I talked to Jackie Brown today to order some barrels and stocks. Also asked him about the "litigation rumors" going around concerning burst barrels. He said this was the first he had heard of the rumors and that none of his barrels have ever burst. He laughed and said "I've had problems with other components but never my barrels." He said things were going along ok, but slow getting orders completed as he has been working his shop alone for the past 18 months.
Over the years that I've done business with Jackie, I've not had any major problems. I have talked to folks that have had problems on delivery dates, finish, type of wood provided, and expectations of quality. Others have praised their purchases from Jackie, saying the quality of wood, finish, inletting, etc,, was as good or better than expected.
So, I guess it is just up to the eye of the beholder as to whether his firearms are what you expect or not.