Proof Research Carbon Fiber Barrels - Bolt Action Rifles

Stocky's take: I've been working with these barrels for quite a while now and certain things have been learned.

First off, choose the full "Sendero" taper if possible. Thicker barrels are stiffer and therefore more consistantly accurate than thinner tubes, that is after all the main premise when choosing a carbon fiber barrel. The carbon fiber (CF) wrap as done by Proof not only wicks the heat away from the rifling much faster, but also gets overheated noticibly more slowly. The more CF the better - the stiffer the barrel and the slower it warms, the more potentially accurate - a win-win.

Now for stocks: Check out our Package deals for savings!

Not everything is cut for an M24 / Proof taper in the aftermarket, but most any "varmint" or "tactical" style stock can be opened to fit. Sporters, usually not but if you call, chat or email we will be happy to measure any stock in inventory to verify.

Several stocks we carry will fit out of the box, notably:

• Stocky's Long Range Composite AccuBlock® (perfect fit with the insert removed) - Not only does the savings from the inexpensive Long Range Composite AccuBlock® stock all but pay for the carbon-fiber generated difference in price, but you also will be bolting your newly barreled action into an AccuBlock®, one of the most inherently accurate platforms ever invented. As a special bonus, the balance and shootability is superb! (BTW, our new Carbon Cloth Premium Finish looks stunning with the Proof Carbon-wrapped barrel.)
• H-S Precision M24 Stocks - The Sendero / Varmint version and the Vertical Grip Varmint Tactical would be at the top of my list.
• Any manufacturers' M24 channel.

When choosing a stock, my advice is to bear in mind you're saving a LOT of weight by choosing a Proof CF barrel. For example, an all-steel M24 barrel weighs about 6.2 lbs, depending on the caliber of hole. A quick look at my blog reveals that a 26" Proof Research Sendero weighs in at just 3.2 lbs, a full 3 pounds lighter! In fact, the CF barrel is only about the same weight as a Remington 700 magnum sporter barrel. As you can see, weight-wise you can afford to get a bit heavier, super accurate, easy to shoot stock that rides better in the bags and still end up with a far lighter rifle that you can expect with a steel barrel.

- Stocky

"PROOF has cracked the code with high-performance carbon-fiber barrels.” - Outdoor Life Magazine

NOTE: The Proof Research Carbon Fiber "Sendero" actually measures very close to the standard M24 taper. (see product photos) This means you'll want to choose a stock that has enough meat in the forend to take it! This will include most varmint and tactical stocks we offer, although some fitting may be required if it is not specifically cut with an "M24" channel out of the box. Fitting the new stock to your new barrel is commonly included in the installation pricing quoted by most gunsmiths as the vast majority of new barrels are tapered differently than standard factory barrels and must be routinely fitted to the stock. If you have any questions regarding the suitability of a particular stock for these outstanding new barrels, please open a chat, send us a message or call our tech support and we'll be happy to compare the barrel to the stock in-house while you're online or before shipment to be certain.

THE ONLY CARBON FIBER-WRAPPED BARREL APPROVED FOR USE BY THE U.S. MILITARY.

This patented manufacturing process begins with full-profile, match-grade 416R stainless steel barrel blanks that are made in our firearms division. These blanks are then turned down to a significantly reduced profile greatly reducing weight. This reduced contour barrel is then filament-wrapped with high-strength, aerospace-grade carbon fibers impregnated with a high-thermal conductivity matrix resin developed by our aerospace materials division.

The aerospace-grade carbon fiber used is 10 times stronger than stainless steel and has a specific stiffness nearly 6 times greater than steel. But strength and stiffness are only part of the equation. Heat conductivity and thermal expansion are also of paramount importance when developing a match-grade, carbon fiber barrel. Our helical wrapping pattern favors the longitudinal thermal diffusivity of the carbon fibers (along the length of the barrel) allowing them to dissipate the heat emanating from the steel liner rather than insulate it. This is achieved through phonon transport in the direction of the continuous fibers and greatly reduces the mirage effect intrinsic in heavy steel barrels.

However, because our unique bonding agent contains a high-thermal pitch fiber—similar to those proven in Formula One and aerospace applications—our barrels also conduct heat very effectively through the wall (thickness) of the barrel, greatly increasing thermal conductivity and resulting in barrels that stay cooler and maintain accuracy over longer sessions of fire.

After wrapping, barrels are cured and consolidated then ground to their final contour. The end result is an aerospace-grade, high-fiber volume fraction composite barrel with less than 1% porosity suitable for the most extreme environments and capable of shot-after-shot accuracy that will impress the most veteran hunter or precision marksmen.

PROOF Research’s match-grade carbon fiber barrels are stronger, lighter, as accurate as the finest precision steel barrels and will maintain their performance in the harshest conditions. PROOF didn’t invent carbon fiber-wrapped barrels. They just perfected them.

• Up to 64% lighter than traditional steel barrels
• Match-grade accuracy
• Improved heat dissipation for cooler and longer lasting barrels
• No point-of-impact shift during high-volume fire
• Reduced harmonic barrel vibration
• Unprecedented durability

Barrels are available for both bolt-action and AR-style rifles, in a variety of calibers, lengths and twists.  This is the BOLT ACTION page.

Your bolt-action barrel will arrive ready for thread and chamber by your gunsmith.