I have seen magnum reserch and a few other companys use graphite sleaved barrels on their guns they are very lightweight and they look like compatition grade ridigity, are they as stiff and accurate as a real bull barral? Are there any problems with heat retention, or warping of the graphite? Any other downsides to them?

All I know about them is that they are suppose to dissipate heat faster, thus allowing more shooting before really heating up.

cost

monty

Are they graphite? or carbon fibre?
If you've ever worked with carbon fibre....well, it would make a light stiff barrel. But, it doesn't transmit- and therefore dissipate- heat very well at all.
Maybe not a factor in a 22rf. But, I kinda doubt increased heat dissipation is a feature of those barrels.

Are they graphite? or carbon fibre?
If you've ever worked with carbon fibre....well, it would make a light stiff barrel. But, it doesn't transmit- and therefore dissipate- heat very well at all.
Maybe not a factor in a 22rf. But, I kinda doubt increased heat dissipation is a feature of those barrels.

My understanding it's all about weight. They are obviously much lighter and faster to shoot....but I predict recoil to significantly increase.

They would indeed be light and stiff. Light for their diameter, surely.

Here is where I saw the heat dissapation info on graphite:

Some of the newest technology at the SHOT Show was graphite rifle barrels, which are several times lighter and stronger than steel. Moreover, because graphite dissipates heat so quickly, these barrels provide more consistent accuracy.

Minnesota-based Magnum Research showed its graphite barrel fitted for the Ruger 10/.22. It weighs only 13.4 ounces, about a quarter the weight of a same chunk of steel, and costs about $270.

Graphite gun barrels are not cheap, but the space-age material offers countless possibilities for sportsmen who face long walks and command first-rate accuracy from a hunting rifle. The old guard may shy from this technology for a while, but not for long. The benefits far outweigh any perceived affront to tradition.


http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/outdoors/pike/pike980205.html

www.snipersparadise.com/tsmag/june2001.htm

http://www.snipersparadise.com/tsmag/june2001.htm

International Harvester has been making engine blocks out of CG for a while now... CG is compacted graphite

i would have no problem using a graphite sleeved barrel. it would have to prove itself just as any new barrel does. but you are kinda limited with a graphite sleeved barrel to what is offered. cutting one to a shorter length is gonna cause problems, and while i haven't done my research, i am going to guess it would cost a bundle to get one in an odd ball caliber or an uncommon twist. then any stock used with one of these must have a barrel channel big enough to fit a large diameter barrel. try finding a mountain rifle stock that will accept a graphite barrel. i think a mountain rifle would be a great place for a lightweight barrel, but it seems that most of the effort is going to the rimfires and varmint guns (which in my opinion includes the heavy barreled .308 long range rifles).
so, i'm kinda waiting till they make can give me one in .350 Rem Mag that will fit a Rem 600 and a Lone Wolf Summit or Summit XL stock. if such a barrel is available and doesn't cost double what a premium barrel costs, then i'm ready to join the ranks and try one. but i don't need one on a gun that will never be carried more than a mile from the truck. i bet soon enough i'll get my wish.

monty

I'm waiting for someone to come up with a ceramic/composite barrel, perhaps aluminum ceramic wrapped in carbon fiber (for hoop strength). A ceramic barrel would seem to offer the advantages of extreme heat resistance, essentially no wear, no leading, and a low friction surface.