Mega Versus Rainier Barrels

[mineralman55]

Just looking over the barrels available from Rainier Arms, and in comparing the Mega and Rainier Arms .308 barrels, they seem to have about the same specs and prices. Both promise 1MOA at 100 yds. Does anyone have any info/experience (good, bad or indifferent) regarding these two barrel brands and what might be the differences in them (yes, one is black, one is stainless)? Emails to Rainier have gone unanswered.

 

https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=4116

 

https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3456

Edited June 10, 2014 by mineralman55

[washguy]

Mineral I dont have any Mega's but plenty of Rainier's.....even the select barrel shoots moa or less out to 500yds :) Wash

[Robocop1051]

Someone said Rainier Select barrels are just rebranded Black Hole Weaponry barrels?? There seems to be some merit in that. Beside Noveske, they are the only other polygonal bbl maker that I'm aware of.

[D.R.D.]

Yes, the Rainier Select are made for them by Black Hole Weaponry, but not the Rainier Match that mineralman55 listed above.

[pewpew.308]

I had an issue with a Black Hole Weaponry 1/11 .308 barrel I received from Rainier Arms, it was out of spec and after jumping through all the hoops, Rainier decided not to stand behind the barrel.  They basically said I have no idea what I'm talking about, but if you notice they no longer sell Black Hole Weaponry barrels. ????

 

I have rifles in the safe with Broughton 5c, Bartlein 5r, Rock Creek 5r, Shilen ratchet twist, Kreiger 5r plus non 5r from Kreiger, Shilen, Hart, Lilja, K&P, Lawton, Chanlynn, Obermeyer and Gaillard.

[planeflyer21]

What's out of spec with the barrel?

[pewpew.308]

Chamber, I don't know if this was just a bad batch and bad QC but apparently I was not the only one with this issue. 

 

 AR15.COM " BHW actually stepped in an explained the QC issue as being understaffed. "

[hdbiker1]

Yes, chambers not concentric with the bore.  I went through three barrels, each were non-concentric.  I was told it was because the reamer bushings they had were not compatible with polyganol rifling.  The only good thing is their customer service was great and their shop is only about 35 miles away.  The other thing I noticed, was their QC inspector didn't have a borescope or a loupe.

[pewpew.308]

Yes, chambers not concentric with the bore.  I went through three barrels, each were non-concentric.  I was told it was because the reamer bushings they had were not compatible with polyganol rifling.  The only good thing is their customer service was great and their shop is only about 35 miles away.  The other thing I noticed, was their QC inspector didn't have a borescope or a loupe.

 

Rainier Arms was absolutely terrible, I know I am probably in the minority but I will never do business with them again. <outtahere>

[mineralman55]

Sounds like there has been a lapse in QC with some Rainier-branded products. Anyone have info on the Mega barrels?

[hdbiker1]

My first Mega had a wiped out throat.  Took it to Jason in person because it seemed he didn't believe me.  At that time we got into a discussion about he couldn't believe how I got a barrel that was so screwed because of all the QC inspections they go through.  Mega was very good about replacing it.  They contract Bergara to make these barrels.  They are very nice looking and will shoot sub moa.