Shaw Barrels: The Biggest Barrel Manufacturer You’ve Never Heard Of

[Talyn]

Located in the sleepy town of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, Shaw Barrels is as unassuming as the town itself. For those of an older generation, the name E.R. Shaw might ring a bell. When Carl Behling, the 30-year-old CEO who took over after his father’s sudden passing, was asked, he changed the name so that potential customers would understand what they do—they make barrels. And they can produce them at an unprecedented rate without sacrificing quality.

Today, Shaw Barrels operates three plants that produce premium-grade gun barrels in various types and styles. While 85% of their business is OEM work, the remaining 15% is comprised of direct-to-consumer sales through their website. For online customers, they keep over 7,800 barrels in stock covering nearly every option you can think of for 10/22s, AR-15s, AR-10s, and even FN PS90s. And that doesn’t include the custom barrel options for your bolt-action needs.

Shaw Barrels: The Biggest Barrel Manufacturer You’ve Never Heard Of | Shooting Wire

 

[Scevaph]

I well remember E.R. Shaw. Shaw barrels were on many a custom rifle. There was a time when your choices for a barrel were Douglas or Shaw. Truth be known; I think most people planning a new build once more baller makers came on the scene would go with Shilen, Hart, Lilja if it was in their budget, Douglas next and Shaw bringing up the rear. Shaw barrels were considered pretty much the same as a factory barrel. In fact Shaw supplied many makers with barrels.

 

[Pitdogg2]

Nice read! Thank for sharing.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

While I could possibly have a barrel from them none are shaw stamped. Across many firearm forums there are several that have barrels from them. I don't get much custom barrels, but have checked them out on their offerings. I had no clue they went that far back as a company

 

[Talyn]

I haven't tried a Shaw barrel on my bolt guns since I've been partial to Lija (local company) with one Shilen.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

McGowen and X-Cal are the only custom barrel brands I've bought. Thought about lilja, but to much work will still need to be done for a finished product. Straightjacket is another im interested in and maybe brux

 

[Talyn]

McGowen and X-Cal are the only custom barrel brands I've bought. Thought about lilja, but to much work will still need to be done for a finished product. Straightjacket is another im interested in and maybe brux

What work?

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

What work?

Tenon threading and chamberings and possibly muzzle threads. I haven't verbally talked with them, only read possibilities on twist, lengths and profiles. Several places aren't chambering what I want w/o extra cost of rentals

 

[Talyn]

Tenon threading and chamberings and possibly muzzle threads. I haven't verbally talked with them, only read possibilities on twist, lengths and profiles. Several places aren't chambering what I want w/o extra cost of rentals

Yea standard stuff. All my Lija's are on M700 actions so Lija can thread them for Rems in-house & then I had a gunsmith do the chambering.

Except for one, I always used the Sendero contour & 26".

One 6.5x284, 2 - 308s & 2 6.5 CMs. 1 ea. of the .308 & 6.5CM fluted.

Lija is 2 hrs away so a easy drive to their shop.

 

[RATPACKER]

I have known the former “underbosses” for over 25 years . Chris & John .
I live less than 6 miles away. ( both facilities ) Had some work done there.

I was a valued customer at E.R. Shaw Precision Guns … where I was a close associate of two of the gun store employees.
Sad that the management chose to close the front shop for Gun Sales.