Research, but I do know a little about Christensen. Their barrels are essentially a steel sleeve (rifled on the inside) that is wrapped with carbon fiber. I am not sure, but it might also have metal wire stands wrapped inside the composite material. That's how we did it in aerospace, gives the composite fibers more strength. I've heard great things about this type of barrel, light and accurate. BUT.....pretty pricey!

 

[sneakypete]

CC, you're right they're not cheap, they also make they're own stocks that have Kevlar all the way thru the back of the action.

 

[Tim McCoy]

I have no experience with them, but know they are costly. I think UH might shoot one. The carbon wrapping is an added complexity in making a barrel. Do it right and it probably works very well. Get it wrong and induce stress somewhere and your likely to have an accuracy issue. I have seen good and a few so so reviews, but mostly good. There are some reviews floating around talking about accuracy issues, picky on loads, etc. Be a good idea to snoop around.

There are lightweight all metal barrel rifles as well. I think if you are dealing with a reputable maker, that offers an accuracy guarantee equal to similar cost all metal barrel makers, why not, if that is what he likes. I'd make sure to check for references/reviews on that rifle maker. I did notice Christensen is offering an all metal barrel gun now. Probably a marketing related pricing move, but I do not know for sure.

 

[Musket Man]

My cousin has had 2 of the Christian arms barrels put on his Rem 700's. They are very accurate barrels. With the carbon fiber barrel you basically get the advantages of a heavier barrel without the weight.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

If I was looking for a new rifle today, I would first think about what I was going to hunt with it (large, medium or small animals). I would then choose a caliber that would fit my choice. Yes, you can probably find one that will do the job on all north American game.

Once you have the caliber, it will simplify the search for you rifle ( long vs short action). Now the hard part, picking the right one. Off the shelf, made to order or completely custom....depends on your budget. There are quite a few made to order choices out there like Christensen and most will work with you to get what you want. Won't come cheap tho. Total custom is tough because the really great smiths are expensive and take forever to get you your gun.

If I was going to choose one for my self, it would be difficult. Because I believe stock fit has a much to do with accuracy as ammunition or optics, I might very well decide to make my own stock. Most people can't do that, so they will have to make sure you get correct length of pull, drop and butt angle.

Do tour research, get references and save your money!

 

[Slugz]

Pete,
All the points are made above. These are very nice barrels with very close to normal barrel life. If the coin$ isn't an issue then I think its a good investment if the intent is to make a very lightweight custom gun. You wont be disappointed in how it shoots.

 

[sneakypete]

Thanks for "FOR ALL THE GREAT INFO" I think he'll have to look long and hard. I'm a believer in what CC said, caliber, how it fits, and weight of the gun. Again thanks to all.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Just looked at Proof Research's web site, all I can say is WOW! If you go to the "Build You Own" and build one, price is going to be between 6 & 7 thousand bucks, without optics or sights. Christensen doesn't seem to have any prices.

Just as I thought...pricey. I'm not saying their guns are not worth the $$$$, that's for you to decide.

 

[DRUSS]

western precision uses proof barrels on some of there builds too. maybe talk to them as a 3rd party to how they feel about the pros and cons of a carbon fiber wrapped barrel? I also believe cross canyon arms list them as a option too? one thing I have noticed on these is that some set ups make it harder to mount your scope low, depending on how your stock is made. the other thing is the balance of these rifles make them feel ( not sure of correct way to word this)lively??-in your hands.

 

[sneakypete]

I know, so if you look at both sites both have a Summit rifle, it seems the only difference is Christensen has a brake on it and Proof has what looks like a brake but is a thread protector in chase the owner what's a brake or suppressor. The show gun was 5400 + optic. I screen captured this thread for him to read! I did meet a guy at the range a while back that had a Christensen gun sort of, he had them put a barrel on a 700 action 300 win mag that he claimed shot like a 243. Not my type of gun. Thanks again CC & All.

 

[sneakypete]

I wonder how these barrels would do in cold weather?

 

[Tim McCoy]

There are all kinds of carbon fiber materials/weaves, application methods, and different binding agents I'd guess as well. Probably many more variables. My understanding it they can be made to be less likely to expand/contract than metals. You'd need to ask the manufacturer I'd think, or a third party user of the product as was suggested earlier. If cold weather use was an issue, I'd expect to hear about it in the reviews. I've never heard a peep, but have not looked too much once I saw the cost. I have been very happy with a Krieger and most recently a Brux barrel. More great barrels and makers today than ever, most top all metal barrels are just a bit over $300 or so, some a little more.

The only other area I'd wonder about would be holding up to nicks and knocks etc. No idea, but be something I'd look at.

Good luck!

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Like Tim said, it really depends on how they orient the fiber and/or wire matrix. In aerospace applications (which I am very familiar) the orientation changes depending on the loads in a given area. Generally, composite parts, especially wings, are much stiffer than their metallic counterparts. It would be interesting to get some fiber barrels and set up some load cell tests and record deflection (bending) and compare to similar metal barrels.

The problem of delaminating or dis-bonding due to impacts could be problematic. A lot depends on the fiber orientation and the bonding agent used. That was always a concern for us in aerospace, but of course the loading experienced was much greater that you would ever expect on a rifle barrel.

 

[sneakypete]

I'm recommending looking at the conventional gun manufacturers products. For fit, caliber etc. he shoots his 270 well a rem. 700 lefty!

 

[Tim McCoy]

If he is set on a custom light to ultra light weight rifle, and wants to keep the cost 3-4k, and is not set on a carbon wrapped barrel, take a look at HS Precision & Rifles Inc. With Rifles Inc. you supply a donor action as I recall. There are many others too, but those will give him a good start to see what is out there.

One of the best deals I am aware of right now is NW Action Works blueprinted Rem 700's with a SS Krieger. Add in stock of choice and bottom metal and for under 2k off you go. Depending on the stock/bottom metal, you could add in a Timney and still be under 2k. They were giving a 1/2 moa guarantee. I have not used them, but have been hearing great things about them here in OR.

 

[Retterath]

I have owned two guns with the carbon wrapped barrels one in a 300 rum and currently one in a 6x47 Laura. Both guns have shot lights out. With the carbon wrap you getting the lighter barrel with better heat dissipation and with going with a carbon barrel instead of the thinner barrels you are also reducing your barrel harmonics which with thinner barrels you will be getting that whipping action. I paid 800 for my barrels and have really enjoyed them,now selling my last one to build an ultra light rifle. If he is not set on a carbon barrel but wants a light weight rifle for under 3k this would easily do it. This is a build I'm gonna do for my wife. I ordered t3 in 7mm-08 getting and McMillan edge stock,#2 fluted benchmark barrel in a 6.5 and getting it chambered for a 260, the triggers are a great trigger and can be set I think to about 2.5 lbs and are very crisp. Had the bolt fluted and different bolt knob.

 

[sneakypete]

Retterath, any pictures of the gun. I thought you had two for sale?

 

[Retterath]

Yeah I'm selling two of mine, only one has a carbon barrel

 

[grant_stricklin]

Idk about proof research but I plan to build a carbon gun next year. I want it super light for pack trips.
Accurate ordinance is place I'm gonna use.

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