I had one barrel I was never really happy with. And I don't think it had to do with the manufacturer.
But trying to convince the 'smith would have been an act in futility so I ended up just having another 'smith rebarrel it.
I've also gotten rifles back from reputable gunsmiths that looked like they were bedded by piss drunk spider monkeys.
I think some reputations are more legend than reality.
Travis