Goodien Barrel

[xbowman]

Track of the Wolf has Goodien Barrels that are somewhat higher in price than others. Is going with a Goodien Barrel for a Flinter worth the expense for better accuracy? $150 difference.

Thanks, xbowman

 

[Slowpoke]

They're the best barrel made in my opinion, but unless the barrel is going on a Chunk or Bench Gun, it's not worth the extra price. You'll never be able to tell the difference between Goodien and any other major manufacturers barrel when you shoot offhand. To much human error involved.

SP

 

[xbowman]

Thank you for your comments. I am a bench shooter only and just can't stand off hand. I am interested in buying a kit and putting together a long rifle. First a good lock I am told and then the barrel. If I go with a good barrel I'll probably just go with a plain maple stock since the cost of a high grade stock is $300. I want it to look nice, but be a shooter with patched roundball. Or be the best possible with patched roundball. I have the metal and wood working skills to accomplish building a kit rifle.
With my first 50 cal flinter now, I have shot 2000 rounds since April. Just love it.

Thanks, xbowman

 

[Flintandsteel]

IMHO,
Jim's barrels are lapped and absolutely the best.
However, he only makes straight octagon barrels. In a longrifle, this makes a very muzzle heavy gun. Again, not an joy to handle offhand.
But as a bench gun, the best.
I built a 40cal Vincent a few years back. Put in a .395 ball, 45g FFFG, and made one ragged hole with the first five shots.
I even made a phone call to Jim to let him know how pleased I was.
He seemed almost offended. He said " Yeah, that's what they're supposed to do". End of conversation.
In summary, for a great handling offhand rifle, there are some great swamped barresl ou there. For a "GREAT" bench gun, buy the Goodoien.

 

[ffffg]

i agree that a full octagon can be too heavy for a nice handleing rifle in the 42 inch range.. i think the barrel should be swamped or octagon to round, and in a pleasing weight, that is a compromise between accuracy and handeling, and carrying.. i do have a 30 inch goodien 50 cal that handles fine.. it was cut down from 42 inch if i remember right.. dave..

 

[xbowman]

Thanks gentlemen for your imput. I will think the whole thing out before doing anything.

xbowman

 

Rice barrels are hand lapped too, they also make swamped profiles. Might consider this as alternative for an offhand rifle.