As many of you know these were available for a short time several years ago.
Recall reading many comments good and bad about it. Recently one came up on the E&E from one of our fine CGN'ers with a specific front sight that suited my needs. So, decided to do some researching on it before purchasing.
For those that don't know it appears NEA did two runs of these barrels at the request of SFRC. Both runs were 14" with no front sight at all, parkerized finish. Only difference between the two runs far as I could tell was first run they parkerized inside of barrels (not smart IMO, esp. the chamber), second run they did not parkerize inside.
Reviews were all over the place. Biggest problem was fitting. Many complaints guys just couldn't get them in the receiver. I found a note on NEA's site saying it didn't fit older Wingmasters. (have no idea but guessing that warning came about after the issues started). Several posts on the barrel being total garbage, and not just the fitting, but also build quality.
Many others posted no fitting issues and the thought is was a quality barrel.
So.... it was a 50/50 chance on the purchase.
Well, took the plunge and hoped for the best.
- First impressions were the barrel is very well made. In all honesty any complaints regarding build quality are completely unfounded if my example is any indication of the two runs.
- barrel was installed on an 870P (late 80's or 90's era I'm guessing.. haven't looked it up). Fit is snug, there's no doubt about it ... however I don't have to use any tools to whack it for installation or removal.
- lockup and function are perfect.
- many observations regarding it's heavy weight profile. No doubt about it, it's a heavy barrel. But, for what I do with this particular SG I kinda like the extra weight actually.
Completely understand guys frustration if for some reason the barrel didn't fit their receiver. My only guess is some of the older receivers specs were not as consistent as the newer CNC'd stuff. Just a guess though, might be more to it.
Anyway, my bottom line is this is a really well made barrel and very glad I picked it up.
Any thing good or bad others can add would be interesting to read.
Recall reading many comments good and bad about it. Recently one came up on the E&E from one of our fine CGN'ers with a specific front sight that suited my needs. So, decided to do some researching on it before purchasing.
For those that don't know it appears NEA did two runs of these barrels at the request of SFRC. Both runs were 14" with no front sight at all, parkerized finish. Only difference between the two runs far as I could tell was first run they parkerized inside of barrels (not smart IMO, esp. the chamber), second run they did not parkerize inside.
Reviews were all over the place. Biggest problem was fitting. Many complaints guys just couldn't get them in the receiver. I found a note on NEA's site saying it didn't fit older Wingmasters. (have no idea but guessing that warning came about after the issues started). Several posts on the barrel being total garbage, and not just the fitting, but also build quality.
Many others posted no fitting issues and the thought is was a quality barrel.
So.... it was a 50/50 chance on the purchase.
Well, took the plunge and hoped for the best.
- First impressions were the barrel is very well made. In all honesty any complaints regarding build quality are completely unfounded if my example is any indication of the two runs.
- barrel was installed on an 870P (late 80's or 90's era I'm guessing.. haven't looked it up). Fit is snug, there's no doubt about it ... however I don't have to use any tools to whack it for installation or removal.
- lockup and function are perfect.
- many observations regarding it's heavy weight profile. No doubt about it, it's a heavy barrel. But, for what I do with this particular SG I kinda like the extra weight actually.
Completely understand guys frustration if for some reason the barrel didn't fit their receiver. My only guess is some of the older receivers specs were not as consistent as the newer CNC'd stuff. Just a guess though, might be more to it.
Anyway, my bottom line is this is a really well made barrel and very glad I picked it up.
Any thing good or bad others can add would be interesting to read.
