What to expect from a Criterion barrel

[RogerFoxDog]

Does anyone know what the Criterion barrels are supposed to be like regarding military specifications? Are the pads supposed to be Chromed or parked on the Criterion barrels? How about the chamber face, Chromed or parked on a new Criterion? Also the TE and ME on a new barrel like the Criterion, what should one expect on a new version of these barrels? Thank you guys for any help.

Information

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[Elime]

I put an N.C. barrel I got from CMP on a Garand and it shoots really well! I don't remember the exact number, but I think I had to shoot about 50 to100 rounds before the groups shrunk.

It was well worth it!

[Gus Fisher]

The barrel support area for the gas cylinder is not chromed. That is about the only thing where it is not quite up to mil specs. However, most civilians will never see a difference. The chambers are not chromed and neither were any of the G.I. Garand barrels. TE and ME varied a lot even by Springfield over the years. What is important is that Criterion barrels are every bit as good in accuracy as most any G.I. contractor barrels. HTH

[RogerFoxDog]

So a new Criterion 30/06 barrel with a TE of 2 and a ME of 1.5 is considered acceptable? I would have thought that both would have been much lower considering they came off a modern manufacturing line and had ties to a premier barrel maker. Also according to Fulton Armory's site a 1.5 on the ME would be a possible candidate for a muzzle recrowning. Their standards regarding muzzle wear may be suspect given that they are in the business of providing gunsmithing services. Still with all the conflicting (and very often confusing) information out there regarding this subject ,the average shooter, has to wonder whether he has purchased a " Bill of Goods " or has a good quality product in hand.

[John Beall]

Sir, the ones that I have seen, maybe 7 or 8, have been -0- or very close to it. I think I had one that was about .5 but they all shot very well with HXP ammo. the gages I use came from Fulton. I would think its worth a phone call to the person you got it from, did they sell it as "new", is it already installed on the rifle ?? what you have should still shoot good, I've seen worse shoot great. some "nice " phone calls would be where I'd start.
CRB

[Gus Fisher]

So a new Criterion 30/06 barrel with a TE of 2 and a ME of 1.5 is considered acceptable? I would have thought that both would have been much lower considering they came off a modern manufacturing line and had ties to a premier barrel maker. Also according to Fulton Armory's site a 1.5 on the ME would be a possible candidate for a muzzle recrowning. Their standards regarding muzzle wear may be suspect given that they are in the business of providing gunsmithing services. Still with all the conflicting (and very often confusing) information out there regarding this subject ,the average shooter, has to wonder whether he has purchased a " Bill of Goods " or has a good quality product in hand.

I've seen Post WWII barrels that were NOS and still in the wrap that had TE and MW readings no better than that. What device are you using to measure MW? Oh, and of course if the Criterion barrel is not acceptable to you and it came from CMP, you can send it back for replacement or refund - I'm pretty sure.

[RogerFoxDog]

I'm reading the muzzle erosion with the ME gage from Fulton Armory. When reading, I place the gage in the muzzle while the barrel is in the vertical position. I place the gage as gently as possible in the muzzle. No twisting. No pressure. The Erosion gage was purchased from Steven Mathews and I use the same gentle care when taking a reading. This barrel was purchased and installed by a well known company. I didn't want to take the issue up with them until I had the opinion of someone who had seen alot of these barrels and could tell me if these readings were a little unusual for a new criterion.

[John Beall]

R F D, I think it may still be a "new" barrel, I don't know what Criterions tolerances are. I would call them and ask. the ones I have had were a lot tighter than yours. I just checked a new Barnett barrel that I installed, TE=0 and ME=.25 on my Fulton gages. but since you have installed it, than it might be yours now. all is not lost, if it shoots good than its good. check with Criterion first, then go to the range and hammer it. let us know what the out come is. good luck. CRB

[Gus Fisher]

Roger and John,

Barnett barrels are a LOT tighter than G.I. barrels as they are made to NM specs.

Roger, it sounds like you are doing everything correct with the muzzle gage. I agree with John you should call Criterion if you have more questions, but the real proof is how the barrel shoots.

[RogerFoxDog]

Thanks to everyone for alot of great info and responses. I'll call Criterion this afternoon to see what they have to say.