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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,151
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,151 |
Sometimes in our busy lives we always hear about a bad product but seldom do we hear about outstanding customer service. Earlier this week I picked up a new rifle built on a Stiller Predator action, Bartlein barrel, Shilen trigger, and a McMillan Hunter Edge in 6.5 Creedmoor. Due to work, it was a couple of days before I could get to the range to shoot. At the range all went well. The first six shots got it sighted in and was very happy with the group. But the next shot the rifle failed to cock. Huhhh? Must have been me. Worked the bolt and the rifle cocked. Next round the rifle failed to cock again. Then it got to the point where the rifle would not stay cocked. The trigger had felt good. The safety worked. No bang!!! It was after 5:00 pm but I thought I would give Shilen a call. To my surprise, Bill Hull, owner of Shilen Barrels and the maker of Shilen Triggers answered the phone. We went through a trouble shoot, but still the rifle would not stay cocked. Bill said his trigger guy, David had left for the day but gets to work at 6:00 am and he would have him waiting for me if I would drive the 35 miles to Shilen Barrels in Ennis, Texas. I pulled into the driveway a few minutes after 6:00 and Dave met me at the door. He agreed the sear would not stay cocked and was probably the trigger. Dave tore the trigger apart and found a small flake of paint that had worked its way probably from the stock into the trigger sear. The trigger was put back together and the sear stayed cocked on multiple bolt closing. No charge for the help and a nice discount on the next trigger too. This is what I call good and prompt customer service that took care of their product and their customer. Thanks Bill and Dave!
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 9,611
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 9,611 |
I know there are more popular barrels out there but for the whole shop and what they do...Shilen is hard to beat. I had a house fire some years ago and a Remington 722 was partially burned. I sent it to Shilen on the advice of a friend. They ran a hardness check on the gun, replaced the springs and sent it back w/a clean bill of health. I've been shooting that rifle 35 years now w/never a hiccup. They are great people to deal with. powdr
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,246
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,246 |
They have been doing business this way for years. Good People!
NRA Life Patron Member Benefactor Level
USN/USMC Vietnam Vet 1969-70
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,946
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,946 |
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151,008
Campfire Savant
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Campfire Savant
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151,008 |
They make more customers when they treat people well.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 27,692
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 27,692 |
I have always had great luck with Shilen barrels and service. Glad to see it is continuing.
Member: Clan of the Turdlike People.
Courage is Fear that has said its Prayers
�If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.� Ronald Reagan.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,132
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,132 |
I have never had to use their customer service, but the two barrels I have gotten from them have been top notch. Quality and good service, can't be beaten.
"Ignorance is acceptable, because you can remedy it with knowledge and research. Stupidity is when you guard your ignorance."
Ted Nugent
"Idolizing a politician is like believing the stripper really likes you."
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,344
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,344 |
Sometimes in our busy lives we always hear about a bad product but seldom do we hear about outstanding customer service. Earlier this week I picked up a new rifle built on a Stiller Predator action, Bartlein barrel, Shilen trigger, and a McMillan Hunter Edge in 6.5 Creedmoor. Due to work, it was a couple of days before I could get to the range to shoot. At the range all went well. The first six shots got it sighted in and was very happy with the group. But the next shot the rifle failed to cock. Huhhh? Must have been me. Worked the bolt and the rifle cocked. Next round the rifle failed to cock again. Then it got to the point where the rifle would not stay cocked. The trigger had felt good. The safety worked. No bang!!! It was after 5:00 pm but I thought I would give Shilen a call. To my surprise, Bill Hull, owner of Shilen Barrels and the maker of Shilen Triggers answered the phone. We went through a trouble shoot, but still the rifle would not stay cocked. Bill said his trigger guy, David had left for the day but gets to work at 6:00 am and he would have him waiting for me if I would drive the 35 miles to Shilen Barrels in Ennis, Texas. I pulled into the driveway a few minutes after 6:00 and Dave met me at the door. He agreed the sear would not stay cocked and was probably the trigger. Dave tore the trigger apart and found a small flake of paint that had worked its way probably from the stock into the trigger sear. The trigger was put back together and the sear stayed cocked on multiple bolt closing. No charge for the help and a nice discount on the next trigger too. This is what I call good and prompt customer service that took care of their product and their customer. Thanks Bill and Dave! You may have talked to Wade Hull. Wade is Bill's son and owns Shilen with his wife J. Bill died a few years ago and was my traveling buddy to BR matches. Yes, Shilen is a group of great people.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,873
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,873 |
I have been dealing with Shilen since 1983. Their customer service is impeccable as is the quality of their barrels. I have had roughly 12 of them.
"I never thought I'd live to see the day that a U.S. president would raise an army to invade his own country."
Robert E. Lee
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,146
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,146 |
Shilen has been my barrel of choice for years ......I think I’ve had 6 of them, and all shot better than I’m capable. They are usually availible as well. All mine easily shot 1/2 inch at 100 and have accounted for lots of deer and one really nice speed goat. What’s not to like. I think Ed had barrel making figured out.
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,025
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,025 |
I like to choose a smith and ask about barrel makers. The smith’s reputation is on the line as well as the barrel maker. Smiths know which suppliers can fill the order in a timely fashion and service after the sale is a real big deal. I’d found that Shilen is a favorite of a number of smiths. I’ve had good results and find that properly fitted Shilens shoot with about any barrel and I have a good selection for comparison.
DF
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,686
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,686 |
We lost Ed Shilen not long ago, He left a great legacy , reputation and good employees.
Glad to hear it continues.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,151
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,151 |
Butch,
You are correct, I did talk with Wade Hull. Yes, Bill passed away several years ago. Shilen has moved and their new facility is right on I-45 and really nice! Thanks for correcting me!
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,344
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,344 |
Butch,
You are correct, I did talk with Wade Hull. Yes, Bill passed away several years ago. Shilen has moved and their new facility is right on I-45 and really nice! Thanks for correcting me! No harm meant. I've known the Shilen and Hull family for over 25yrs. Ed Shilen had many hobbies. He was a pilot, champion powered glider pilot competitor, learned piano when in his 70s, and produced gas model airplane engines. They were called DGA as his receivers were called. Ed was also a Formula Ford driver and I built and maintained the Hewland Transmissions in them. Yes, Ed is in the Benchrest Hall of Fame also.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,196
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,196 |
Shilen could teach a thing or two to some top barrel companies when it comes to good service, and service after the sale.
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,025
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,025 |
Shilen could teach a thing or two to some top barrel companies when it comes to good service, and service after the sale. +1 DF
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,918
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,918 |
Getting my son's 270 rebarreled for next hunting season. Shilen is going to get a phone. I think I have owned most all other makes. My Shilen's shoot fantastic and truly a company that is a pleasure to deal with.
Arcus Venator
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,476
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,476 |
I had an issue with a Shilen barrel a few years back on a .35 Whelen. When my smith cut it to 20" after install we found the bore was off center quite a ways. I shot the rifle anyway and couldn't get it to shoot as well as I had hoped. I sent micrometer pics to Shilen and they said it was not within their specs and sent me a new tube right away. Pretty impressed with that.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,196
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,196 |
Shilen people will not let you down.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,344
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 10,344 |
I will keep everybody informed of the date of next spring's Shilen Swap Meet. They moved into a new large facility and wasn't able to have it this year. We will have a lot more room for everybody.
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