I'm Deciding Between a Criterion and Shilen Barrel at Northland

[Savage 12BVSS]

Howdy all, trying to decide between the two barrel brands at Northland for a savage gun I'm building. I've got it all ready just need a barrel, I know what caliber I want (284) but to be honest I've never heard of a criterion at all. Shilen gets talked about and has some fans for sure but I figure its kind of a roll of the dice anyways. Does Criterion seem to make a comparable quality barrel, or should I just go with whats a known brand to me? I already use a Lothar Walther and McGowan on guns and I'm happy with both although I had my Smith rechamber the McGowen to a match chamber and recrown also, as it was rough right out of the box. I listen and take advice especially when the replies seem to follow a similar course so anything will be appreciated, I know I'm still learning as I go. Thanks Dave

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

Criterion makes excellent barrels and are making a good name for themselves. Just do a search on them. My savage build is a criterion. Excellent barrel.

Those are both 5 shot groups.

 

[Tidus56]

I really dont think it will matter. I have used Mcgowan, X-caliber, green mtn and Criterion. All have shot very well. If you bed a savage rifles recoil lug and feed it good ammo they seem to just shoot.

 

[elkaholic]

Howdy all, trying to decide between the two barrel brands at Northland for a savage gun I'm building. I've got it all ready just need a barrel, I know what caliber I want (284) but to be honest I've never heard of a criterion at all. Shilen gets talked about and has some fans for sure but I figure its kind of a roll of the dice anyways. Does Criterion seem to make a comparable quality barrel, or should I just go with whats a known brand to me? I already use a Lothar Walther and McGowan on guns and I'm happy with both although I had my Smith rechamber the McGowen to a match chamber and recrown also, as it was rough right out of the box. I listen and take advice especially when the replies seem to follow a similar course so anything will be appreciated, I know I'm still learning as I go. Thanks Dave

Criterion is a button rifled Krieger.

 

[Deputy819]

I chose a Criterion barrel for my .280AI Savage build this year and couldn't be happier. I'd say give it shot for sure!

 

[Savage 12BVSS]

Thank you for the info, savages do seem to shoot pretty good. Crazy thing is the factory heavy barrels shoot like match barrels a lot of the time, they just are a lot tougher to clean. Criterion it will be now, I'll see how it shoots long as some Krieger rubs off on it, I can't go wrong. Dave

 

[elkaholic]

Thank you for the info, savages do seem to shoot pretty good. Crazy thing is the factory heavy barrels shoot like match barrels a lot of the time, they just are a lot tougher to clean. Criterion it will be now, I'll see how it shoots long as some Krieger rubs off on it, I can't go wrong. Dave

I havent owned one but all my Kriegers have shot well!

 

[shooter7]

Thank you for the info, savages do seem to shoot pretty good. Crazy thing is the factory heavy barrels shoot like match barrels a lot of the time, they just are a lot tougher to clean. Criterion it will be now, I'll see how it shoots long as some Krieger rubs off on it, I can't go wrong. Dave

I had a Criterion prefit chambered in 6.5-284 for a little while. It was a solid half MOA shooter with minimal load development.

 

[mahnster]

I know a few guys running Criterion barrels where I shoot F class and they all are happy with them.

 

[Boatninja]

I will be ordering my third Criterion Barrel this week, I couldn't be happier.

 

[Kaptoe]

Hard to beat shilens reputation

And for whoever said savage factory heavy barrels are tough to clean and copper foul. Amen to that. They shoot good but boy have mine fouled

 

[buster2765]

I have several Criterion barrels, all on savages,all shoot great. NSS great to deal with. This 3 shot group from a Criterion 7saum at 100 yds,

made the fridge door. PS. if anyone needs a new savage pre-fit unfired 308 Criterion 28in bull I have one for sale $250 plus shipping

 

[lancetkenyon]

I had two Shilen Match barrels. Both were very accurate. I would not hesitate to get another one for a steel option.

 

[dougduey]

Criterion is a button rifled Krieger.

Really??? So, does Krieger provide them with an unrifled barrel and they take it from there??