Best Savage drop in barrel

[atl5029]

Hi All,

I'm looking to get a drop in barrel for my Savage short action and wanted to know the group opinion on which make is the best one. Right now the rifle wears an 18" Shilen barrel in 358 Win, but it only gets use 4 days out of the year for the PA bear season and sometimes deer season, so I want to start shooting long range with it to get some more use from the platform.

The Shilen I have now is fantastic, but I know they are not the only custom barrel maker that makes drop in barrels. McGowan comes to mind, but I have heard they are hit and miss sometimes on the quality. Anyone recommend any others?

Thanks!

 

[Barrelnut]

I have a McGowan 300 WSM on a Savage model 12. I like it a lot!. It's my only Savage pre-fit though but due to my success with this one I will be getting another one soon for another Savage action.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Shilen, Criterion (CBI), McGowan, any of the three you will not go wrong.

 

[FEENIX]

In addition to the above recommendations ...

- Gun Barrel Manufacturer - Xcaliber Barrel & Manufacturing

- Prefit Barrels - PAC-NOR Barreling, Inc. - Precision Rifle Barrels - Pac-Nor.com

- http://www.blackholeweaponry.com/Bolt_Action_Barrels.php

 

[bruce_ventura]

Also look at Spider Firearms. I haven't used their Savage replacement barrels. I have used their 50 BMG barrels, though. They are very good.
http://www.ferret50.com/products.html

 

[hawk45]

I've had good luck with CBI, PacNor and McGowen