I have talked to makers and workers in the UK as to the cost of new chopper lump barrels. From a 'maker' they run about 10K-11K BPS. From the actuall barrel maker (like Blacker) they are several thousand BPS less.
Dovetailed barrels are a bit less that chopper lump barrels.
How does the cost of high quality sleeving compare to new barrels?
New barrels from the maker can cost more. Back in 2016 when I asked Purdey they quoted 19,500 pounds, which did not include shipping, customs etc.
I believe sleeving is a good option done right.
Sleeving done right is out there, Kirk Merrington did a 12 SLE which came back with the barrels weighing very close to their original stamped weight and beautifully handling. I have a pair of 16 SLE’s seamlessly sleeved in the UK which also handle like magic.
