RE: What's the story w/ Spanish Barrels?
Based on my own testing of what some would call a "piece of crap" CVA Bobcat, I would have to say that while its true that spending more money gets you a fancier/better fit and finish gun than the typical lower priced guns, it doesn't mean that, when used within the manufacturers recomended limits, the lower priced guns are dangerous.
I got tired of seeing the company bashing and bad mouthing that some in the ML'er community were doing. Guys like RW could have done their own testing or had it done for them. They seem to be more interested in stiring things up instead of nailing them down. Since I have several CVA rifles, I decided to do some testing on my own, if for no other reason than to satisfy myself as to the safety factor built into what I was putting up to my face.
After multiple test/proof loads that far exceed anything the manufacturer recomends, the Bobcat showed no measurable changes and is virtually the same as before the test.
You need to be happy with whatever you choose but I would not worry about the safety of the spanish made guns. The quality and appearance may not be the best in some lines but the quality ofmy$35 gun'sbarrel held up well in my testing.
Good luck in your hunt for a ML'er.