Barrels

[paulitus]

Are we experiencing a barrel shortage, and, if so, why?

[rich pierce]

Are we experiencing a barrel shortage, and, if so, why?

Social distancing led to more shop time for many. True confessions of a barrel hoarder - I have a dozen or more in the shop. Ok, maybe a dozen and a half. When I was making and selling gun flints I bought blanks, locks, castings, and barrels. Haven’t bought one in years though. But sometimes when guys have spare money they buy stuff.

Most barrel makers aren’t getting younger. Ok nobody is getting younger.

[FlintFan]

There is no "shortage" in that the the barrel makers are supplying the same amount, or more, than they always have.  However, like anything gun related people are buying more of everything. Somethings may be hard to come by right now until consumer habits get back to normal.  Many of the suppliers in our small slice of the industry are very small operations and it is difficult for them to ramp up production to meet a sudden surge in demand.

[fahnenschmied]

Last summer I ordered a barrel from Burton for a trade gun I want to build - I know it takes a while for some folks to get existing orders made up before they start new ones.  I think he told me six or nine months.  I asked him back in February if it was ready and he told me he was boring barrels that caliber - or were going to in March.  But I expect a custom barrel to take a year or so anyway.  And I suspect there is extra demand due to some folks having more shop time over the last year  due to working from home.

[oldhunter1954]

There is no "shortage" in that the the barrel makers are supplying the same amount, or more, than they always have.  However, like anything gun related people are buying more of everything. Somethings may be hard to come by right now until consumer habits get back to normal.  Many of the suppliers in our small slice of the industry are very small operations and it is difficult for them to ramp up production to meet a sudden surge in demand.

As far as people buying more I agree. I have purchased 3 barrels since Covid 19 hit.