Chris Reid Frozen Fiber Carbon wrapped barrels

So I am building a 35 STA (shooting times alaskan) ... or at least trying to. Back in early April I decided I wanted a carbon wrapped barrel. Obviously Proof doesnt do .358 because its not very popular but I heard Chris had left Benchmark barrels and gone out on his own wrapping barrels. I contacted him ordered my barrel and paid in full. He told me the lead time was 2-3 months tops which was going to leave me plenty of time to get it built before hunting season. as we approached the 3 month mark I attempted to contact chris which proved to be very difficult, in fact I never got a reply so I tried again 2 weeks later and finally got a reply stating he would check on the blank and let me know... again nothing so 2 weeks later I text him again and he said he would let me know asap... 3 weeks later I am starting to get irritated because we were at that point into september and I wasnt getting any real answers. Then finally on september 12 he says he had a unexpected expense that he had to fix in order to continue work.... I am a reasonable man just communicate with me let me know whats going on. I accepted that answer because from the sounds of it he was back up and running. now its 45 or so days later and I havent heard anything so I finally get ahold of him and hes not even doing it any more he has become a welder again and is hoping to get back into it in about 30 days...knowing the guys time lines that probably means never or very long time from now. So here I am out $720 until he either issues a refund (the dead line is close of business today) or I file a claim through my bank.. if that fails then my lawyer gets involved. Is anyone else waiting on a barrel from him? I am beyond disgusted.

Sorry for your troubles.
This is one of the reasons I recommend "NEVER" paying all the money up front. I only do business with barrel makers that Invoice when the barrel is shipped.

If they need the money before they start, they are already in trouble and don't manage their business very well.

Trust is a great thing, but unfortunately not everyone is trust worthy.

Maybe He will make it right.

J E CUSTOM

**** Mike, that is no bueno. $720... I'd be physically sick. I've been down that road with a local gunsmith, i'll never go down that road again. I hope to god he makes it right with you, I finally had to leave a VM with this 'smith threatening to send the Sherriff after my stuff.

I have a 358STA! **** stout cartridge.. 225 TSX at 3100' will put some stuff on the ground. I haven't shot mine in years, it's still sitting in the gun room as an unfinished project.


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he just messaged me and said he would refund in 15 days or produce a barrel in 30... neither of which I believe because I have been put off so many times. So I guess step 2 is getting the bank involved by filing a claim

I sure hope he come thru for you Mike. But, you definitely need to have steps in place to protect yourself.


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Outlaw6.0 said:

I sure hope he come thru for you Mike. But, you definitely need to have steps in place to protect yourself.


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I am not waiting I am talking to the bank today

I don't blame you one bit Mike. I believe you've shown more that enough understanding and restraint.

On a side note, what action are you putting this .358 on?


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Outlaw6.0 said:

I don't blame you one bit Mike. I believe you've shown more that enough understanding and restraint.

On a side note, what action are you putting this .358 on?


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just a 700 action. used to be a 300 rum CDL

Tired of hammering elk with the Lapua or what? Personally, I think the STA is a pretty fine cartridge. I sure wish I would have built mine FAR different than I had.


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I had a friend that had a nearly 2 year ordeal with a barrel maker/gunsmith and it got so bad he could not even get his unfinished rifle returned so someone else could finish it. I told him to tell the guy "if he did not have proof that his rifle was in the mail by the next day, he would be hearing from the ATF". Guess what happened! The rifle suddenly returned..........Rich
p.s. this could be different since it is just an order and he does not actually have anything of yours except $$$$. Don't know?

Outlaw6.0 said:

Tired of hammering elk with the Lapua or what? Personally, I think the STA is a pretty fine cartridge. I sure wish I would have built mine FAR different than I had.


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the Lapua has moved on to greener pastures. I replaced it with a 338 rum on a LPA titanium action, proof barrel and carbon fiber mcmillan.... I like this one a lot more

elkaholic said:

I had a friend that had a nearly 2 year ordeal with a barrel maker/gunsmith and it got so bad he could not even get his unfinished rifle returned so someone else could finish it. I told him to tell the guy "if he did not have proof that his rifle was in the mail by the next day, he would be hearing from the ATF". Guess what happened! The rifle suddenly returned..........Rich
p.s. this could be different since it is just an order and he does not actually have anything of yours except $$$$. Don't know?

Click to expand...

I just went through a similar ordeal with a guy who was supposed to dip a couple of mcmillan stocks for me. I am getting tired of people who cant follow through.. I again had prepaid on that deal...

Good luck with getting things straightened out Mike! It is really sad how many people do this kind of thing. I am getting old and forgetful, but if I ever leave someone hanging, please call me on it.......Rich

Tikkamike said:

the Lapua has moved on to greener pastures. I replaced it with a 338 rum on a LPA titanium action, proof barrel and carbon fiber mcmillan.... I like this one a lot more

Click to expand...

Dang Mike, I haven't talked to you in so long I didn't know about the new RUM. That sounds like a great Rig.


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