New Barrel from Savage 12 FV: Criterion vs Shilen

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  • WyldeShot

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    Jan 28, 2011
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    I am looking for a new barrel for my Savage 12 FV .308. The rifle stock has been switched to a B&C stock. I have read a lot of positive reviews for Northland Shooter Supply. The offer the Criterion and Shilen pre-fit barrels. I will be going with a 26" and most likely the heavy palma contour in 1:10 twist. I am not interested in spending the money for a customer barrel. I will be going with their NSS lug and nut. My question is does anyone have experience with these two barrels? Is one better than the other?
     

    natdscott

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    The Shilen Select Match is almost certainly the best of the three options.

    Between a Shilen Match and a Criterion, it might be a toss up.

    It's also pretty unlikely that you will be able to shoot the difference between them, even though they are "mid grade premium" tubes.

    Although really, the Shilen SM tubes aren't mid-grade.
     

    WyldeShot

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    The Shilen Select Match is almost certainly the best of the three options.

    Between a Shilen Match and a Criterion, it might be a toss up.

    It's also pretty unlikely that you will be able to shoot the difference between them, even though they are "mid grade premium" tubes.

    Although really, the Shilen SM tubes aren't mid-grade.
    Thanks for the information. I was leaning towards the Shilen. I certainly cannot out shoot either one of these barrels.
     

    WyldeShot

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    The next question would be is 1:10 twist the right choice? I would like to have match rounds around 168 gr. I don't see going over 180 gr or under 150 gr.
     

    natdscott

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    Thanks for the information. I was leaning towards the Shilen. I certainly cannot out shoot either one of these barrels.

    Give yourself some credit: a lot more people COULD learn to shoot Zeroes than do.

    But judging from your post, you are not building a zero or even a teen rifle, which is probably where the rubber meets the road between ultra-premium tubes, and mid-grade premium.
     

    WyldeShot

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    Give yourself some credit: a lot more people COULD learn to shoot Zeroes than do.

    But judging from your post, you are not building a zero or even a teen rifle, which is probably where the rubber meets the road between ultra-premium tubes, and mid-grade premium.
    You are correct. I would consider this a mid-grade for sure. I like to get the most out of any platform I use. I am usually the wildcard factor.
     

    Hohn

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    The Shilen Select Match is almost certainly the best of the three options.

    Between a Shilen Match and a Criterion, it might be a toss up.

    It's also pretty unlikely that you will be able to shoot the difference between them, even though they are "mid grade premium" tubes.

    Although really, the Shilen SM tubes aren't mid-grade.
    I don’t disagree, but I’d still consider the Criterion in .308 because the offer several different reamer specs in .308. The m118lr is appealing to me as it’s built around 175smks.
     

    natdscott

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    I don’t disagree, but I’d still consider the Criterion in .308 because the offer several different reamer specs in .308. The m118lr is appealing to me as it’s built around 175smks.
    Ah. A very good point indeed.

    Shilen would surely put one together for you in a different chamber, but not from Northland.
     

    Onebad06vtx

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    Get ahold of SKI rifles.
    He has barrels and can chamber you one.
    Does VERY good work.
    He is located in Pendleton In.
    Phone # 317 401 6222
    Has good prices and fast turn around.
     

    55fairlane

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    Jan 15, 2016
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    I must concur with all that has been said here.

    My only question is , is this a match rifle? A Palma rifle? Or just a fun 1000 yard toy your building
     
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