After-market Glock 20 barrels

[SRMohawk]

Gentlemen,
Have any of you who own Glock 20s incorporated after-market barrels into them? And, if so, what makes/brands? What have your experiences with such barrels been like? I would most like to hear from anyone who has chronographed their pet load (whatever it may be) using both the original factory barrel and the after-market barrel. Was MV that different from one to the other? And, if so, did it increase or decrease when you changed the barrel out? Finally, has anyone who went to an after-market barrel noticed a deterioration in accuracy after 10, 20, or 30 thousand rounds? As for this last inquiry, I'm interested in learning if the traditional rifling characteristic of American-made, after-market barrels for the G20 is less resistant to wear than the polygonal rifling seen in the original Austrian barrels.

SRM

 

[Lennyjoe]

I picked up a Storm Lake barrel for my G20 after shooting 40 rounds of reloads thru the factory barrel. I was using 10.6 gr of Blue Dot under 180gr FMJ's and noticed a bit of a bulge in the brass. These loads shot just fine out of my S&W 1006.

As for accuracy, its improved a bit over the factory barrel from what I could tell. Since I only shot 40 rounds thru it there wasn't much comparison. Since I reload I wanted to get more use out of my brass and not worry about chamber support, thats why I went with an aftermarket barrel.

Jarvis, Bar-sto, KKM and Storm Lake are all good manufactures. Storm Lake is the lowest price at $98 (www.topglock.com) and from what I see its a quality barrel. If I get another barrel (6") it will most likely be a Bar-sto just because. The Storm Lake barrel is a drop in. No fitting required.

I didn't get a chance to chrono rounds thru the factory barrel and have sent them down the aftermarket one. Velocity was pretty much on par with my 1006 numbers with the Storm Lake barrel.

One thing I like best about the barrel is that I can load lead bullets for range use. 9.6gr of Blue Dot under 180gr Meister Hard cast is an uber-accurate round out of this gun.

Hope this helps some. Enjoy.

 

[SRMohawk]

Hey LJ,
I put a Bar-Sto in my G20 about 2 years ago after shooting it with the original factory barrel since first getting it in '97. Of course, the gun was instantly more accurate. However, I've noticed a deterioration in this accuracy of late, as well as in the MV I get with my pet load (8.0 grains of VV 3N37 and a 180-gr JHP). Some of my shooting acquaintances have suggested that this is probably due to my cavalier attitude toward heat build-up in the barrel. Where handguns are concerned, I shoot in fairly large volumes (sometimes 300 rounds in a single session), often not taking more than an hour to do this. And needless of me to tell you, Len, the barrel gets hot enough to barbecue with it . Of course, the literature tells us that cold-hammer forged chromoly barrels with polygonal rifling hold up to this kind of thing much better than traditionally cut-rifled SS barrels.

I suppose I could just increase the charge in my pet load to get the MV back up. But this could be VERY dangerous. I'm already running pretty hot. And if the throat is roughening in this barrel, then the chamber pressure is already increasing. But this should make the MV rise as well, not drop. As for those telling signs of pressure in the brass, I don't rely on those too much. I've loaded up and spent thousands of rounds that worked fine and metered great, with no discernible signs of excessive pressure. Then re-prepped and reloaded with the same brass only to see necks start splitting every other round!

Hell, maybe I'll just throw down $200 bones for a new tube!

SRM

 

[MTMilitiaman]

I really don't think an aftermarket barrel is necessary for a Glock unless you intend to reload. Then it might be a wise investment to prolong case life, which is why I put a stock length KKM in my Glock 20. I really haven't shot it much since then--only about 90 rounds--and I might not be a good enough pistol shot to notice much of a difference in accuracy. Nor have I chronoed any of my loads. I will say that it has been reliable and the chamber is noticeably tighter. Brass are in better shape when they come out, which was the whole point for me.

 

[SRMohawk]

Hey, you just gave me an idea MT! I need to try some other propellants and projectiles!

 

[MTMilitiaman]

Anything I can do to help

Right now I am running 180 gr XTPs over 800X.

 

[duncan]

KKM 6" target barrel
Much more accurate than my stock barrel and round were consistently hitting same spot on target.

Also have:
Federal Arms 40SW converion barrel
Federal Arms357 sig converion barrel

One gun - three calibers with only a barrel swap and different recoil springs

 

[Lennyjoe]

Right now I am running 180 gr XTPs over 800X.

Me too. How high did you go.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

I think I am half a grain under Hornady max right now. Thinking of going up that half a grain and seeing if they show any signs of excessive pressure.

 

[Lennyjoe]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

With the Storm Lake barrel 10.5gr showed no signs of overpressure whatsoever. Haven't pushed them any higher yet.

They are moving pretty darn fast too.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Just got an email from Storm Lake on a barrel offer. I asked for a 6" for hunting.

Here's the email. It went out to us who purchased one prior and gave feedback.

Gentlemen,
We are listing these barrels on our E bay store in 4140 material. It is the same quality as our stainless barrels and you can pick the length and caliber for $79. Because you helped with the development of our Glock 20 we would like give you one of these. If you want one let us know. Delivery will be in about 6 weeks.
Adam