Rimfire Central Firearm Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

  • Whether you're a greenhorn or a seasoned veteran, your collection's next piece is at Bass Pro Shops. Shop Now.

    Advertisement

Current 457 barrel choices...

Jump to Latest
3.5K views 32 replies 12 participants last post by  halverson.ben.bh  
#1 ·
I know...another barrel discussion. :rolleyes:
I'm on the lookout for a good 22lr barrel to finish out a build project. I'm not really ready to jump to Lilja-level price point.
It seems like there are a number of barrels in the $300-ish range but it's hard to find a lot of real-world experience and results.
I'd like 24" but would settle for 22" or 20".
Threaded would be nice to extend a shorter barrel or add a tuner.
Match chamber, for what it's worth would be good.

Choices seem to be:
*Pete's Pillars - Maybe pretty good quality? Has a 26" tapered, threaded model that might be cool with a tuner, among other options. Reasonable availability.
*Acculite - Not a fan of the sleeved design but if it works, it works. 22" length option and threaded available. Very good price IF the quality is there.
*Eabco - options within my budget but too much of a risk, quality-wise?
*Lothar Walther - Could get a 20" threaded that might be a good option. Price is in my budget. Quality level?
*CZ factory - If by some miracle the 24" MTR barrel showed up in stock, it would probably be my first choice but I'm not holding my breath. :)
*Lilja - I'd like to going quicker and cheaper to see if everything is going to work as I'd like but maybe just buy once, cry once? It'll work on any future build, so good investment.

Any wisdom to share?
Thanks!
 
#2 ·
I've put 2 varmint 20" barrels on 457 americans.. they shoot good. But I have yet to score over 2350 on Ara cards for the rfc bench rest matches here on the forum with them.. takes a perfect score of 2500 at 25 yards to qualify for the 50 yard match.. I also put a 26 inch lilja barrel on one of my 457 americans and qualified it my second attempt on the Ara card.. so depending on what kind of precision your looking for matters.. if it's the best you can get out of a 457 then buy once cry once and get the lilja..
 
#3 ·
I have a Varmint model that I'm "breaking in" for ARA factory matches locally. I think it's going to do pretty well for that. I'm putting things together for a potential ARA Unlimited or ABRA Outlaw build. I have an action and a stock incoming.
It's probably possible that any of the choices listed could yield an extremely accurate barrel but most are lottery-dependent. I guess it's even possible to get a bummer of a Lilja barrel but likely it would best odds for above average accuracy. :)
Regarding the forum matches, I guess I should be working on that while I'm "training" for local matches. :)
 
#7 ·
Don't get me wrong.. I'm not at all disappointed in either of my varmint barrels.. I average 2200 to 2250 on the unlimited Ara cards for the online matches here.. that's at 25 yards.. and I probably have tried to qualify both rifles 20 times and just cannot get that elusive 2500 score to move on to 50 yards.. that's shooting rifle match and center x.. the first time I tried with the lilja I scored a 2450.. second time I got the 2500 with it..
 
#10 ·
I can definitely see the Lilja 23 and I'll probably just order one when I can put some extra funds together. Since I won't see that or an MTR 24 any time soon I'll probably find temporary fix like the Acculite or Pete's that will do to get the build going. :)
 
#11 ·
So it looks like the Lilja will only take a couple of months. Seems foolish not to go ahead and order one. I really want to get the build going sooner than that but it probably pays to be patient.
Also I do have spare American barrel that I could throw on there and maybe play around with a barrel damper or tuner set up while I'm waiting for the Lilja. :)
 
#12 · (Edited)
Don't forget about the L3i barrel. It should start shipping soon and have some reviews. It look promising for the price.

We've got a whole thread discussing it. Most of the info is on the last couple pages. Ammo tests, eta updates, etc. Hell of deal if it shoots half as well as the testing showed and is still $330.
 
#14 ·
I can only speak for what I have experienced.
The original Petes Varmint Barrel did pretty good but I wanted better so I saved my pennies and grabbed a Lilja 21 inch.
I now steadily maintain a decent 18X to 22X card which will get better as I move forward.
I too have read the L3i barrels are satisfying.
It really boils down to what precision YOU want.
My 457 looks nothing like it started as a Pro Varmint. I set mine up for Benchrest and it could also do some NRL22 as well.
I'm sure you realize that its just not always the barrel that needs attention but Lot testing, Head space, trigger, and well...You
 
#27 ·
I ended up making a good deal on a Lothar Walther barrel. Seems like a proven shooter and is a good candidate for my first build. It should be a level or two up from the average factory barrel.
I definitely foresee something like the Lilja in the future but I'll get this one together and see how far it'll take me. :)
 
Rimfire Central Firearm Forum
posts
6.9M
members
216K
Since
2002
A family friendly forum community dedicated to rimfire firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion of all manner of rimfire pistols, rifles, optics, ammo, gunsmithing, customization, reviews, hunting, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
CZ / Brno Off Topic Lounge Open Rimfire .22 Ammunition (S-L-LR) Scopes, Sights, Rings, Mounts & Other Optics