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!

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

They have been doing business this way for years. Good People!

Good to hear.

They make more customers when they treat people well.

I have always had great luck with Shilen barrels and service. Glad to see it is continuing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

We lost Ed Shilen not long ago, He left a great legacy , reputation and good employees.

Glad to hear it continues.

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.

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

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.

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.

Shilen people will not let you down.

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.