Contrary not to be difficult but go to CPA for a Douglas barrel to fit a 44 1/2  you can be shooting it in a month. Last hot shot custom barrel (not a Smith)  I spent big bucks for is still out being barreled going on 6 months now and no guarrentee I will see it anytime soon.

If you want to shoot this spring CPA is the way to go and Douglas has and still does win more matches than any other in lead bullet competiton.   

Boats

Boats, I have no problem with your choice of Douglas and CPA. It's just that in 22LR matches I have tried just about every barrel out there- including Lilja whose fine barrel factory is about a 2 hour drive from my place-and my RKS barrels are hands down the best. You are right about all the wins with Douglas. RKS barrels dont seem to be well known outside of our single shot community. Also correct about the CPA work and turn around time. But I ask, How much do you want to win?

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I know you guys like Smith's am sure they are good and if there was one I could try would do it. However my 17 year old Douglas barreled CPA has a real good win record last year, Not sure anything hung on the receiver would have made it better.  Misses made were mine not the rifles. Bench rest competition may be something else, offhand or position Douglas is capable of winning any match. 

Boats

Westerner you probably hit the nail on the head. Difference in 249 and 250 is insignificant to offhand shooters critical to bench rest shooters.  250 takes a 3/4 MOA rifle, there are very few 3/4 moa 10 shot rimfire rifles.

Way I see it as long as the equipment is up to standard, barrel, ammo, action, trigger, sights, stock and all. No practical difference one good set up to the other.  Great barrel needs the other stuff too in order to perform. It takes a top notch outfit in every respect handled by somebody who can shoot to make high scores.  No magic barrels out there.

So you get one from the current name barrel maker send it off to somebody else to put on your action, That is if you have a ready to shoot good action, then the trigger has to work well. Another guy to stock the gun.  Add sights and you are into the project years.   Ask me how I know how long it takes.

I would rather spend the time shooting.

Boats

I'm also talking to CPA about obtaining one of their guns with a 
Smith barrel on it . I'm holding off till I know what caliber I want to shoot. I'm wanting to go to a shoot and see how every thing works before buying more equiptment. You all have been very helpful. Thanks for the input. Hope to see some of you at Baltimore Gun show.

Hello, Guys.  I heard of this years ago, but have never tried it myself...When shooting .22 at 100 or 200 yds especially, It's kind of hard to see those little holes at times.  take a poster sized sheet of glow orange colored paper  .Dollar stores have them.  suspend this in back of target..probably have to experiment to find proper angle.  When target is shot...the orange will show thru holes like a spotlight.