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    VAR Barrel

    I recently picked-up a 1961 NOS, mint, never mounted, VAR barrel (from a top notch guy) for my Danishicon Garandicon. Originally, I was going to swap out the barrels but now I am having second thoughts. Since I really don't need to improve the accuracy of my Garand, should I just hang onto the barrel? Are new VAR barrels common or are they getting harder to find and thus it's value will increase if left in it's current condition. Comments and suggestions are welcomed. Thanks.
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    If it were mine, I would hang onto it should I either shoot out the current barrel or really needed some cash for an emergency. To often I have read on these forums that: I had this and I sold it, traded it, wish I still had it.

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    No new VAR barrels are not common, at least in the United Statesicon. The value of the barrel will only go up in time. The CMPicon was charging a premium for VAR barrels toward the end of their supply of Danishicon return M1's. I would hang onto it and either sell it or use it to build a new rifle. If you decide to sell it drop me a note.

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    +1 on hanging onto it. You never know when a project will come up, and it can usually be easily converted to cash.

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    About 3 months ago at a gunshow, I picked up a Breda with a VAR barrel on it. It has a te of just under a 1 & a mw of 1.5. Have heard that these are some of the most accurate barrels on an as issued M1icon. Keep the barrel. Its like wine, it will only get better with age.


    Mike

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    If you don't need the cash keep it, not many available in that condition.
    They are very accurate.
    jiml

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    Quote Originally Posted by JimL View Post
    If you don't need the cash keep it, not many available in that condition.
    They are very accurate.
    I have no doubt that the VAR barrels are more accurate than many issue Garandicon barrels, but probably not better than a '60s SA barrel. Neither would be any better than a currently available commercial M-1 barrel. I really don't see the collectibility of these, at least no more than any other rebuild barrel.

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    VAR Barrels

    I have heard many good things with respect to VAR barrels. My personal experience has been as follows: I have four Danishicon Garands with VAR barrels with very good TW and MW ratings. I also have a number of SA 1960's Garandicon rebuilds with SA1960's barrels and birch replacement stocks. The SA rebuilds outshoot the Danish rifles I own hands down. Having said that, how much involving accuracy is attributable to the barrel vs. the type of stock/stock fit and it's affect on accuracy factors into the equation? I do not profess to know the answer.....but based upon personal experience I would choose a SA,etc. U.S. military rebuild from the 1960's over a Danish rifle with a VAR barrel under any and all circumstances.
    Not trying to beat up on the Danes here....but I really like the SA 1960's barrels. But the other variable is the stock consideration - the Dane's I have are tired Beech and the SA rebuilds I have are new birch.
    That is as objecive as I can get.
    Don

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    Well, if you'd like to sell it right now I'd sure be interested. The one on my Garandicon is lightly pitted and altho it shoots ok is a bear to clean.

    Or..... If anyone else has a new short chambered Garand barrel (VAR or late vintage) I'd sure like to talk to you about it.

    PETE

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    Kicken my own keyster for not keeping that six-digit receiver w/1966 VAR barrel

    Kicken my own keyster for not keeping that six-digit receiver w/1966 VAR barrel. Was doing last year's spring cleaning and decided I didn't need the thing. Had stripped off all the other parts from a complete 1942 CMPicon Dane return M1icon that I picked up in a swap deal. How hum! Now a guy needs to pay through the nose for a nice low wear VAR barrel if one can be even found.


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