Current custom barrel maker options

[HighUintas]

What are the current custom barrel makers that are actually producing barrels? I think I know but couldn't find anything current in a search.

I'm wondering about full custom barrels - contour and land/groove geometry.

I've called rice and colerain to ask but haven't been able to catch them during their operating hours.

I don't think Oregon barrels can do custom land/groove.

Hoyt - not sure if he's still taking orders but I not sure I'd want one of these from a couple of things I've read

FCI - recently has had several years waits and not sure if he's still taking orders. May not be something I want to pursue

Too bad green mountain isn't available anymore....

Any others?

[Bill in Md]

"""""Hoyt - not sure if he's still taking orders but I not sure I'd want one of these from a couple of things I've read""""

Bobby Hoyt is a true custom maker and if you let the opinion of a "couple" of internet ne'er-do-wells guide you away from him as an option, it won't be his lose.

[Eric Kettenburg]

Bob Hoyt does spectacular work.  I don't know who said what to you, but if it was negative, they're full of cr*p.

[snapper]

I have Rice making me a custom barrel for a Alex Henry rifle.    I cant speak about land/groove geometry, however.

My barrel is in .54 cal, for a RB.  I think the cost is $400.

I have Jason at Rice email address if you like it, PM me.

Fleener

[HighUintas]

Bill and Eric, thank you, I know there are vastly more glowing reviews with Hoyts work than the few things I've read. I do not think my comment will steer anyone in the wrong direction. I know there can always be poor experiences that happen regardless of who the service provider is, whether it is the fault of the customer, provider, or a little of both. I'm just extremely (probably overly) careful when I decide to pay for a service because in the past when I've had bad experiences I don't handle it internally as well as I'd like. So I think it about it more than I used to. He's definitely still a consideration.

Fleener, thanks. I will PM you.

[acorn20]

I think Bobby Hoyt is always busy but he does great work.  I've worked with Jason at Rice Barrels and Ed Rayl Barrels on a couple of custom barrels.

[snapper]

I miss spoke, looking at my invoice, my barrel was $450.  Also, Jason's email address is his work one, so I have no problem posting it here.

ricebarrel@me.com

Good luck

Fleener

[HighUintas]

Thanks, Fleener!

[HighUintas]

I think Bobby Hoyt is always busy but he does great work.  I've worked with Jason at Rice Barrels and Ed Rayl Barrels on a couple of custom barrels.

Is Ed Rayl still making barrels?

[tallbear]

Is Ed Rayl still making barrels?
Modify message

Yes Ed is still making barrels but is only working 1/2 days in the shop so his production is limited.

Mitch

[Jim Kibler]

Mitch may know better, but last I talked to Ed, he was only doing work for friends, so his availability might be limited.

[bama]

Regardless of who the custom barrel maker is you have to understand that it takes time. I had a custom barrel made that was relitively a simple barrel but it was not of the normal production, it took a year to get. Now I understood that from the start, to be honest I thought a year was pretty fast delivery. Our custom barrel makers are very few, the demand on them for the more standard barrels is pretty heavy so getting a custom barrel is even harder.

I was forunate engough to have Charlie Burton make me up a couple of dozen barrels a few years back. I am pretty sure Charlie (FCI Barrels) is still making barrels but I think he has had some health issues which have impacted his barrel making. I would give him a call, he makes a great barrel.

Jim

[snapper]

Bama is quite right.   You can't expect quick results in the custom gun world.

Jason told me that he would get my barrel done in 6 months.  I have never had him do any work for me before, so I am hopeful that he is right...and no reason to doubt him.

Fleener

[HighUintas]

Thanks for all the information everyone. I understand there's a wait for custom barrels. I'm not at the point of needing one and probably won't be for a year... That's why I'm thinking about it now if I get one made, I hope it's not a 2-3yr wait, but if it is then it just is.