How much does "match grade" barrel helps?

[Lugiahua]

I recently refit my XD with Springer trigger kits, and was very happy about the result.
Then I saw Bar-Sto match barrel on their website, I wonder how much does such barrel helps on accuracy?

http://shop.springerprecision.com/category.sc?categoryId=8

and what's the difference between Smith-fit and Drop-in version?

[Munk]

I recently refit my XD with Springer trigger kits, and was very happy about the result.
Then I saw Bar-Sto match barrel on their website, I wonder how much does such barrel helps on accuracy?

http://shop.springerprecision.com/category.sc?categoryId=8

and what's the difference between Smith-fit and Drop-in version?

Tightness.

Match-grade = Very tight tolerances, usually as small as is possible to fit SAAMI spec ammunition.

Drop-In means that it will drop into any of the firearms it was built for, because its outer measurements are just under the smallest possible opening. It's good for laziness of installation, but it means that if your gun was built with slightly larger openings or clearances, then it'll be a little sloppier.

Smith-Fit. Back to the tightness. They start with a slightly oversized barrel or other part, then make it fit your gun. It's a pain in the arse, which is what makes it a somewhat pricey process sometimes.

[Kempfer]

It helps but you can not see the difference unless you shoot from beyond 25 yards.

[saki302]

A "match grade" barrel won't make much of a difference if it's drop-in. If it's 'gunsmith fit', it will, as the tighter tolerances and hand-fitting required probably make more of a difference than the barrel itself.

-Dave

[Press Check]

On paper, a recreational shooter will get better results with match ammo than a match barrel.

[hyperion.excal]

semi drop in will drop in 9 out of 10 times (maybe less as different guns have different tolerances) it would slightly improve groupings but if you want a really tight groupings you would want to get a match grade barrel and have a gunsmith fit the barrel in your slide. BAR-STO offers match grade barrel fitting to fit their own barrel into your slide. I heard good things about them from colleagues.

[-hanko]

I recently refit my XD with Springer trigger kits, and was very happy about the result.

Then I saw Bar-Sto match barrel on their website, I wonder how much does such barrel helps on accuracy?

and what's the difference between Smith-fit and Drop-in version?

It depends...what kind of groups do you shoot standing at 25 yds.?

I'd get a match barrel and bushing fitted to the gun.

And, I'd get one from Fred Kart before BarSto.

hth

-hanko

[mixicus]

You'll get more improvement in precision by finding ammo your gun likes and practicing than by putting in a match grade barrel. For off-the-shelf carry/duty guns (Glock, Sig, HK,...), I expect mechanical precision of sub-5" at 25 yards off a support or rest for 5 shots with quality ammo. Typically in the 3"-4" range with 5 shots. Until you are approaching that level from whatever shooting position you normally use, you're better off spending money on ammo, practice and training as opposed to a new barrel.

If there are mods such as trigger work or different sights that make it easier for you to shoot a specific pistol, by all means go for it. But the pistol has more precision out of the box than most people realize.

[BamBam-31]

What he said.

Will a match grade barrel help? A drop in will help ever so slightly, a gunsmith fit can help more. Neither one can cure a flinch, however.

As said, most production pistols are inherently accurate enough to shoot 3-4" groups at 25 yds. When you're better than your gun, then think about making your gun better. Until then, you're better off dry firing for free.

[Lead Waster]

The only reason I bought a "match barrel" for my glock is because I thought I would shoot a lot of lead reloads and the glock barrel is supposedly problematic with lead. Also, a match barrel would have more support in the chamber. My "drop in" didn't "drop in". It tool a long time for me to figure out what was and was not fitting. I thought that the barrel hood was not fitting, but it turned out to be the barrel itself need just the slightest touch of sanding to make it fit. I probably wrecked it.

[fennecfrank]

match grade barrels have different twist rates which make differences in velocity

[beretta929mm]

You will not benefit much from a "match grade" barrel on a loosely fitted production gun.

[9mmepiphany]

If your looking for an improvement in accuracy from a drop-in barrel, you'll like be disappointed. If you are look at in from a loosely fitted gun, you'll also be disappointed.

If you have a correctly fitted gun and have a gunsmith fit it for you, but your only a so-so shot...it might make you a decent shot (confidence is a great group tightener)

If you take a top end gun, like the SIG X-5 All Around. Have a Bar-Sto barrel fitted by Bruce Gray, the action tuned and the rear notch tightened, you should be able to shrink your groups in half.

Here is a picture of that 9mm X-5 (shooting 122gr lead reloads) that he tuned for Mickey Fowler for this year's Bianchi Cup which shot a 1.10" group at 25 yards off a rest...it's about giving the shooter all the accuracy they can use



They figure it should be able to hold 2-3" off-hand at 50 yards

[himurax13]

You will not benefit much from a "match grade" barrel on a loosely fitted production gun.

This. Most semi autos do not have fitted bushings on the front. They also have loose fitting rails to ensure reliability. Some aftermarket barrels, even if advertised as drop in, will need some fitting. Some, like the Barsto, need to be throated or have the chambers widened.

As far as Glock barrel goes, I prefer KKM Precision barrels. They fit nicely, and I have not had any jamming issues since I installed them. The bore looks great and they don't leave my .40 brass "Glocked".

[huckberry668]

If your ........

If you take a top end gun, like the SIG X-5 All Around. Have a Bar-Sto barrel fitted by Bruce Gray, the action tuned and the rear notch tightened, you should be able to shrink your groups in half.

Here is a picture of that 9mm X-5 (shooting 122gr lead reloads) that he tuned for Mickey Fowler for this year's Bianchi Cup which shot a 1.10" group at 25 yards off a rest...it's about giving the shooter all the accuracy they can use



They figure it should be able to hold 2-3" off-hand at 50 yards

The target says 1.10" at 50 yards... My USP Elite shoots 1.17" at 25 yards bone stock.

what's the 'rear notch'? Frame/slide fit in the rear? I think my X-5 is a little loose in the back.