FAQ

A Little Advice - A lot of Value

Click or Tap on the buttons below to see more!

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is the current turnaround time?

Our current turnaround time for custom barrels is 8–10 weeks. Turnaround times may vary depending on caliber, custom options, component availability, and production volume.

How much does a custom barrel cost?

Custom barrels start at $420. Final pricing depends on the barrel length, threading, fluting, coating, muzzle brake, and other custom options.

Who makes your barrels?

We do. We start from bar stock and go from there.

What kind of accuracy do we guarantee?

While accuracy cannot be guaranteed, MGM expects all barrels we manufacture to be capable of producing 1 MOA or better, based on a 3-shot group at 100 yards, when proper conditions are met.

Accuracy Criteria:

- Proper barrel break-in
- Barrel kept free of copper, powder, lead, and other fouling
- Scope with sufficient magnification for target work
- Proper load development
- Barrel free of dings, crown damage, rust, pitting, or bore damage
- Action in good working condition with proper headspace
- Use of a steel scope base

Believe Your Barrel Is Not Capable of 1 MOA Accuracy?

If you believe your MGM barrel is not capable of producing 1 MOA accuracy, Give us a call.

If necessary, load testing may be conducted through a third party. Third-party testing may take up to 8 weeks. Testing timeframes are estimates and cannot be guaranteed.

If testing confirms that MGM is able to produce 1-inch groups or better at 100 yards, a $100 testing fee will apply. The barrel will be returned with the test targets and load data.

If MGM is unable to achieve the stated accuracy standard, a replacement barrel of the same specifications will be provided at no charge.

ORDERING & CUSTOM BARRELS

Can I change the barrel length after placing my order?

Yes. Barrel length changes can be made within 48 hours of placing your order. Changes made after that time may be subject to an $80 change fee per barrel.

Does the muzzle brake count toward the finished barrel length?

This depends on the type of brake being used. An integral muzzle brake is included in the finished barrel length. A thread-on muzzle brake is not included in the barrel length.

CALIBERS & TWIST RATES

What twist rate should I choose?

The correct twist rate depends on the bullet you plan to shoot, including its weight, length, and design. If you are unsure which twist rate is appropriate, contact us with the exact bullet and caliber you plan to use.

Can you make a barrel for any caliber?

No. At Match Grade Machine, we evaluate cartridges based on the complete cartridge and firearm platform combination, rather than relying on pressure numbers alone.

The key consideration for the Encore and Contender is not simply maximum PSI. Case-head diameter and chamber pressure work together to determine the rearward force, or breech thrust, placed on the action.

When determining whether a cartridge is appropriate for an Encore or Contender, chamber pressure is only part of the equation. The size of the cartridge case head also matters. A larger case head provides more surface area for chamber pressure to act against the breech.

In simple terms: Pressure + case-head size = force placed on the action.

Two cartridges can operate at the same chamber pressure, but the cartridge with the larger case head can produce significantly more rearward force on the action.

This is why PSI alone should not be used to determine whether a cartridge is suitable for an Encore or Contender. Cartridge design, case-head diameter, chamber pressure, locking system, headspace, and other factors all play a role.

Why don't you offer certain cartridges?

Some cartridges are not appropriate for the Encore or Contender platform based on the complete cartridge and firearm combination.

Just because a cartridge can physically fit a chamber does not mean it is an appropriate or safe combination for the platform.

Examples of cartridges we do not currently offer include 7mm Backcountry, 28 Nosler, 7mm PRC, .223 WSSM, and .300 Weatherby Magnum.

We do not make anything larger than .45 caliber.

SHOTGUN & MUZZLELOADER BARRELS

Do you make shotgun barrels?

Yes. We offer certain shotgun configurations for the Encore and Contender platforms. We offer modified and full choke options where applicable.

Can you make a 12 gauge rifled Encore barrel?

No.

Do you make muzzleloader barrels larger than .45 caliber?

No. We do not offer muzzleloader barrels above .45 caliber.

SCREW SIZE & FOREND SPACING

What are the Encore screw sizes and spacing?

Rifle: 5” spacing for #8-40 screws
Pistol: 2.55” spacing for #8-40 screws
Shotgun: 5” spacing for #10-32 screws
Muzzleloader: 5” spacing with ML adapters for 1/4x28 screws

What are the Contender screw sizes and spacing?

Super 16 (Rifle): 3.55” spacing for #10-32 screws
Super 14 (Pistol): 3.14” spacing for #10-32 screws

SCOPE BASES

Will MGM 4-hole bases fit factory barrels?

Yes. All MGM 4-hole bases will fit factory barrels.

Are your scope bases made for specific contours?

Yes. Match Grade Machine scope bases are custom designed to work with our barrel contours and are made in the USA from 100% steel construction and installed with Loctite at 25 in-lbs.

Muzzleloader: 6-hole 5” supported base with one set screw
Heavy Factory: 4-hole bases in 3", 4", or 5" lengths
Heavy Factory Supported: 6-hole 5" for heavy recoil/optics
Full Bull: 6-hole standard base

Each rail comes with #6-48 size screws.

INVENTORY BARRELS

Do you have barrels in stock?

Yes. We maintain inventory on many popular calibers and configurations.

How quickly do inventory barrels ship?

In-stock inventory barrels are shipped next business day, as UPS shipping schedules allow.

Where can I see what is currently in stock?

Check our Inventory section on the website to see currently available barrels.

Can I get a specific caliber before the end of the year?

If you need a barrel by a specific date, we recommend checking our current inventory first.

In-stock barrels are the best option when timing is important.

SHIPPING & ORDERS

How do I check my order status?

If you need an update on an existing order, log in to your account or contact us with your order number.

Why haven't I received my order yet?

Custom barrels require production time, and lead times can vary depending on the caliber, components, custom options, and current production volume.

Can I cancel my order?

Orders may be canceled within 48 business hours of placing the order. Cancellations after that period are subject to a 30% restocking fee.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel an order.

Can I change my order after placing it?

Possibly. Changes depend on the current production status of your order. Some changes may require an additional charge.

Why did I receive a different shipping notification than expected?

We use Easyship and ship via UPS, along with other order processing systems that may generate automated notifications at different stages of the shipping process.

If you receive a notification that appears incorrect, contact us with your order number.

Why did I receive a different shipping notification than expected?

We use Easyship and other order processing systems that may generate automated notifications at different stages of the shipping process. Barrels ship via UPS. Bases and other smaller parts ship via USPS.

If you receive a notification that appears incorrect or confusing, please contact us with your order number, and we’ll be happy to help.

RETURNS, WARRANTY & REPAIR

Will you rework a barrel without the MGM logo?

No. Barrels without our logo will not be considered for rework.

What should I do if there is a problem with my barrel?

Contact Match Grade Machine before sending anything back. We will determine the appropriate next step and provide instructions if the barrel needs to be returned.

Can I send my barrel back for repair?

If an inspection or repair is necessary, we will provide instructions on how to proceed. Do not send a barrel back without contacting us first.

How does the RMA process work?

An RMA begins the process of having a barrel evaluated to determine whether rework, repair, or warranty service is appropriate.

Who evaluates warranty barrels?

Warranty barrels are reviewed by our gunsmith and technical staff as part of the inspection process.

What if my extractor is damaged?

Contact us with photos and information about the issue. We may also need information about the ammunition and load being used to help determine what happened and whether the issue is covered under our warranty.

TC-appropriate loads will not bend extractors.

Can you work on my existing barrel?

If it has our logo on it, yes. Our services are exclusively for MGM barrels.

What is the MGM barrel warranty?

Match Grade Machine warranties all MGM barrels and manufactures them to be free from defects in materials and workmanship. If you are not fully satisfied with workmanship or accuracy, return the barrel to MGM for a thorough inspection. Any verified defect will be corrected to your satisfaction, and if necessary, the barrel will be replaced. Any work performed on the barrel by anyone other than Match Grade Machine for any reason voids all warranty.

AMMUNITION & LOAD QUESTIONS

Can MGM tell me what ammunition to use?

We can provide information about the barrel and cartridge configuration. However, ammunition and handloading decisions should always follow published load data and the ammunition manufacturer's recommendations.

Can I use handloads in my MGM barrel?

Handloading should always be performed using reliable, published load data and appropriate components. Start at the bottom and never exceed published maximum loads.

Why do you ask what load I was using when troubleshooting a barrel or extractor problem?

Ammunition and load information can help us determine whether an issue may be related to ammunition, chambering, extraction, or another component.

CUSTOMER SUPPLIED BARREL BLANKS

Can MGM build a barrel from a barrel blank I provide?

Some projects may be possible. This depends on the blank's material, dimensions, rifling, chambering requirements, and suitability for the intended firearm platform.

Contact us before purchasing a barrel blank specifically for an MGM build so we can determine whether the project is possible.

CROWN & QUESTIONS

What type of crown do MGM barrels have?

All MGM barrels are finished with an 11° target crown. This precise crown helps protect the rifling at the muzzle and promotes a consistent, uniform bullet exit for reliable accuracy.

MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDER DISCOUNT

We are proud to offer a 10% discount on our barrels to active duty military, veterans, and first responders.

To receive the discount, please email us with verification of service. Acceptable verification may include a military ID, DD-214, current orders, or other appropriate documentation. Please redact any sensitive personal information before sending documentation.

Once your service has been verified, we will provide a discount code to use at checkout.

CROWN

All MGM barrels are finished with a recessed 11 degree crown. This provides a clean, consistent muzzle finish while helping protect the rifling and promote a uniform bullet exit for reliable accuracy.

DEALER DISCOUNT

Dealer pricing is available on orders of 5 or more barrels.

To qualify for dealer pricing, dealers must provide a valid FFL for verification. Once your FFL has been verified, we can provide information on dealer pricing and ordering.

Please email us with your FFL and contact information to get started.

CONTACTING MATCH GRADE MACHINE

When contacting us about an existing order, please include your order number whenever possible. This allows us to locate your order and provide the most accurate information.

For technical questions, please include the: