are carbon fiber barrels the wave of the future?

[Bob Wright]

Savage was able to pack one onto a 1000$ rifle and keep their other parts similar cost. The similar rifle configuration without a CF barrel from savage is in the 700-800$ range. The sales for that rifle has been through the roof so I bet money on it other manufacturers and models will follow suit is my point. Maybe not mainstream but very close as the hunting world drives these type rifle sales.

I don't disagree. Buying in bulk has it's advantages, also because their barrel supplier has little in teardown and set up. Long production runs reduce costs. But for purchasing one to build a rifle, there aren't cost breaks. As for barrel quality on Savages, that will show over the long haul. I wonder who makes Savage CF barrels? I also wonder if a replacement barrel is ordered for Savage or Remage conversions, what then would be that cost? Certainly wouldn't be $200-300.

 

[milo-2]

Didn't someone release a titanium barrel? Would it be possible to wrap one in carbon fiber in the same contour as the CM or stainless currently being used? How much weight can be shed with titanium versus either steel counterpart?

Would titanium offer longer barrel life?

If so, that has to be hard to manufacture, would tooling life be shorter?

Reading thru various threads here is like YouTube for me, I find myself reading about twist, rifling and weights and end up in a rabbit hole looking at boat ramp follies.

I have read titanium may be stouter than steel, but the wear properties not as great.

 

[Bigeclipse]

I don't disagree. Buying in bulk has it's advantages, also because their barrel supplier has little in teardown and set up. Long production runs reduce costs. But for purchasing one to build a rifle, there aren't cost breaks. As for barrel quality on Savages, that will show over the long haul. I wonder who makes Savage CF barrels? I also wonder if a replacement barrel is ordered for Savage or Remage conversions, what then would be that cost? Certainly wouldn't be $200-300.

So far their barrels are from Proof research. Who knows if they will change from them.

 

[Bob Wright]

So far their barrels are from Proof research. Who knows if they will change from them.

Seeing that Proof has one dedicated line for what I think is the 6.5-PRC Savage is my guess. Now, consider all the other offerings from Proof in every length, caliber and contour. Those are short runs and $700 approx. If all the rifle manufacturers offered generally the same barrels then I think that market would be mainstream or close to it.
For general observation, I know one guy with a CF barreled gun. It is the Savage 6.5. Just got it. When I look around, no one else in my large circle has CF anything. Not because they're bad; they just don't see the need apparently. They don't even discuss it.

 

[Tac-O]

No. I'll never use one. **** technology. I'm 33 by the way

 

[Bob Wright]

No. I'll never use one. **** technology. I'm 33 by the way

You young guys are so techie! I'm shocked, lol...wait till they start selling CF bullets, cartridges, scopes and beer cans. You cannot resist!!!

 

[milo-2]

Seeing that Proof has one dedicated line for what I think is the 6.5-PRC Savage is my guess. Now, consider all the other offerings from Proof in every length, caliber and contour. Those are short runs and $700 approx. If all the rifle manufacturers offered generally the same barrels then I think that market would be mainstream or close to it.
For general observation, I know one guy with a CF barreled gun. It is the Savage 6.5. Just got it. When I look around, no one else in my large circle has CF anything. Not because they're bad; they just don't see the need apparently. They don't even discuss it.

Something new and fancy always comes out with a high sticker price in the gun world. Some things come down with more made, others increase the first of every yr. I have not seen proof carbon barrels increase in price. I can speculate here but will not.
I remember 9 yrs ago I bought a high dollar bipod, today the price remains the same.

 

[milo-2]

You young guys are so techie! I'm shocked, lol...wait till they start selling CF bullets, cartridges, scopes and beer cans. You cannot resist!!!

Only if they bluetooth to the phone.

 

[Tac-O]

You young guys are so techie! I'm shocked, lol...wait till they start selling CF bullets, cartridges, scopes and beer cans. You cannot resist!!!

Haha I know... I've got a few friends in the "tech" industry and they're pretty funny.

I do like technology to a certain extent; when it's practical, utilitarian, and provides a better future for humanity. I think a lot of people have their head screwed on a little crooked when considering where we're at today in relation to those three criteria.

I actually just don't want a CF barrel because I don't want it to get damaged, you can't tell how warm your barrel is getting, the barrel will cool slower, the accuracy difference sounds like it's marginal compared to a steel barrel of comparable weight, I'd rather have the weight saved in the stock for POA stability, and those things are just straight ugly. I'd hunt with a high polish blued barrel if it made sense from a practical standpoint.

 

[Wedgy]

The Savage Proof barrels are also chambered by Proof.
As far as weight savings over a steel barrel it has to be a longer, heavier contour steel barrel before you see the benefit. A # 3 (.670" heavy sporter)fluted 26" steel I think is ~3lbs , a 26" Proof sendero is 3lb 5oz. CF is lighter than a similar contour steel barrel

 

[sierracharlie338]

They won't ever be the norm for me until prices come down. I have ordered my first rifle with a carbon barrel to say I did it. I don't foresee buying another for an up charge unless I'm blown away by weight and accuracy.

 

[Kmccord]

I do not own one, but what I had seen for barrel weight did not impress me to spend 900 for a barrel. I would think one main advantage would be the stiffness vs steel, I would believe less barrel whip than a #5 Sporter, again I do not own one so I cannot say what are the benefits.

 

[Bigeclipse]

I do not own one, but what I had seen for barrel weight did not impress me to spend 900 for a barrel. I would think one main advantage would be the stiffness vs steel, I would believe less barrel whip than a #5 Sporter, again I do not own one so I cannot say what are the benefits.

I think the plus is you get a varmint contour barrel in the weight class of a sporter. Have you have had a varmint barrel on a lightweight rifle build? It becomes extremely front heavy and unbalanced. This is where they shine. I'm the only one of my friends who is into long range hunting but I listen to what they like and what they want is a lightweight rifle which groups well. Well we all know pencil barrels typically whip and can be difficult to group well. This is the market the CF barrels are targeting and I think the younger generation is going exactly that way.

 

[cjl2010]

Prices are getting closer. Can pick up a proof for $680 or so. Quality steel barrel is $325-$350 and if you want it fluted another $150-175. If you go Christensen Arms there what, $600 or so and the barrel is threaded for muzzle brake. Cool factor costs you about $180 or so. Not too bad.