I'm having OTT build me up a custom 6.5-284 Encore barrel. I need to know what you guys think is the best blank going?
I got prices from Shilen, Lilja, And Pac_nor. Any input will be greatly appreciated. I'm leaning towards the Lilja but maybe someone can change my mind. Thanks

doesn't OTT use douglas barrel blanks? is there anything wrong with those?....or you just want something different?

i gotta be nosey ya know.

Kyode, Douglas is ok. That's what my 2 Bullberry barrels are. But I looked at the price list and saw 455 for a 15 in ss barrel. Where the price of the work on the customer supplied blank is 210. I can get a Lilja blank for 160 or a PacNor blank for 210. If I do that, I still save big bucks. I'm not cheap but I think 455 is a bit much for a pistol barrel with no brake or scope mount. What do you Think?

oh heck....thats a no brainer for me. good thinkin tim!
i'd say a lilja would suit me fine, if it's gonna save that much money.
reckon there is that much quality difference
some guys have used bauska blanks(?) i believe. you might wanna check on those also.

Tim North of Broughton Barrels is getting a pretty good name these days, AND he's getting into SP's now as well.

Lilja, Shilen or PacNor are all good. Probably can't go wrong with any of them.

Just to confuse things, have you thought about Hart or Krieger? Hart is one of the best in the BR game, as is Krieger. You may want to look there as well.

Thanks for all the input guys. Still undecided about which barrel. I have emailed Hart and they have not responded. I pretty much disregarded Shilen at this point cuz I have numerous barrels from Shilen. Wanted to try something different.

I've got both Shilen's and Douglas's on rifles and pistols. Have never had problems with either...both shoot well and are easy to clean.

magman.........if you could find someone wanting the same bore diameter, and then split the purchase price on a cheaper variety barrel blank........then you could save a lot of $

then it'd just be a matter of having OTT put a lug on it, and a perfect chamber.