Proof Research or Christensen Arms???

[Bearhunter]

I am in the Market for a new Carbon rifle and would like to hear everyone's opinion on who is manufacturing the most accurate and quality built Carbon Fiber rifle these days. My opinion is that Christensen Arms was the pioneer of the Carbon fiber rifle and the aerospace world and many others have tried to follow suit but are they building to the highest standards as Christensen does?  Thanks guys!

[MtnMuley]

I have a Christensen Carbon Custom One 700 Ti action 300RUM that I'd sell.  Text me if you're interested.

[xXLojackXx]

Benchmark Barrels makes their own carbon wrapped barrels. And of course they can build a whole rifle with one. They're really nice barrels and you know it'll be a tack driver.

Christensen on the other hand, has a LOT of negative reviews on accuracy with their rifles. I wouldn't spend $3500 on a rifle that there's a good chance it won't shoot at least 1/2 MOA.

[kentrek]

I've owned a carbon extreme for 6 years now and absolutely love it, while it's not a full custom it's pretty accurate for its weight....i love the balance of the rifle the most

At the great American show I got to fondle the summit line and don't really dig the new drop mag...it seems to be right where I try and Cary it

i have no intention of ever replacing this rifle. ..and if I ever bought or built another rifle it would be nearly exactly the same

[Biggerhammer]

Benchmark Barrels makes their own carbon wrapped barrels. And of course they can build a whole rifle with one. They're really nice barrels and you know it'll be a tack driver.

Christensen on the other hand, has a LOT of negative reviews on accuracy with their rifles. I wouldn't spend $3500 on a rifle that there's a good chance it won't shoot at least 1/2 MOA.

I completly agree.

[Rob]

I just got a 300 blackout barrel by proof.  They were SLOW to get it to me, but it looks to be a good barrel.  I have not had a chance to test it for accuracy yet.

The order process was frustrating as they promised it to me in 2-3 weeks, but then sighted accuracy concerns and an associated re-design which put it out to 10-11 months instead.

It is pretty though, can't wait to do some more shooting.  6 lb AR including optics.

[Bearhunter]

Thanks guys for the replys.  Rob why did you choose Proof over Christensen?

[Alchase]

6 lb AR including optics.

That is my Holy Grail! 

[HawkCreek]

What about Extreme Rifle Works? I have no experience with them only wondering if anyone has any experience.

[kentrek]

They all are going to make quality rifles....the big thing to know is what style of carbon was used for the barrel..both styles have applications in the gun world...one for riding heat and the other for making the barrel stiffer

Look into the theories an pick which one you think holds more merit towards what youl be using it for

[Rob]

6 lb AR including optics.

That is my Holy Grail! 

I was shooting for 5, but happy with 6.  I could probably shave a few more ounces, but I would be sacrificing some feature I want.

Wrt why proof over Christianson..  No real good reason other that a recommendation from a friend to try Proof for a CF barrell

[mountainman]

Benchmark Barrels makes their own carbon wrapped barrels. And of course they can build a whole rifle with one. They're really nice barrels and you know it'll be a tack driver.

Christensen on the other hand, has a LOT of negative reviews on accuracy with their rifles. I wouldn't spend $3500 on a rifle that there's a good chance it won't shoot at least 1/2 MOA.

The Christiansens I have owned an others I have shot, have all shot particularly well, especially the Lapua's. Proof are good also. Beware of newcomers to the barrel wrap process...more to it then j y st thinning a tube and wrapping in..

[Reidus]

If I was going to buy a carbon wrapped barrel, I would go with a proof. I believe they have a better resin that transfers heat better than the other manufactures. They claim the resin that they use transfers heat better than copper, stainless or carbon steel. Their barrels are also very tough.   On the other hand, I haven't quite figured out the benefit of a carbon barrel. You're not gaining any accuracy whatsoever. Carbon fiber and steel have vastly different thermal expansion coefficients. Steel grows when heated and carbon fiber does to a much lesser extent. I looked pretty hard into buying one.

Carbon fiber barrels look pretty cool and are a neat idea, but I don't see any functional advantage. Just go with a smaller contour barrel and I'll bet you can achieve the same accuracy and weight at much cheaper cost. Proof barrels run about $900 for a blank the last I checked.

[Biggerhammer]

I have a good friend that has a doctorate in Aero Space Engineering. Didn't take long to convince me that carbon fiber barrels were more of a gimmick than a credit to the hunting/shooting world.

[xXLojackXx]

 

Carbon barrels significantly reduce overall barrel weight, depending on barrel countour and the amount of steel you csan afford to remove. Also, they draw heat AWAY from the INSIDE of the barrel. There have been numerous studies that prove that.

If you're interested in them for weight reduction, they cost about $100 more per ounce of reduced weight.

If you see value in having a barrel that transfers heat away from the rifling, then figure out if its worth it to you of not.

If you want a "cool" looking barrel for an extra $600, then buy me one while you're spending your money.