250Z Barra 250z .22 Choked Barrel?

[Pumacarl]

Seems like un-choked barrels are the unicorns. This Is what I just got back from Barra's support.

Moab Helpdesk
1:47 PM (15 minutes ago)
to me

Hello Adam,

Thank you for your recent purchase. However, none of our rifles are not choked. If you feel that your rifle's barrel is defective, please send the following information to ensure we can provide the best service to you.

Oh No They Don't! Call them tomorrow, but first go to their videos on their website and note the times where Geo says that the barrel does not have a choke, and then when some smartass on the line tells you that, reference the designers own words with the video and the time stamp and then ask to speak with someone that knows what they are talking about. Probably an email with a link to the video would be better, to have a record. Don't drop this. Definately push it. More and more of this stuff seems to be happening everyday. I have to believe that it's just lazy kid hires that don't want to do anything so they make up stuff on the fly, it's hard to imagine that they are directed to say this stuff. These are the same people who sent me a magazine with a printed label that read ".22/6.35mm," yeah it was a .25 mag, incredible.

EDIT: I tried to find the video for you, and I can't. I know I saw one somewhere. Anyways plenty of their reviewers talked about it, and northeastbeast talked to them about it too. It is most certainly supposed to be unchoked.
EDIT #2 : Tell the guy working the phones to go to their own websites product description of the gun, it says it in plain english:

"The 250z is powered by a precharged pneumatic (PCP) system, offering smooth and consistent shots with a high-pressure 3625 psi fill and a 322cc air reservoir. The bolt-action system enables quick chambering, while the 10-shot magazine ensures you're always ready for rapid follow-up shots. With an externally adjustable regulator, hammer spring adjustment, and 2-stage trigger you have full control over the rifle’s power and efficiency, tailoring it to your shooting preferences.

Capable of firing .22 caliber pellets at up to 1000 fps or over 50 fpe., The 250z delivers the accuracy and power needed for long-range target practice or small game hunting. The 1/2"-20 threaded barrel allows for easy attachment of suppressors or other muzzle devices, while the Picatinny rail provides a sturdy platform for optics. The rifled barrel has 1:18 twist rate and is non choked. Every feature of The 250z is designed for precision and ease of use, making it the ideal air rifle for many situations."

 

[Billm]

If you read all of my email chains with Barra over the last year lol. NVM. It all started in a land far far away…… The week before I ordered my Barra 250z, their website indicated that there were no 250z rifles in stock. I kept checking their site daily. All of a sudden just before Black Friday they had them in stock. But they would not sell me the rifle by itself. I had to purchase it bundled with, their scope, rings and two tins of their pellets (worst pellets that I’ve ever seen) at a higher price. I caved. But, then they didn’t ship my bundle. I kept asking them when they were going to ship my order. They told me they were too busy. Then I spoke to a stocking dealer and they told me that Barra did not actually have any of the rifles in stock regardless of what their website said. I asked Barra if that was the reason that my rifle had not shipped. They wouldn’t answer that question and told me that it had been delayed further because they took Thanksgiving weekend off and processed no orders. Having owned several retail hobby shops , I can’t fathom anyone selling retail taking Black Friday weekend off lol. Eventually they shipped it. Then it was defective on arrival. In that case they didn’t respond for a month at one point. . Then there was the time the rifle wouldn’t stay gassed. I just wanted to document it with them in case it became a warranty issue. They told me to read the FAQs. It just got worse from there. It’s a shocker to me that they are still having QC issues a almost a year later. Funny thing is, I still want the rifle. Maybe I should have taken the refund they offered last week and put it toward a Micro Strike or Pathfinder.

 

[Pumacarl]

If you read all of my email chains with Barra over the last year lol. NVM. It all started in a land far far away…… The week before I ordered my Barra 250z, their website indicated that there were no 250z rifles in stock. I kept checking their site daily. All of a sudden just before Black Friday they had them in stock. But they would not sell me the rifle by itself. I had to purchase it bundled with, their scope, rings and two tins of their pellets (worst pellets that I’ve ever seen) at a higher price. I caved. But, then they didn’t ship my bundle. I kept asking them when they were going to ship my order. They told me they were too busy. Then I spoke to a stocking dealer and they told me that Barra did not actually have any of the rifles in stock regardless of what their website said. I asked Barra if that was the reason that my rifle had not shipped. They wouldn’t answer that question and told me that it had been delayed further because they took Thanksgiving weekend off and processed no orders. Having owned several retail hobby shops , I can’t fathom anyone selling retail taking Black Friday weekend off lol. Eventually they shipped it. Then it was defective on arrival. In that case they didn’t respond for a month at one point. . Then there was the time the rifle wouldn’t stay gassed. I just wanted to document it with them in case it became a warranty issue. They told me to read the FAQs. It just got worse from there. It’s a shocker to me that they are still having QC issues a almost a year later. Funny thing is, I still want the rifle. Maybe I should have taken the refund they offered last week and put it toward a Micro Strike or Pathfinder.

Nobody has a better reason than you to get a refund. With that said, the people working at Barra, and screwing up, don't take away from the actual gun being really good, if it's made right with the correct barrel. I have been just scouring all of their videos for when they talked about the barrel being unchoked but I can't find it. I wouldn't have bought one if I hadn't confirmed it, I know I saw it somewhere. Northeastbeast talked to them directly about it too. Some reviewers said it was unchoked but I can't find Geo or J-wag saying it on camera. I did come across a recent video showing the differences between Ver. 1 and Ver. 2. I didn't realize that they changed the plastic type of the stock, and they also changed the bolt handle. I had thought that they only changed the hammer spring adjusting screw. What the guy showing the changes didn't say was whether he thought the new stock was better or worse than the original. I dont like the look of the new bolt handle myself. It is kind of strange that they haven't worked out something to stop all the QC issues yet.

 

[Billm]

Nobody has a better reason than you to get a refund. With that said, the people working at Barra, and screwing up, don't take away from the actual gun being really good, if it's made right with the correct barrel. I have been just scouring all of their videos for when they talked about the barrel being unchoked but I can't find it. I wouldn't have bought one if I hadn't confirmed it, I know I saw it somewhere. Northeastbeast talked to them directly about it too. Some reviewers said it was unchoked but I can't find Geo or J-wag saying it on camera. I did come across a recent video showing the differences between Ver. 1 and Ver. 2. I didn't realize that they changed the plastic type of the stock, and they also changed the bolt handle. I had thought that they only changed the hammer spring adjusting screw. What the guy showing the changes didn't say was whether he thought the new stock was better or worse than the original. I dont like the look of the new bolt handle myself. It is kind of strange that they haven't worked out something to stop all the QC issues yet.

Agreed on all points. I saw the video about it being unchoked just a week or two ago I think lol. I will check my viewing history.

 

[Cantona256]

Seems like un-choked barrels are the unicorns. This Is what I just got back from Barra's support.

Moab Helpdesk
1:47 PM (15 minutes ago)
to me

Hello Adam,

Thank you for your recent purchase. However, none of our rifles are not choked. If you feel that your rifle's barrel is defective, please send the following information to ensure we can provide the best service to you.

Since when?!?!? lol the gun was advertised as having an unchoked barrel from the beginning. Or I wouldn’t have bought it.

 

[Billm]

I didn’t recently watch the video stating the barrel is unchoked. I have it in writing from Barra. I believe that the response from Barra to @Bladefin is possibly a mistype - “none of our rifles are not choked. If you feel that your rifle's barrel is defective, please send the following information to ensure we can provide the best service to you.”. I’m somewhat reluctant to post all of my correspondence with Barra, as I’ve been on the other side of this, but this BS is really unfair to their customers. Not to mention that they have my rifle but haven’t sent the replacement yet lol. I’d hate for it to get lost. I will post the pertinent messages in the next post.

 

[Bladefin]

It could have been a typo on her part. I haven't replied yet. Was frustrated with that response and the fact that my compressor is down.

I send a reply shortly and see what they say.

 

[Billm]

Here are the screenshots of my initial contact with Barra about my “choked” barrel and the response chain. They do try to stress that their barrels are not choked, but actually defective. I apologize if my response sounds arrogant, but I was getting frustrated.

 

[Cantona256]

The impression I’ve been getting from Barra for a few months now is that they were really keen to help when the gun was brand new and they were still trying to generate interest.

Since then the gun blew up and they’ve sold in enough numbers that they don’t care. They don’t realize how many customers we’ve sent their way and how many people have come to this forum and AGN to figure out how to tune this gun. Which I think we can all agree is a great shooter but a bit “quirky” to tune. Having spent a couple months with my karma now I’m kinda in shock that I was able to get my barra figured out, but not surprised it took me a few months to be satisfied.

I can’t even remember how many people have hit me up on YouTube or Instagram “hey how do you tune your barra to get those numbers?” But it’s been a lot and all of them I’ve directed to these forums.

So yeah my own experience with the crappy customer service email system plus what I’ve seen y’all going through have really made me cool my interest. I don’t feel supported by the company when really we’re the ones pushing their product. Beyond review videos who has done any tuning or modding videos besides Dan Carpenter? He used to have big plans for his Barra too and I haven’t seen much about it in months. I wonder if his experience with the company has affected that as well?

Despite what people may think about karma and its association with AEA my experience has been completely different than Barra. If I have a question I just email PJ Clarke at DFL/Karma directly and get a response in hours. Or I call the pellet shop who puts me right on the phone with their techs. Has anyone ever spoken to a tech or anyone of substance at Barra?

Honestly it’s to the point that I’m probably gonna but the Barra up for sale in the near future. The EQ has completely replaced it as my coyote gun and it’s too long to be a truck gun. At the risk of looking like a fan girl I’m probably gonna get an SLS to be my truck gun. At least I’ll know the solid metal construction can hold up unlike the barra stock.

 

[Billm]

It could have been a typo on her part. I haven't replied yet. Was frustrated with that response and the fact that my compressor is down.

I send a reply shortly and see what they say.

Read my last post first.

 

[Cantona256]

It could have been a typo on her part. I haven't replied yet. Was frustrated with that response and the fact that my compressor is down.

I send a reply shortly and see what they say.

Compressor issues are the worst.

 

[Billm]

Compressor issues are the worst.

We’ve all been there. My first compressor is sitting on the bench with a new cylinder next to it waiting to be replaced.

 

[Billm]

I will say this: my first PCP was the Beeman .177 underlever bullpup. I bought it in October of last year. I sent them one support question at that time. I am still waiting for a response.

 

[Bladefin]

Here are the screenshots of my initial contact with Barra about my “choked” barrel and the response chain. They do try to stress that their barrels are not choked, but actually defective. I apologize if my response sounds arrogant, but I was getting frustrated.

Yeah, it almost seems like the initial responses from "Crystal" are canned AI crap and then later responses are an actual person using the same email acct. That is frustrating in and of itself.

 

[Bladefin]

The impression I’ve been getting from Barra for a few months now is that they were really keen to help when the gun was brand new and they were still trying to generate interest.

Since then the gun blew up and they’ve sold in enough numbers that they don’t care. They don’t realize how many customers we’ve sent their way and how many people have come to this forum and AGN to figure out how to tune this gun. Which I think we can all agree is a great shooter but a bit “quirky” to tune. Having spent a couple months with my karma now I’m kinda in shock that I was able to get my barra figured out, but not surprised it took me a few months to be satisfied.

I can’t even remember how many people have hit me up on YouTube or Instagram “hey how do you tune your barra to get those numbers?” But it’s been a lot and all of them I’ve directed to these forums.

So yeah my own experience with the crappy customer service email system plus what I’ve seen y’all going through have really made me cool my interest. I don’t feel supported by the company when really we’re the ones pushing their product. Beyond review videos who has done any tuning or modding videos besides Dan Carpenter? He used to have big plans for his Barra too and I haven’t seen much about it in months. I wonder if his experience with the company has affected that as well?

Despite what people may think about karma and its association with AEA my experience has been completely different than Barra. If I have a question I just email PJ Clarke at DFL/Karma directly and get a response in hours. Or I call the pellet shop who puts me right on the phone with their techs. Has anyone ever spoken to a tech or anyone of substance at Barra?

Honestly it’s to the point that I’m probably gonna but the Barra up for sale in the near future. The EQ has completely replaced it as my coyote gun and it’s too long to be a truck gun. At the risk of looking like a fan girl I’m probably gonna get an SLS to be my truck gun. At least I’ll know the solid metal construction can hold up unlike the barra stock.

I knew I was buying a budget gun when I got the 250Z(s). I am not going to be doing much with them other than in my back yard. So, traveling and real hunting aren't an issue for me. I've also got many other expenses in my life and I'm not going to be buying an arsenal of PCP's. I may buy one of the stocks coming out soon but beyond that this is it.

On the compressor, Vevor is sending me out a new piston & sleeve assembly. I'm worried that the same problem will resurface in time and I really don't feel like spending more money on another compressor.

 

[Billm]

I knew I was buying a budget gun when I got the 250Z(s). I am not going to be doing much with them other than in my back yard. So, traveling and real hunting aren't an issue for me. I've also got many other expenses in my life and I'm not going to be buying an arsenal of PCP's. I may buy one of the stocks coming out soon but beyond that this is it.

On the compressor, Vevor is sending me out a new piston & sleeve assembly. I'm worried that the same problem will resurface in time and I really don't feel like spending more money on another compressor.

It’s a given that your compressor will fail again. I’m saying that based upon all of the reports of similar experiences. My first one is the Toauto and probably the same as the Vevor. I replaced it with te GX and it seems to be solid. I’m not wishing it upon you.

 

[Bladefin]

I fired off another email, we'll see what they say.

 

[Bladefin]

After that reply she was very helpful. Offered to swap out the entire gun or just the barrel. I'm opting for the barrel.

 

[Pumacarl]

Here are the screenshots of my initial contact with Barra about my “choked” barrel and the response chain. They do try to stress that their barrels are not choked, but actually defective. I apologize if my response sounds arrogant, but I was getting frustrated.

Jesus! The truth is so much worse than just shoddy customer service. I am surprised that they spelled out the problem so completely. It really is miserable to have problems and they tend to overshadow everything else but a final working product is a total hoot. I hope you get there.

 

[Pumacarl]

The impression I’ve been getting from Barra for a few months now is that they were really keen to help when the gun was brand new and they were still trying to generate interest.

Since then the gun blew up and they’ve sold in enough numbers that they don’t care. They don’t realize how many customers we’ve sent their way and how many people have come to this forum and AGN to figure out how to tune this gun. Which I think we can all agree is a great shooter but a bit “quirky” to tune. Having spent a couple months with my karma now I’m kinda in shock that I was able to get my barra figured out, but not surprised it took me a few months to be satisfied.

I can’t even remember how many people have hit me up on YouTube or Instagram “hey how do you tune your barra to get those numbers?” But it’s been a lot and all of them I’ve directed to these forums.

So yeah my own experience with the crappy customer service email system plus what I’ve seen y’all going through have really made me cool my interest. I don’t feel supported by the company when really we’re the ones pushing their product. Beyond review videos who has done any tuning or modding videos besides Dan Carpenter? He used to have big plans for his Barra too and I haven’t seen much about it in months. I wonder if his experience with the company has affected that as well?

Despite what people may think about karma and its association with AEA my experience has been completely different than Barra. If I have a question I just email PJ Clarke at DFL/Karma directly and get a response in hours. Or I call the pellet shop who puts me right on the phone with their techs. Has anyone ever spoken to a tech or anyone of substance at Barra?

Honestly it’s to the point that I’m probably gonna but the Barra up for sale in the near future. The EQ has completely replaced it as my coyote gun and it’s too long to be a truck gun. At the risk of looking like a fan girl I’m probably gonna get an SLS to be my truck gun. At least I’ll know the solid metal construction can hold up unlike the barra stock.

I can see your point of view perfectly. I have kind of been there with playing with the low end and then moving up to the high end, but it's boringly good and I was looking for something to do that was interesting pretty quickly. All to say, unless you need the coin or the space I think you might later regret just selling off your 250z. Unless you're all about putting down dogs, then maybe not. Most people seem to go full circle on pursuits like ours, at some point.